@ Terry
If the rangers could make that trade, they would every day and twice on Sunday

@terry
If by win without paying for it you mean refuse to give out awful contracts that will mortgage the future like the greinke deal then yes, you're right.

What the Rangers most need is a #3 hole hitter, the reality is that the Rangers lost a lot not signing Josh, even though at 5 years at $25m per, if he had gone back to the Rangers and said this is what the Angels offered, JD and Nolan would have simply said "enjoy yourself at Disneyland". The Rangers from the 2012 roster only other qualified #3 hole hitter, got to old and thus shipped to Philadelphia. It calls for an all around bat, meaning power and average, and above all, a run producer. The current roster for a playoff caliber team lacks that one talent to team with Beltre. In my opinion, the only real candidates are Moreland and Olt. Moreland seems not to be able to stay healthy, and Olt way too inexperienced. Currently, Kinsler is the only real option, some one who is capable of a 30/100/.300. Wash may even go with AJP. Andrus, has all of 14 dingers in 2284 abs, and though he seems to grow in power every year, that is asking way to much. There are very few 2013 solutions to this challenge, Profar may be that answer but not in 2013. So the only true solution is a trade, and the best target is Upton. That is why the Rangers are trying so hard to obtain Justin. A team never really wants to trade an all-star SS who can evolve to a +.300 hitter for a corner outfielder, but this may be the only option left. for 2013.

Maybe a more adroit question is how we could rid Cruz and come out better
definsively, with a more reliable bat also. I'd like to hear/see some choices there.
Any takers or we all lemmings in follow?

Obi, the only time I recall Cruz's name coming up from MLB sources was a suggested trade to Miami for Stanton and Morrison. The rational was after the Marlins receive Profar or Andrus, OLt and Perez, they will still need a Big Recognized Name and an All-Star, which Cruz qualifies. This so Miami fans would have a recognized power hitter, plus the Rangers will pick up a portion of his salary, probably difference between 2912 and 2013 numbers.So far no real thought along these lines seem to be peculating on either side. But if the Rangers would want to move Cruz, there will be takers, for example a trade with the Cubs for Alfonso Soriano, or more likely to the Phillies, who are looking for a power corner outfielder. Lets see, Hamilton and Napoli and Young arleary gone, addin Cruz to that list, then Beltre is going to look around and say "I know how Stanton feels"