1) Impressive job by Mr. Daniels and all of his lieutenants ... considering how much they were able to accomplish, and the limitations that they had to work within ...

2) Matt Capps, John Buck, and Jonny Gomes

3) Not crazy about the MaxRam for Lowell trade ... got to be a better option available out there now, what with the non-tenders now available ...

4) FF, Wilson, Ray, Snyder, O'Day, Nippert and Harrison (until he proves he's healthy)

5) ... win 16 games, and lead the Rangers back to the playoffs

1. Wait until the end of the season to ask this question. JD & Co. will either be the best thing since Thai Sweet Chili Sauce or need to be replaced. Maybe not quite that extreme in that these were good moves. But if they work JD is going to need to publish a couple of papers in theretical physics because he will be Einstein

2. If he will conme for one year on an incentive laden contract, Chien-Ming Wang. That would allow the Ranger's to keep a guy at 3A for a year and give them a mid rotation inning eater and Really solidify the Rotation. The Rangers could also maybe trade a young starter for right-handed masher at DH. However, Harden, Feildman, Hunter, Wang and a left hander is a good rotationr

3. No, they need the leadership, They are going to start losing guys to rule 5 and they have too many to play. This was a low cost win now move. They need to make several of these of the next year or they will waste a good part of the system they've developed.

4. I am not sure anyone answer that question. Best guess:
Fransico
Feliz
Ray
Harrison
McCarthy
Snyder
Nippert

5. The most obvious "crystal ball" question of all-time, in which you finish this sentence however you see fit: "In 2010, Rich Harden will either come really close to getting a World Series ring or make the Ranger's wish they had Millwood back."

1. The front office continues to make solid moves despite the budget constraints. It's a solid two+ years of work despite the naysayers.

2.Maybe Capps, maybe Garko.

3. Lik the Lowell trade. If he has anything left in the tank he'll help the team a lot.

4. Francisco, Wilson, Nippert, O'Day, Feliz, Mathis, Harrison.

5. Make 25 starts, win 13 games, strikeout 170.

1.Impressive job by Mr. Daniels and all of his lieutenants ... considering how much they were able to accomplish, and the limitations that they had to work within ... I AGREE
2. Matt Capps, John Buck and Jack Cust
3. they need the leadership FOR SURE.
4. who knows.... injury is waiting to happen
5. he will be a winner ... and so will we.

1. Hats off to JD, Nolan and staff.
2. Only John Buck.
3. Gimme low-variance every time.
4. Francisco, Wilson, Nippert, O'Day, Feliz, Mathis, MeCarthy(because we get Sheets), Harrison.
5. ...regain form, lead Texas to the playoffs, then sign for 4yrs/$60 million with BOS.

1. Great job JD! Best GM moves at meeting hands down. No money...no problem.
2. John Buck.
3. They were probably right on the Lowell trade, but I would have really liked to see Max be given a shot at the DH role. I think the fact that MY is getting older and the late injury last year probably makes this move the right thing to do. Lowell should be able to fill in for a short time if necessary. I agree with Chris Phelps comments above on this subject as well.
4. Francisco, Ray, Snyder, Harrison, Nippert, O'Day, Holland
5. Healthy year, wins 21 games, leads Rangers through the playoffs, exercises mutual option after Rangers agree to three year 45 million dollar extension beyond 2011. Thanks new ownership dollars.

1. Great work under difficult circumstances by JD, Nolan and all.

2. John Buck

3. Lowell will be a known quantity and a leader.

4. Francisco, O'Day, Nippert, Mccarthy, Feliz, Mathis, Snyder

5. On the DL at least once.

- JD and Co. ROCK...
- Buck (although I don't think I'd be saying this if his name hadn't been thrown around in so many places), Capps, and maybe Cust or Gomes...
- I don't think we can measure the type of experience and leadership Lowell might bring to this clubhouse... for what amounts to an average prospect and $3M, he's worth it!
- Fransico, Feliz, Ray, Mathis, Snyder, Nippert or McCarthy (I think he gets traded before spring trng though).
- I would be very happy if he came in somewhere around 15-8, 3.50 ERA, 150 IP... AND he wins games 1 and 4 for us in the 1st rd of the ALDS.

1. I was really impressed on what they were able to do with no money. I'm very much looking forward to opening day. I think that 2010 is the Rangers year... I hope...

2. I would say John Buck and possibly Wang

3. I like the aspect of grabbing Lowell because of his postseason experience. If the Rangers make a run next year his experience would be invaluable

4. Franscisco
Wilson (I think i'd be a mistake to make him a starter)
Snyder
O'Day
Feliz
Ray
Nippert

5. .... will be the second coming of Christ... at least in the eyes of Ranger fans

1. Great job of acquiring value without increasing payout.
2. Buck, Garko(if the lowell deal falls thru), Wang, Capps.
3. this team needs some consistency-they have enough high-variance guys in Hamilton, Davis, etc.
4. FF, O'Day, Mathis, Nippert, Snyder, Wilson, and whoever doesn't make the rotation
5. ..will provide ace-type innings. The question is "how many".

1. Not impressed any more than ususal with Daniels. He's shown he can swing a deal when he wants and with a couple of exceptions has improved the club every time. Daniels is in the top 10 best GM's and Ryan is the top club president.

2. Matt Capps. Certainly an upgrade over Everyday Eddie, isn't it?

3. Leadership. Ryan spoke about it. I think that's the main reason.

4.
CL Francicso
SU Feliz
Snyder
Nippert
Ray
O'Day
Long - Harrison

oops

5. Kick ass. (18-4, 3.77)

1. My opinion is unchanged. I've been a Daniels supporter since day 1. Ryan brings a steady hand to the rudder in a creative and very well rounded front office staff.

2. Jonny Gomes has always been interesting to me. I like Mike Capps as well. Not a John Buck fan, but given the need I think his is the name most likely added.

3. No miss at all. I think that besides the medical issues, the primary reason this deal hasn't been completed was to give both Epstein and Daniels an opportunity to look at options within the group of non-tenders.

4. Harden, Feldman, Hunter, Holland, Feliz. McCarthy gets moved.

5. Is a bargain with 25 starts @ 13-6, ERA 3.70, 155 innings, 180 K's.

1. JD has remained focused and faithful to the initial talent development plan. Acquiring Rich Harden makes the Ranger rotation formidable.

2. John Buck fills a need.

3. Lowell is a great fit for 2010. He has a predictable ML track record when healthy, unlike MaxRam.

4. Francisco, Wilson, O'Day, Ray, Nippert, Snyder, McCarthy (assuming he is not traded).

5. In 2010, Rich Harden will record 16 wins for the Rangers and become the true ace of the staff.

Cliff Phelps and Pabloesque, where do you have O'Day? A Stephens, question 4 asked for bullpen setup, not starting rotation.

Good catch.

Bullpen; Francisco, Harrison, Wilson, Nippert, O'Day, Mathis, Snyder. With an option remaining, Ray is @ OKC.

I really liked Kelly Johnson until last year. He played OF, SS, and 3B in the minors and 2B and OF in the majors. Is he too expensive for our utility infielder or is he not interested? Why wouldn't the Rangers at least check him out? UZR/150 in LF +17.9 (2005), most recent UZR/150 at 2b -0.2 (2009). Johnson hit well in 2007 (116 OPS+) and 2008 (109 OPS+), but dropped to an 83 OPS+ last season.

1) - Great job by Daniels, especially given the budget constraints. I think this week moved the Rangers from a 25% chance of winning the division to 50%.

2) - Alfredo Amezaga at UTIL and Arredondo. Wang doesn't move my needle, I like him but think we have better options in the back of the rotation in the young guys like Hunter, Holland, Feliz, Harrison, etc. I want to roll with those guys instead of bringing in a reclamation guy.

3) - The Rangers are losing on talent in the deal and I'm not thrilled with it overall, but Lowell's leadership is off the charts and that is exactly what the team needs. It’s a fair deal on that basis, but means the trade should be evaluated on how the team does as a whole instead of comparing stat lines with Max.

4) - I just posted on CJ's MySpace page that Joey said he "goes both ways"....

Kidding! I think CJ starting is a big variable for ST, I do think that is the best home for CJ personally but relief is what is best for the team. Will be interesting to see what happens. This is how I see the bullpen -

Closer - Franky

Short Men - CJ, Feliz, ODay, Ray

Long Men - Nippert, BMac (Harrison takes the fifth starter spot, putting Feliz, BMac and CJ back in the bullpen. Strop is my ST darkhorse for the bullpen)

5) - ....... Win 16 games despite DL stints and agree to a contract extension.

KS, good to see you here, how ya been? Arredondo is undergoing TJ, he'll miss 010 altogether and may not be effective again till mid 011 at the optimum. How much does a team pay for that? Plus, by signing him at this point, does the signing team take on his surgery expense?

I'd rather have Ramirez and wait on the last few DH's caught in the numbers crunch at the end of the offseason. I'm a big Lowell fan but it seems like a lot to give up for someone who might not give you anything. I wonder if this might look like the first year of the Sosa/Baines trade where we brought in a veteran bat to bolster the offense but the younger player actually outperformed him after the trade. Ramirez might end up being a very productive 'low-variance hitter' for a long time. Believe me, the Sox don't fiddle with their roster when it comes to offense, they see some upside.

Stevens - Good, busy as heck but thanks for asking.

Arredondo would live in that basement Daniels lived in and eat from the team buffet table.

Just kidding, but I think the team payroll will have a lot more flexibility in the spring when the new ownership is in place.

1. It didn't really affect my opinion. I already hold the front office in very high regard.

2. I'd kinda like to go after John Buck, however, Capps could be worth a shot as well. As far as down the line options, I think both Wang and Arredondo could be worth the risk.

3. Perhaps going after a higher risk player would be better. I like the Lowell move, but it might be worth taking a chance on someone like Garko or Gomes. If it doesn't work out, we'd still have MaxRam to hit against lefties or to include in another package.

Closer - Franky
Setup - CJ
Setup - Ray
Middle - O'Day
Middle/Long - Harrison
Long - Nippert
LOOGY - Snyder

5. In 2010, Rich Harden will miss only 3 starts and pitch in 185 innings. He'll have a 3.68 ERA and 226K. Harden and Feldman will both have 17 wins for you first place Texas Rangers. I can dream right?

I like Capps the most. Wang could also be a good move if he can ever get his mojo back - he's a lot like Feldman in that he drives people crazy with his sinker - but he's not going to strike out many people.

I'm just hoping whatever happens with ownership that Nolan will stay doing what he's doing. It's of my opinion that he brings both a needed swagger and smart leadership to the franchise.

I don't think we'll know anything about the bullpen until it's decided (1) who will close, (2) whether Wilson and/or Feliz with join the rotation, and (3) who the lefties will be. I guess you can also add to that list whether Ray is ready to be a set-up guy at this point, or if he's going to take the long road back.

Buck signed a 1 year with Toronto. Guess if I had to list in order of preference I'd look at,

1. Brad Ausmus, not likely as he's stated preference to stay on West coast
2. Michael Barret, big plus for me being his willingness to get in Carlos Zambrano's grill, (somebody needs to)
3. Jose Molina, a backups backup
4. Shawn Riggans, organizational depth guy, purely light duty backup, good character and makeup
5. Jason LaRue, Corky Miller, because you've exhausted every option

1. Amazing, but not surprising. JD has to be ranked within top 5 GM's.
2. Nobody jumps out but I would possibly throw a bone at Arredondo for future considerations.
3. Love the Lowell move. Solid presence on and off the field.
4. Francisco, Wilson, O'Day, Snyder, Ray, Nippert, Feliz (CL)
5. Very optimistic but hopefully he numbers are close to 2004.

Where do I put O'Day? That is sort of exactly my point bout the rangers needing to trade some lower level prospects and other bits and peices. As the farm system pushes guys towards the big club you run ou of space.

Next winter is going to be a really interesting one for the Rangers because they will have to make moves to keep from losing guys. They might also be very well positioned to make a trade at the deadline this year. However, I think they are still one starter away from a championship this year but that is the closest they've ever been.

1. I think JD hit a home run getting rid of Millwood period, that was the hard part. Rich Hardin was icicng on the cake.
2. I don't really know that much about any of the non-tender guys.
3. I can't see us trading Max and then turning around and looking for a catcher. Keep him and get Vlad so that we don't have to face that Ranger killer.
4. Franky, Wilson, Oday, Mathis, Nippert, Snyder, Ray
5. Will have his share of the DL , but will start a game in the ALDS.

Cliff's point is partly why I think we'll see Fx2, who has perhaps peaked in value and is entering the final year of his contract, packaged for one of the lefty mashers we need. Maybe we're finally giving CJ a chance to start so that, when we trade FF we can put Feliz into the closer role without upsetting CJ. I believe, and I wonder if the Rangers lend credence to the theory that Feliz' heat in the 6th&7th made O'Day, CJ & FF relatively easy to hit, so we need Feliz to pitch last, but that would be "upsetting". With CJ starting and FF gone (he couldn't really pitch on back-to-back days anyway), Feliz will ride in on a white horse as our closer to win that elusive Ranger rookie-of-the-year award hands down.

Now a moment of silence to mourn the loss of John Buck... To the Blue Jays...
Ouch!

4. And now I'm going to cheat-- since I want the Rangers to trade up for Callaspo as UIF/DH, allowing us to carry one less hitter and one more pitcher (Snyder), I'm predicting an 8-man pen:

Feliz (closer)
Snyder
O'Day
Harrison
Moscoso
Nippert
McCarthy
Mathis

(with CJ starting, Ray & Rapada in AAA, and
FF, Kiker, German & Gentry (plus Tracy & Lemon)
helping us land
Callaspo and lefty-mashing CF Mike Meier) and make roster room for Gomes or Moreland and a C , In case we don't trade Max afterall...

Now that we've lost Buck, I'm thinking there might be more to be gained from bringing up Max & Tracy until Salty's well (Tracy as 5th OF 3rd-string C, allowing Max to DH vs LHP and occasionally catch vs RHP while Tea catches most games).

1. I think the front office did a tremendous job. End of story.

2. I want to see Texas try to snag Alfredo Amezaga. He might not be a sexy name, but he is incredibly versatile; he can play every position except C, including SS and CF, with gold-glove caliber proficiency. He could be both a fifth outfielder, and backup Andrus.

Also, I want Garko. I know that we are already on the verge of acquiring Lowell. But, I think that both Garko and Lowell could have a role on this team, especially if we get a versatile utility guy like Amezaga. I do not want Murphy (.627 OPS v. LHP) or Davis (.546 OPS v. LHP) in the lineup against lefties. I would like to see Davis/Garko platoon at 1B and Lowell/Murphy platoon at DH, with Amezaga as the super utility guy.

3. I don't mind the trade. I think some people have unfairly compared Lowell to Fullmer, Hidalgo, Jordan, etc. Lowell is still a .800+ OPS guy who can play 3B and probably 1B on occation. I also don't think Ramirez is a huge price to pay; I don't think he is a big league catcher, so his value is seriously diminished.

4. Francisco, Oliver, O'Day, Feliz, Nippert, Snyder, and Ray

5. In 2010, Rich Harden will win 18 games and finish 3rd in the AL Cy Young voting.

Two things to comment on today........the Greenberg Group should be given a shot at owning this team, that will keep Nolan Ryan in as President of the club and we will have a steady hand running not only the baseball side of the business but also the finanical side also. Secondly, forget about Mike Lowell........why do we need him? Concentrate on a one or two year deal with Vlad Guerro, he still has pop left in his bat and absolutely still brings some fear in opposing pitchers to the mix!!

We didn't "lose" Buck...you can't lose what you never had. "Missed out on" would be more appropriate.