[情報] Starting pitching a concern for Rangers
ARLINGTON -- Rangers general manager Jon Daniels knows he has a busy winter
ahead, but he also made it clear he remains committed to the direction the
organization is headed.
The Rangers, after having missed the playoffs for the seventh straight year,
have nine players who are about to become free agents, and some of their
prized core players are starting to get more expensive.
But Daniels' goal this offseason is still to put together a team that can
compete for a division championship next year and beyond, rather than
embarking on another tedious rebuilding program.
"I've read some national publications where they say we are going to tear
this thing down and start over," Daniels said. "That's ludicrous. I believe
in this core, and I believe in the guys working around them in the
organization.
"We have our work cut out for us. We took a shot this year and committed to
some guys who had the ability to be free agents after the season. That was a
risk, but we went into it with our eyes wide open. We still hope to re-sign
those guys, and I think we'll have the wherewithal to do it."
That's where it all starts as the Rangers address the two biggest needs
facing them this offseason. Pitchers Vicente Padilla, Adam Eaton and Kip
Wells, outfielders Gary Matthews Jr. and Carlos Lee and invaluable utilityman
Mark DeRosa can all be free agents.
The Rangers know they need to fix their starting pitching and their outfield.
"Our goal is to get better, to put it succinctly," Daniels said. "We've got
our obvious priorities: starting rotation and the outfield."
With Eaton and Padilla likely gone, the Rangers are left with Kevin Millwood
and most likely Robinson Tejeda. Beyond that, the Rangers would have to sort
through the usual suspects, including John Koronka, John Rheinecker, Josh
Rupe, Kameron Loe, Edinson Volquez, C.J. Wilson, R.A. Dickey, Nick Masset and
some of their top Minor League prospects who have yet to pitch in the big
leagues.
Texas obviously isn't interested in that. The Rangers used 12 different
starters in a rotation that had an ERA above five most of the season. There
were times when Millwood and Padilla were the only dependable starters they
had, and that, more than anything, was what kept the Rangers from going on
the kind of prolonged winning streak they needed to be a serious contender
into September.
"We always felt that we had to be at 90 wins when the season was over,"
Rangers manager Buck Showalter said. "At our high points, we were always
hoping to take off so we could get into that slot. But we didn't put together
a long period of success."
Showalter said a stable and dependable starting rotation "creates a
confidence level. It relaxes everybody. The more things a club can count on
and feel confident in, it takes a lot of heat off. Then when that something
goes away, that creates some of the uneasiness."
The biggest question surrounding the rotation is how many spots will be
filled from outside the organization -- either by trade or free agency -- and
how many spots will be left for pitchers already in the organization.
"It's tough to say how it will exactly map out," Daniels said. "It depends on
what's available. It's not a great market, but it's a competitive market. I'd
be happy with Kevin, two solid veterans that we can count on, in addition to
Tejeda and one spot for one of our young guys. I don't think three veterans
are realistic, given the way the market is."
Padilla and Eaton are in a second tier that includes many familiar names,
including Tony Armas Jr., Miguel Batista, Cory Lidle, Ted Lilly, Jason
Marquis, Jamie Moyer, Gil Meche, Wade Miller, Andy Pettitte, Mark Redman,
Jeff Suppan, Randy Wolf and Jeff Weaver.
The Rangers have had to consider just about every name on the list over the
past few years -- either in trade or free agent talks -- and will have to do
so again.
The pool could become deeper. Mike Mussina, Tom Glavine, Mark Buehrle and
Byung-Hyun Kim could all become free agents, as well, if their current clubs
don't pick up their options. Buehrle would especially grab the Rangers'
attention.
When Texas begins to address its outfield situation, there is little doubt
where to begin.
"Gary Matthews is our first priority in center field," Daniels said.
Matthews was possibly the Rangers' Most Valuable Player this year, a force at
the leadoff spot and playing at a Gold Glove level in the outfield. They do
not have a replacement ready if he goes elsewhere. Losing Matthews would
require either a major financial investment in the free agent market or
trading away a major asset for a replacement.
The same holds true for Lee, a defensive liability in left field, but the
definitive big bat in the middle of the order. The Rangers' preference would
be to have him as their designated hitter.
"I would like to have Carlos back in the right deal," Daniels said. "But it
will be a very competitive market for him. There are not many big bats out
there."
The Rangers still have hope that Brad Wilkerson, after undergoing shoulder
surgery, can be a front-line outfielder again. But re-signing DeRosa could
also be crucial because of the flexibility he brings in being able to play
multiple positions.
DeRosa could fill one of the outfield spots, with Wilkerson being used at
designated hitter, or DeRosa could play third base if the Rangers are able to
trade Hank Blalock for starting pitching. That's a possibility that's been
discussed.
The Rangers do seem willing to go with Nelson Cruz in right field after what
they've seen in the past month. But whether it's starting pitching, the
bullpen or the outfield, the Rangers don't want to go into Spring Training
with a number of positions still unsettled.
"I don't like Spring Training being a tryout camp," Daniels said. "The better
clubs come in with an idea of where they are headed. Competition is a good
thing, but in moderation. We want guys relaxed and getting ready for the
season. We did a good job of minimizing that last season and we look to do it
again."
Much may depend on how far owner Tom Hicks is willing to go with the payroll,
but Daniels insisted that's not a big factor weighing him down.
"We will have a budget," Daniels said. "I like working within the confines of
having a budget. It gives you direction and the ability to plan. One of the
things that Tom has made clear is if we get to the point where we have the
opportunity to improve by stepping outside those parameters, he'll be willing
to support the club if the right deal surfaces."
The Rangers have much work to get to that point and find the right deals.
T.R. Sullivan is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the
approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
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