2023 Texas Rangers

Putting a ribbon on this 2023 Ranger thread with my 10,000th post, I am still on a Ranger high and still keep watching all of the World Series games each evening just to have something on in the background. I can’t wait for spring training and next year to arrive so we can start this ride all over again and I have to find a way to get to spring training for a couple of games, the All-Star game, and maybe even a 20 game package of tickets. Most importantly, no matter what heartache comes in the years ahead, we will always have this magical season and we can always say 2023 Texas Rangers, World Series, champions.:texasflag:
 
FWHORN said:
no matter what heartache comes in the years ahead, we will always have this magical season and we can always say 2023 Texas Rangers, World Series, champions.
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It was indeed magical - maybe not quite in the same category as the Miracle Mets of 1969, but close. Now I'm spoiled - I want another title, and soon!
I check the web every day to see what progress is being made in Free Agency - hope the Rangers sign Montgomery quickly, then find a DH and start working on filling out the bullpen.
Pitchers and catchers report in 79 days! :yippee:
 
HornHuskerDad said:
For the money Ohtani will command, the Rangers could sign Montgomery, a DH, and still have a bunch of money to bolster the bullpen.
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I'm wondering if they're waiting for Ohtani. I think it's a mistake. If the numbers being thrown around are true, then we might not be able to add any other pieces except via trades. And even then, we'd be adding payroll in exchange for minor leaguers.

I think Montgomery, Josh Hader (reliever) and Jorge Soler for DH would work. Then hopefully, we get a Carter-like bump with Langford. Those three could add up to another $300 million. I believe Garcia is eligible for arbitration. It's up to the owners. They are probably pushing the limits a bit.

The question is this: would the Rangers rack up $$$ from Japan and the additional interest that Ohtani would bring to the table? I'm sure the answer is a resounding yes.

But, we still would have that shaky bullpen and we'd be down a solid starter (#2). I'm not sure that Scherzer is anything more than a #3 or #4, assuming he doesn't get dinged up like he did this year.

What about de Grom? Maybe, late August? But what kind of arm will we see?

The main thing is this; are we going all out to win the Series again this year, or do we dial the payroll down a tad, milk that incredible batting order and hope another year from the minor league pitching prospects are ready for 2025? I don't know that we have anyone who is on the verge of making a splash, even in two years.
 
I would hope Young is smart enough than to wait on Ohtani. What he will command will even set LAD or NYY back.

The money gets magnified when you consider that he may never pitch again.
 
ViperHorn said:
I would hope Young is smart enough than to wait on Ohtani. What he will command will even set LAD or NYY back.

The money gets magnified when you consider that he may never pitch again.
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I just read an article in the DMN that basically says we're not dropping big bucks this year and we're definitely out on the Ohtani sweepstakes. Hopefully, he signs with a NL club. They said our ceiling for one year is around $13 million (or $65 million on a five year deal; no way Montgomery takes that) before the luxury tax kicks in. But the real problem is the financial problems with Bally, the local TV revenue provider. We could use one solid starter and something strong for the bullpen. DH will be handled internally and I have high hopes that Langford is another Carter. We have trade capital but what about the inherited salary? I'm not going to be greedy. We had an amazingly fun year in 2023. We will have a murderers row batting order. We will blow a few games late. But if we're in the hunt (which we will be) in late July/early August, then I have a feeling the owner might go for some trades.

Here is someone though who could be a sleeper free agent pick-up:

Michael Wacha Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Rookie Status & More | Baseball-Reference.com

C'mon Rangers!
 
Reports seem to indicate that the Rangers are not looking into Ohtani - and that's a good thing. If they could sign Montgomery and a closer (and perhaps a backup catcher/DH) at reasonable prices, that should position them well.
Another option, if they can't find the players they want at reasonable prices, is to wait until the trading deadline next season. The Rangers have some very good prospects in the farm season, and any minor-league infielder is subject to trade (since the major-league infield is set for a while).
 
but today I read the Rangers are upping the pressure on getting Kershaw. As much as I like Kershaw, Texas doesn't need another old guy with an injury history.

Throw that money at Montgomery.
 
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