FWHORN
10,000+ Posts
As the Rangers play in game four of the ALDS this seems a good time to reflect back on the decision not to break the bank in an effort to bring back Cliff Lee this past offseason.
Like most fans I hoped the Rangers could bring him back as the jewel that would anchor an already steady if not spectacular starting rotation without him. He pitches a ton of innings each start and is a stopper of losing streaks and saver of bullpen arms. He would be a factor in winning the division. Plus excepting last years World Series his playoff record is amazing. No doubt he brought a lot to the table. But was he worth the projected money he was going to cost.
Hindsight is 20/20 but with hindsight it seems clear the right decision was made.
The Rangers won 96 games this season. Would he have increased that total? Possibly but not likely. He won 17 games for Philly and projecting him in and the fifth starter out (at 15 wins) that is a difference of two games. But can you really say that it would have meant that increase, probably not so thats a wash.
But what about the losing streak stopper and bullpen arm saver aspect. This year the solid but not spectacular staff played that role across the rotation. There wasnt a single stopper needed as everyone stepped up. Similarly very smart moves to bring in arms by management in July and August meant a rested bullpen as September and October rolled around.
The last item in consideration was his playoff success. With his loss Sunday he is now 0-3 in his last three playoff starts and the dominance is certainly not as present.
So all things considered, after one year you can certainly chalk up as a success the decision by Rangers management (particularly Nolan Ryan over the wishes of Greenberg who is now gone) to pass on breaking the bank for him.
Like most fans I hoped the Rangers could bring him back as the jewel that would anchor an already steady if not spectacular starting rotation without him. He pitches a ton of innings each start and is a stopper of losing streaks and saver of bullpen arms. He would be a factor in winning the division. Plus excepting last years World Series his playoff record is amazing. No doubt he brought a lot to the table. But was he worth the projected money he was going to cost.
Hindsight is 20/20 but with hindsight it seems clear the right decision was made.
The Rangers won 96 games this season. Would he have increased that total? Possibly but not likely. He won 17 games for Philly and projecting him in and the fifth starter out (at 15 wins) that is a difference of two games. But can you really say that it would have meant that increase, probably not so thats a wash.
But what about the losing streak stopper and bullpen arm saver aspect. This year the solid but not spectacular staff played that role across the rotation. There wasnt a single stopper needed as everyone stepped up. Similarly very smart moves to bring in arms by management in July and August meant a rested bullpen as September and October rolled around.
The last item in consideration was his playoff success. With his loss Sunday he is now 0-3 in his last three playoff starts and the dominance is certainly not as present.
So all things considered, after one year you can certainly chalk up as a success the decision by Rangers management (particularly Nolan Ryan over the wishes of Greenberg who is now gone) to pass on breaking the bank for him.
