Mike Young: Going around the horn Before we bring up free agents, there are some internal things the Rangers need to do in order to shore up some positions, find spots for players and make this team a competitor next season.
Find A Place For Josh Hamilton
The Rangers are at an impasse with Hamilton. I think they're at a spot where they'd like to keep him long term. However, Hamilton is not long for professional baseball in the outfield. The dude doesn't have an "OFF" button or that red light of alarm when it comes to dashing, sliding, diving, climbing, crashing and colliding. He lives full throttle. This got him hooked on crack before and it puts him on the disabled list now. Some think he'd be a good fit at first base. At the very least he should be in left field despite being the best centerfielder on the team.
Stick Mike Young Somewhere
His obvious deficiencies at third base were evident during the playoffs. His range has worn down with age. I think you can stick him at third on a limited basis, but in general Young's time in the infield is limited. However, I don't know if he has a big enough bat for the designated hitter position. And this doesn't include the Rangers re-signing Vlad Guerrero at a cheap rate. Does Young hit 30 homers with 115 RBI and a .300 average as a DH? I think it's highly possible. I think there's a real correlation between his resurgence with the bat and his move from shortstop to third base. Otherwise, I don't know what you do with the guy.
Explore Any, All Trades
What if Zack Greinke or Josh Johnson become available? Who on this team is untouchable? Elvis Andrus, Neftali Feliz and Josh Hamilton is my short list. Not that I want to trade any one else, but the addition of a marquee young stud is too irresistible. The Rangers shouldn't feel pressure to keep the band together for the sake of some sentimental encore.
Coach Them Up
Hoping that the New York Mets leave Clint Hurdle be and that he returns to the Rangers. They were clearly better at the plate with him than without him. I would like to see the Rangers bring back the entire coaching staff.
Lock Up Jon Daniels
He's not going anywhere and I think the Rangers should make sure he's not going anywhere for a good, long while. Do not be led astray by all the talk about how this is Nolan Ryan's team. He brought a certain attitude, but Daniels got all the pieces here. Without him, we're playing with Gary Matthews Jr. and assorted other spare pieces.
