Big Vic The team that started 2010 with a $55 million payroll apparently has permission to get up to the $90 million range.
This is partially due to a World Series appearance, increase attendance, new owners and a salty new TV contract with Fox Sports Southwest.
Also, the Rangers only have about $32 million committed to five players as many guys (Josh Hamilton, C.J. Wilson, Nellie Cruz). Tons of leeway.
A lot of this might be a snootful of Cliff Lee and Victor Martinez.
The Rangers are going after both.
Lee's expected to be had for at least $20 million year.
Martinez is a guy I've avoided these last three weeks because I don't particularly like him. There's little doubt that he can hit.
However, can he work a pitching staff like Bengie Molina? Is he a winner? Frankly, he's been a nice player on a number of so-so teams.
Also, since his Major-League debut, Martinez has played more than 140 games just five times in nine seasons. Injuries are a major issue.
The kicker is price. Again, I have no problem spending someone else's money, but in five years and this team is handicapped with huge contracts, we might as well be owned by Tom Hicks.
The Fox fellows also mention Carl Crawford and Zack Greinke in correlation with Texas.
