Happy trails, Brad Richards

Ryder, I hardly know her!

It's like your ex-wife getting married.

Last week, Brad Richards signed a nine-year, $60 million with the New York Rangers. With salary and a signing bonus, he'll make $12 million in 2011-12.

Richards' departure is more than a little bittersweet.

For one, we knew he was in his final year of his deal and we knew that the Dallas Stars were not going to be able to re-sign due to ownership chaos and a total lack of funds to sign any big free agent.

Richards was leaving. By December, the Stars were in the playoff hunt. They'd led the Pacific Division. The decision was whether or not to go for it all in the Stanley Cup playoffs or get what you can from Richards in a trade and most assuredly miss the playoffs.

By March, they'd kept Richards and the Stars ran out of gas and missed the playoffs anyway. It was a calculated move and I don't question Joe Nieuwendyk's decision.

Richards was the Stars' best player. Imagine the Rangers losing Josh Hamilton. The Cowboys, Tony Romo. The Mavericks, Dirk Nowitzki. Just think about them walking away and going somewhere else.

This is the state of things for the Stars. By all accounts, he would have had no problem staying. However, the Stars could not promise Richards a chance to win, and that's being honest. The ownership thing was rumored to be settled last season. It wasn't. It doesn't look very close to being handled.

The Stars are multiple players away from competing -- not only for a championship -- but for their own division. The Stars could have all the money in the world, but if they can't win Richards was going to walk. Simple as that.

Still, the Stars have money to spend. I believe it was $10 million they needed to spend to hit the cap floor.

They signed six players -- very low key, very inexpensive -- and have addressed some real issues. Those signings:

Michael Ryder
31 - Right Wing - two years, $7 million
A very salty character. Just won a Stanley Cup with Boston and he's just 31 years old. He notched 27 goals in 2008-09 and has two 30-goal seasons. Last year he had 41 points as he's becoming much more of a facilitator. I think he's most valuable because he's very sturdy. He's never played less than 70 games in his career (seven seasons). He's played 79 or more games five times. For a team wrought with injuries most season, having Ryder is a huge boon.

Vern Fiddler
31 - Left Wing - three years, $5.4 million
Statistically, he doesn't look like much. Hockey, however, is a sport that goes far beyond stats. For one, Fiddler was named alternate captain with Phoenix a year ago. He wins 53 percent of his faceoffs and he's the lead turd on Phoenix's penalty-kill squad. Does all the stuff the Stars couldn't do last season. Love it.

Radek Dvorak
34 - Right Wing - one year, $1.5 million
A veteran. A past-his-prime penalty killer. One note, he's cheap and very little commitment, and he's the biggest (literally) free agent signee at 6-2 and 200 pounds.

Adam Pardy
27 - Defenseman - two years, $4 million
Dvorak was with Florida when Nieuwendyk was an assistant GM there. Pardy was with new head coach Glen Gulutzan in the minors. He's going into his fourth season in the NHL and spent most of last season out with a bad shoulder. This has to be a Gulutzan signing.

Jake Dowell
26 - Center - one year, $800,000
Played a total of four NHL games before getting into 79 games for Chicago in 2010-11. Second time Nieuwendyk's raided the Stanley Cup-winning Chicago Blackhawks on the cheap after Adam Burish a year ago.

Sheldon Souray
35 - Defenseman - one year, $1.65 million
Interesting. Huge guy (6-4, 233). A two-time All-Star, who had 53 points in 2009-10, 23 of them on the power play. He was demoted to the minors a season ago. Maybe on the downward slope of his career, or just needs some tender love and care. We'll see.

The Mavericks in flux

Making bank

The NBA Finals and Draft are out of the way. We are not beset with the extremely real probability of a lockout and the very real possibility of a truncated 2011-12 season or even -- gulp! -- no NBA season at all.

That's if the players and owners can't be friends. Nothing we can do about any of that. We don't understand a vast majority of it.

As of right now, I'm operating under the assumption that there will be some sort of 2011-12 NBA season and that the Dallas Mavericks will attempt to win back-to-back titles, however unlikely that seems.

You start, first, with your own home. As of this minute -- including the acquisition of Rudy Fernandez, the Mavericks are on the books for $63 million for 10 players. Last season, the paid $92 million.

Truth is, the Mavericks could look different next season. The core -- Kidd, Terry, Dirk, Marion -- are all back. However, I think the trade for Fernandez last night was an indicator that at least part of this team might not be around.

Of the $29 million coming off the books, about $2.7 million is that of Tim Thomas, Greg Buckner, Sasha Pavlovic and Steve Novak. Here is who is coming off the books and who the Mavericks will need to think long and hard about.

Tyson Chandler
31 - $12 million 2010-11 salary
The free agent-to-be played like one this season. He played in 74 games and was a huge factor in the Mavericks A) winning a title and B) becoming a good defensive team. Chandler is an animal the Mavericks have never had. I assume they'll try to keep him. Not that money is an issue ... but in sports, it's an issue. A year ago, Brendan Haywood's contract, some argued, wasn't big at six year, $55 million. Compare his output to that of Chandler, Haywood was severely overpaid. If you wonder what Chandler is going to get paid, consider that he was already getting $12 million. Then, this, comparing contract years:

Haywood -- 31 years old - 8 points - 7 rebounds - 2 blocks
Chandler -- 28 years old - 10 points - 9 rebounds - 1.1 blocks

Haywood went on to get $9 million a year. Three years older. And not nearly the player that Chandler is. I'm awful at predicting contracts, but I would assume Chandler will want $12-13 million a year for five years, give or take. Six years, $72 million? No way he'll want less than Haywood and no way he'll want less than five years, this probably being his last big contract. So, consider dedicating 12 years of contracts totaling $127 million. That's a lot of cash.

Also, consider that Chandler will shop around. He's a guy that's oft-injured and will look for the best deal he can find. He's no lock to come back.

Caron Butler
31 - $10 million 2010-11 salary
I don't know what missing most of a season does to a guy like Butler's negotiating power. Unlike Chandler, I do think Butler is more than likely to return because he's a second or third fiddle on a winning team. His ideal situation. He has almost no competition and can have as many minutes as he wants. Plus, he's been with four teams in his career. I doubt he'd want to keep moving around. Another point to consider is that no one's going to be knocking down his door. Getting a decent contract with the Mavs is as good as a decent contract in Milwaukee or New Orleans. Prepare for the Mavs to overpay a little here. They were woefully thin at the shooting guard/small forward spot for most of the year. Stabilizing that spot with Butler and Fernandez, they probably think, is a good option.

DeShawn Stevenson
30 - $4.1 million 2010-11 salary
Stevenson might have gotten his walking papers last night when the Mavericks traded for Fernandez. However, if he was willing to take a reduced role and a pay decrease, the Mavs would have him back. But, he will take neither. Stevenson thinks he's as good as anyone in the NBA. And I think he'll have suitors. He's just 30, he will not cost too much and he's proven that he can be valuable starting or off the bench. He may not be in Dallas, but Stevenson will land on his feet somewhere.

J.J. Barea
27 - $1.8 million 2010-11 salary
As the NBA Finals wore on, guess who was adding cash to their bankroll. Joe effin' John Barea! It's semi-shocking that he's as old as he is (he turns 27 in, like, five days). He's got a ton of holes in his game, but if you don't think every fan in the NBA weren't licking their chops at the possibility of having the Puerto Rican wonder, you are crazy. He's likable as hell and played himself into a significant pay increase. I bet he gets quite a bit of looks from other teams. Question is, is he really dedicated to the Mavericks or is he like anyone else and wants his payday?

Brian Cardinal
34 - $1.3 million 2010-11 salary
Zero problem with Cardinal and him making $1.3. If the Mavs wanted to throw $2 million at him next year, no problem there either. Cardinal's simply useful. He's The Custodian for crying out loud. Would love to see him back as the 10th man.

Peja Stojakovic
34 - $706K 2011-10 salary
In fantasy sports, you are often forced with making tough decisions. Often, you fall in love with a player and you take a hard look and realize they're not performing for you and you can improve in that position. The fact you have to consider is this, "If I look in the free-agent pool in a month, will he still be there?" The answer, most of the time, is "yes." If Brewer, Fernandez, Beaubois, Butler and Dom Jones are parts of this team, that leaves Stojakovic out. However, I bet you can look in on him in December and he'll still be there. Waiting.

Replacement players

Slowey poke

The Texas Rangers are a week away from starting the season and there is seemingly a number of holes in the line-up. It's like realizing you didn't buy any gifts on Christmas Eve.

The next week could be a hustle and bustle of Jon Daniels combing waiver wires, free agent lists and team rosters seeking to fill a series of spots in need of help:

Starting Rotation
It seems set. I bet the Rangers would like some insurance. Of course, Neftali Feliz is the swing guy. If he starts, things are a bit more stable. But ...

Bullpen
... if he goes, it leaves a giant hole. That is, if Alexi Ogando can't close. Even if he can, who do we love in the eighth inning if Mark Lowe continues to struggle. Bottomline: You can't have too many relievers.

Outfield
I think Julio Borbon starts the season in centerfield. Maybe. Even still, folks seem reluctant in having him on the bench if he can't start.

Here are guys the Rangers might target or haul off their 40-man roster:

Endy Chavez
The part-time centerfielder might already be in camp. Spent most of 2010 hurt, the veteran, speedster plays a mean outfield. I've always thought Chavez a pretty useful player, but he can't get an at-bats or stay on a team. Injuries might be a issue. Had 22 doubles in 2006 and is a career .270 average.

Kevin Slowey
The Minnesota Twins recently moved Slowey -- a guy that I've always liked -- to the bullpen. Now, he's on the trading block. He won 13 games a year ago. Known for his control. Slowey's walked just 79 batters in 473 big-league innings. Love this guy. He's also a Rangers killer: 1.42 ERA in two starts against the Rangers.

Tanner Scheppers
At the very least, Scheppers won't start 2011 in the Majors. He was sent to minor-league camp. Still, I expect him to be a player in the bullpen by the end of the year.

Brett Tomko
He's 37 going on 38. He was awful in relief for the Yankees and surprisingly fantastic with the Athletics starting six games. Tomko's sticking around. Could be in the bullpen or rotation.

Joe Beimel
Pitched in 71 games a year ago with a not-awful 3.40 ERA. He is a lefty and I don't know if the Rangers want/need more lefties.

Joe Blanton
Blanton is due a hefty $17 million over the next two seasons. Roy Oswalt getting knocked in the head probably doesn't bump up his availability. He's only 30 and quite the horse the last two seasons.

Russ Springer
At least he wants to pitch. The big righty is 42 and his decline has been apparent.

Carlos Silva
The Chicago Cubs may be out on Silva, who freaked the fuck out this spring. He's expensive and I think he sucks.

Rodrigo Lopez
Did you know he logged 200 innings for the Diamondbacks a year ago? He probably ain't making the Braves' rotation. I dislike this idea as much as I do the Silva idea.

Dallas Cowboys seem to think there won't be a 2011-12 season

Atogwe

The NFL-player's association talks are still going on. I think they extended the existing CBA another week so they can keep talking with no walk out. Good for them.

I appears the Dallas Cowboys are set for a 12-month lay-off because free agents are flying off the board and I don't think Jerry Jones has even lifted a finger.

Shaun Rogers is a New Orleans Saint. Bob Sanders a San Diego Charger. Oshiomogho Atogwe is a Washington Redskin.

Hell. I haven't even heard a good Dallas Cowboys rumor.

By all accounts, the Cowboys attended the NFL Combine, cut Gerald Sensabaugh and Marcus Spears and little else.

Mind you, this is a team that could use some help at offensive, the secondary, defensive line, maybe receiver and linebacker.

Remember: IT'S A FIVE-WIN TEAM.

I think everyone's convinced that if Tony Romo hadn't broken his collarbone against the New York Giants last fall that they would have been fine. That is not altogether true. It's impossible to predict if the Cowboys would have won more games. It's equally impossible to prove that Romo's play would have won games against Philadelphia, Arizona or Washington.

The team's flawed. It goes beyond Romo. It might include Romo. Who knows?

All I know is that Jones is sitting on his hands and doing nothing. Cowboys fans should be pissed. They're not, of course.

Lunatics running the asylum.

Strange Brew

Brew crew

Just when I'd given up on the Dallas Mavericks making a savvy pick-up.

The Dallas Mavericks outraced several teams -- including the hated San Antonio Spurs -- to claim forward Corey Brewer off waivers from the New York Knicks. Brewer came over from Minnesota in the Carmelo Anthony deal. He was due $3.7 million and his deal expires after the season. They've also apparently offered Brewer a multiyear extension in the $2 million range.

Brewer was a stud in college playing at Florida. He was taken seventh overall in the 2007 NBA Draft by those Timberwolves. Like many Minnesota draft picks, Brewer never panned out.

He played in 79 games his rookie year and shot 37 percent from the field. The next season, he tore his ACL and missed all but 67 games.

Brewer turned things around last season playing in all 82 games scoring 13 points a game and shooting 43 percent from the field. This season, his numbers had dropped to about nine points a game and 38 percent shooting.

Brewer is a lean son of a bitch. Listed at 6-9 and 188 pounds. Soaking wet. I've always seen him as being taller. Maybe it's his long arms.

His main attributes are his defense and ability to guard small forwards and give trouble to certain power forwards. In fact, if I were playing Dallas, I might send Brewer at Dirk Nowitzki the way Golden State did with Matt Barnes, San Antonio did with Bruce Bowen or Portland did with LaMarcus Aldridge. Get in close, make him work, frustrate and crowd him.

Brew doesn't do much rebounding (paltry 3.3 per game in his career) nor is he a very good passer. But he averages 1.3 steals per game in his career and 1.6 in 2010-11 so far.

Brewer is also young (25 in three days) and athletic. He dunks. A poor shooter, he has to get his points somewhere.

By default, he is probably the most athletic Dallas Maverick. Which says nothing. He's also probably their best man-on-man defender. Again, saying nothing. He gives them size at the small forward position and size off the bench that isn't a center.

This probably doesn't bode well for Brian Cardinal's dwindling minutes. I think Brewer gets opportunities to play here. I don't think he's Kevin Willis waving a towel on the end of the bench. I can definitely see a forward tandem of Shawn Marion and Brewer coming off the bench.

If nothing else, this isn't a move the Mavericks typically make. If they rifle through teams' waiver releases, it's typically for the Willis-type -- a cagey veteran. Depth for depth's sake.

Better defender. More athletic. He's also this team's fourth-youngest player behind Ian Mahinmi, Roddy Beaubois and Dom Jones. A really good move for the Mavericks.

Another Bush in town

Hairy Bush

The Texas Rangers made another move to strengthen their depth at pitcher by signing the 31-year-old Dave Bush for $1 million. If not in the Majors by April, he can be released.

Rangers pitching coach Mike Maddux is confident in the move. Of course, he coach Bush in Milwaukee for the bulk of his career. What ails Bush is something that Maddux thinks he can fix.

Granted, Bush had his moments. In 2008, he pitched 185 innings and compiled a 4.18 ERA and a .234 BAA. Between 2006-08, he had at least 185 innings in each season. Clearly these were his peak years.

In 2009, he missed a significant amount of time due to a "tired arm." He came back in 2010 with 174 innings and a 4.54 ERA.

It's a good date: He's cheap and there's no strings attached. Maddux knows him, he's young enough to regroup and maybe get one good contract.

He's not the Rangers prototype. They've gone to great lengths in getting tall, strong, hard-throwing right handers. Bush is not that. He's 6-2 and a more of a finesse pitcher. He's averaged way less than a strikeout per inning. He's allowed a lot of home runs and walks.

As Evan Grant points out, Bush's flyball-groundball ratio has gone from heavy on groundballs to flyballs in the recent years. None of this sounds all that great.

Still, it's an arm and competition. He'll vie for the fifth starter's position and work as a veteran insurance for Brandon Webb, C.J. Wilson, Colby Lewis Neftali Feliz or anyone else not working out.

For that No. 5 starter's position, it's him, Derek Holland, Michael Kirkman and Eric Hurley in the hunt.

The deal with Jim Thome

Toe-me-fa-so-la-ti-do

The beauty of the hot stove league in the Internet age is that you can almost literally see the evolution of a contract.

The prime example took place at the trading deadline when Cliff Lee's deal with the New York Yankees went south ... live, on Twitter. I felt like one of the people that would sit on a neighboring hill and view a Civil War battle.

With the hot stove league and the Internet, you see a hint turn into an idea turn into a rumor turn into talk turn into a deal.

Two weeks ago, pundits were simply floating Jim Thome's name out there as a possible addition for the Texas Rangers. It was below a whisper.

Over time, the connection's gained steam and now it's as if Thome and the Rangers were a foregone conclusion.

As we all know, this isn't the case. Too much can happen for it to not happen.

Outside of just disliking Thome as a person or if you think the Rangers will spend too much money that could be given to Josh Hamilton or C.J. Wilson in an extension, I don't see how you could hate Thome joining the Rangers.

First of all, fans would love him. Not in the same way we loved Vlad Guerrero because he'd be a part timer and Guerrero had a certain attitude that emanated into the stands. But he's a likable professional that bashes. People dig the long ball.

Two, although it seems the Rangers have an excess of lefty bats, they don't have any real "impact" bats outside of Hamilton.

I love David Murphy. I think he's way better than people give him credit for at the plate and in the field. However, I also think he's an everyday player and needs regular at-bats to build a rhthym. I don't think he's a strong bench or pinch-hit candidate. Frankly, if the Rangers found a trade partner for Murphy, I wouldn't be against this as much as I like him as a player. I don't think he fits here.

Julio Borbon's not proven himself, yet.

Thome is a guy that scares the bejesus out of your opponent any time he's at the plate. Bases empty or full. He hit .301 against righties a year ago with 19 home runs and 14 doubles. With the right-field porch at the Ballpark, he could post some pretty great numbers for 300 or so at-bats. He's an impact lefty bat.

More than anything, and as Evan Grant asutely points out, Thome is an insurance policy. If Mitch Moreland, Borbon or Murphy struggle, there's Thome.

If anyone gets injured, there's Thome. And this is due to Michael Young's adaptability. If Ian Kinsler goes out for a month, Young is the starting second baseman and Thome gets a bulk of the designated hitter swings. If Adrian Beltre gets hit by a grounder in the nuts, Young swings to third and Thome is your almost everyday DH.

Also, he fills a hole in the line-up. Let's say someone's struggling or Nelson Cruz or Beltre fail to protect Josh Hamilton, Thome could be inserted there, although I doubt this is optimal as Ron Washington would probably prefer to go lefty-righty in the middle of his line-up.

The key here is Young. He allows you to go out and bring in a pretty one-dimensional player in his current state like Thome. Also, I think finding a new home for Murphy might be in order.

Either way, it's tough not to like Thome to the Rangers.

The shape of things

Ranger round-up

At the moment, things have slowed down dramatically with MLB free agency.

The Rangers are apparently still interested in the likes of Jeff Francis and possibly another bat like Jim Thome. It's not over, but the Rangers' big spending is.

Should the season start today, who makes the 25-man roster?

The Line-Up
Elvis Andrus - SS
Mike Young - DH
Josh Hamilton - LF
Adrian Beltre - 3B
Nelson Cruz - RF
Ian Kinsler - 2B
Mitch Moreland - 1B
Yorvit Torrealba - C
Julio Borbon - CF

Bench
Matt Treanor - C
Andres Blanco - Utility
Dave Murphy - OF

Questions here are Julio Borbon's spot in the line-up. From what I've read from Ron Washington, Borbon's starting. I bet the leash is short with him. Also, I thought Andres Blanco was pretty handy last season; yet, people seem to care less about the guy. Obvious Omissions: Chris Davis and Taylor Teagarden.

Starting Rotation
C.J. Wilson - LHP
Colby Lewis - RHP
Brandon Webb - RHP
Tommy Hunter - RHP
Derek Holland -- LHP

Several months ago, I read that Neftali Feliz was going to be stretched out for a spot in the rotation. As much as I've loved this, all I've heard lately is that Feliz is going back to the bullpen. That leaves the No. 5 spot open and I think Holland has dibs. Obvious Omissions: Omar Beltre, Feliz, Matt Harrison and Scott Feldman.

Bullpen
Neftali Feliz - RHP
Alexi Ogando - RHP
Darren Oliver - LHP
Arthur Rhodes - LHP
Darren O'Day - RHP
Frank Francisco - RHP
Mark Lowe - RHP

If Feliz goes into the rotation, the closer's spot goes to Francisco or Ogando. Oliver and Rhodes are your lefties. O'Day has been rumored to be traded. Otherwise, there's three names that weren't on the opening day roster. A little turnover in the bullpen isn't such a bad thing. Obvious Omissions: Feldman, Harrison, Pedro Strop, Michael Kirkman and Willie Moscoso.

It is done

He's heeeeerrrrrrrreeee

The last thing I wanted to happen this winter, happened.

The Texas Rangers and free agent Adrian Beltre have come to an agreement on an apparent six-year, $96 million contract.

The Rangers and this franchise's fans, I wholeheartedly believe, will rue this contract. Beltre is a far bigger risk than Cliff Lee for seven years.

I've stated it before. I've not hidden my feelings about Beltre being a guy that plays well in contract years and dogs it the other times. I was right about Brendan Haywood. I hope to the Lord Jesus Christ that I'm wrong here.

Although I do feel Beltre's impact on the field when he's hitting .250 and spending two weeks on the disable list, there's the fiscal impact that is as up in the air as anything.

What if in two years Chuck Greenberg and Co. don't feel like spending money. Beltre's contract becomes the albatross not unlike Alex Rodriguez and Chan Ho Park. The team struggles. Seats are empty. The ownership group balks at spending more. Then we have Tom Hicks Part Deux on our hands. And it should be noted that Beltre's 32 when the season starts, meaning he'll be 38 (should he finish out all six years) when the contract ends.

As much as we like Greenberg and Co., it's fueled by the fact that we hated Hicks so much.

Do not be fooled by the arguments that Beltre does not dog it in non-contract years. The convenient truth that he did not do well in his arbitration years is bunk because A) it proves that he just generally sucks and B) he still got pretty good pay increases (like everyone) during his arb years.

Beltre does give you a significant boost on defense and considering their signing of Brandon Webb is a huge help. It also addresses the designated hitter spot (Michael Young) and kind of a infield utility spot (Young, again). A lot more flexibility.

And, at the very least, even in his bad years Beltre is capable of 20-something home runs and 90+ RBI, a fact that should enthuse, but rather irritates me that a guy with so much talent was virtually underperformed the last decade.

It's disturbing, I might add, how nonchalant the Dallas print media's been about this signing. Tim Cowlishaw is shitting daisies and rainbows. Everyone else is just kind of silent. No one is bringing up the real issues that come with Beltre.

What scares me the most is the thought that the Rangers had the cash to spend when Cliff Lee jettisoned and they were going to spend it on whoever was next in line. It stinks of Chan Ho Park.

I sincerely hope I'm completely, 100 percent wrong on all of this.

The Michael Young conundrum

But can he sell peanuts?

With the unfortunate signing of Adrian Beltre seemingly imminent, another change is going to come for Michael Young.

Since 2004 and Alfonso Soriano's acquisition, Young's almost been around the horn. From second to shortstop to third base after Elvis Andrus landed on the scene.

With Beltre's more-than-capable glove possibly coming to Arlington to man the hot corner, Young will move again.

He's taking it much better than he did the move to third base when he demanded a trade. In hindsight, he probably realizes how silly it was to pitch a fit over the development of Andrus, who has a much higher ceiling than the gritty Young.

The new role, if there is one, will include Young being the designated hitter and serving as a "super-utility" guy playing probably every infield position at some point or another. This is a role Young has publicly stated he'll accept.

Good for him because his play at both shortstop and third base eroded quickly, although I still contend that his move to third base rejuvenated his wilting bat as he was able to exert less energy on the field and save it for the plate. I suspect this new move would do the same even more so.

I would guess that this eliminates the need for Vlad Guerrero as the designated hitter and it allows the Rangers a ton more flexibility in giving guys days off without taking out a premier bat. And as bad as Young got at shortstop and third base, he was not the worst in the league. From game to game, he was more than capable. Over a whole season, however, you saw the detriment his play posed on the team.

I think this third move also possibly exemplifies the way we'll view Young's career. Despite probably holding every hitting record in Rangers history, we do not ever seem to push him above, say, Ivan Rodriguez as the greatest Ranger ever. He doesn't have the same mystique as Mike Modano or Dirk Nowitzki.

This is partially because Young wasn't nearly as good compared to those guys or even in terms of baseball players. As we've learned, he's not that good of a fielder. His hissy fit over the move from shortstop puts into question his role as a good teammate (although he's clearly very well liked and respected). And he's considered a consistent and solid bat, but nothing you couldn't find elsewhere. Also, despite his number remaining steady overall, he is no longer synonymous with being "clutch" as his numbers with runners on have waned over the years.

No doubt that Michael Young is an all timer with the Texas Rangers. He'll one day be retired and be exhausted with accolades and honors with the organization that will fight to keep him involved. But I think it's not a stretch to denote that although he was the face of the franchise, he was never the heart or soul.

Apocalypse nearing, Rangers and Beltre belting out apparent deal

Beltre: Manning the hot corner

I woke up this morning to a shock: A Dominican news outlet was reporting a contract agreement between the Texas Rangers and third baseman Adrian Beltre.

Considering I'd pay him $85 million to stay away, my heart sunk, but I was relieved to learn that it was an unsubstantiated report.

Still, rumors all day have swirled that a deal is in the works with the California Angels being the only real team in on Beltre.

I've stated my case on the guy. He's a contract-year player, who mails it in once he gets a deal and his cash. It's real and it's happened.

Thoughts were that Scott Boras was pushing for a five-year, $85 million deal.

With Beltre apparently in the works, thoughts then turned to Michael Young's role. Generally it's thought he'll slide into the designated hitter spot with time around the infield, including first base.

There's also thoughts he might be traded, the Colorado Rockies being a potential destination.

It's it odd that the Rangers are possibly on the verge of displacing or trading the face of their franchise and no one seems sad about it, or uncomfortable. It's like Young is Esteban German.

The Dallas Cowboys are a joke, and here's why

Jonesing

I really think the Dallas Cowboys and their fans should get used to the way things are right now.

No matter how much hope you put into Jason Garrett, Dez Bryant or any other prospects for the future, this team is destined to put together some good years, some bad years and the very minimum of playoff wins.

It's Jerry Jones.

I know, I know. Nothing's going to change, so why fret about it?

But there is a fundamental flaw in this organization and it has everything to do with David Buehler and it will forever keep the Cowboys from ultimate success until it changes. Which probably coincides with Jerry Jones' funeral.

The Cowboys took an entire shakey off-season, pre-season and season to bring in an experienced place kicker signing Kris Brown to a two-year deal with the potential of kicking field goals through next year.

Note: Kris Brown's been at home since the pre-season after getting beat out by Neil Rackers in Houston. And, Brown's a pretty salty kicker having made some ballsy long attempts in his career. Plus, he's a local guy out of Southlake Carroll High .

So, why was Brown at home all season and why was Buehler in uniform helping lose games? Because Jerry Jones is too fucking emotional.

When talk starts up about why a woman could never be president of the United States, people (mostly guys) point to the certain ... propencity for relying on their emotions too much, whilst being the leader of the free world often requires a divorce from feelings to make hard decisions.

Jones is too emotional. Too proud. Too attached.

At some point, Jones made the decision to start Buehler as the placekicker and field goal kicker. It'd save the team a roster spot and it would serve two purposes off a late-round draft pick.

It's not a bad move. Nick Folk was gone. Why not go for it? No one blames Jones for this.

However, by game No. 3 when Buehler was about as dependable as Texas weather, and the season was still on the brink, a move should've made.

But it never came. Buehler's performance continued to go up and down to the point that the Cowboys were completely out of contention and they were better off giving him opportunities to prove himself.

Bringing Brown into the situation in week 17 with a two-year deal exemplifies what's wrong here. Jones got mad. The Cowboys lost to the Arizona Cardinals on Christmas night by one point when Buehler missed an extra point.

Jones was irate afterwards and it laid the groundwork for Brown's arrival. Thirteen weeks too late.

This franchise is doomed. They will tease the fanbase with an occassional promising year only to be let down the next. Faith in Jones as a general manager ebbs and flows, never gaining enough steam on one side of the coin or the other.

Jerry Jones is the worst general manager in professional football.

Rangers add two

O what a tangled Webb ...

Four years ago, I would bet there wasn't one singular pitcher in Major League Baseball that the Texas Rangers pined for more than Brandon Webb.

He was ideal: Young, an ace and a groundball pitcher, perfect for the Ballpark and its jet streams.

The Rangers were probably prepared to offer the lot in a trade. Why would the Arizona Diamondbacks still need him? They were going nowhere.

Then the injuries happened.

No way the Rangers thought they'd be getting Webb for one-year, $3 million deal plus incentives in 2010. The 2007 versions of Thad Levine and Jon Daniels figured Webb would get a Cliff Lee-type deal ... except longer and more expensive.

Alas, after two years of barely stepping on the mound, Webb is a Texas Ranger for a mere $3 million. Should he hit the incentives, he could make upwards of $10 million.

Honestly, it's a savvy move for a team that need at least a single. Cliff Lee was their grand slam and they whiffed there. Zack Greinke was a two-run homer and another whiff.

Considering the money, the obvious upside and the Ranger impeccable luck and fortune with guys trying to rebuild their careers, it's a solid double. If Webb performs how we expect a Cy Young winner to perform with that defense behind him, it'll be possibly bigger and better than Greinke not having given up the prospects.

Another subtle move recently was adding Arthur Rhodes, a 41-year-old lefty reliever.

Frankly, I'm shocked Rhodes hasn't been a Ranger already in his career. He's such a guy that the Rangers would sign in a 90-loss season.

In his old age, Rhodes has reemerged. He posted a sub-1.10 WHIP and sub-3.00 in his last two seasons was a Cincinnati Red.

The move works to further solidify the seventh and eighth innings as, I assume, Rhodes will be used with fellow lefty Darren Oliver, who was overworked mightily in 2010 and fizzled in the end of the season and playoffs.

Unlike some lefties, however, Rhodes is capable of handling batters from both sides of the plate. His now-devastating slider vexes lefties, but righties hit .182 against him (although they posted a .289 OBP due to 17 walks).

It also pushes the bullpen and some younger guys. If the Rangers roll with a seven-man rotation and Neftali Feliz is still the closer, that leaves Feliz, Oliver, Rhodes, Alexi Ogando, Mark Lowe, Darren O'Day and Frank Francisco in the bullpen.

It also pushes out, potentially, lefties Michael Kirkman and Matt Harrison on the outside looking in. Also, it puts into doubt Scott Feldman's role. Also, should Tommy Hunter and Derek Holland struggle, there's little space for them.

Options are potentially moving Ogando or Feliz to the starting rotation. I think this is a strong possibility should any of the current starters struggle.

Also, do not count out the possibility of a move involving someone from the bullpen, such as Darren O'Day, who was in the rumor mill going to the Chicago Cubs for prospects several weeks ago.

As the world turns ...

A player not to be named 'Cliff' later

Carl Pavano 'stache

Cliff Lee is a Philadelphia Phillie. Now, the Rangers must move on and as they continue to be in the apparent Adrian Beltre sweepstakes (please, Lord, make this go away!), the team must still address the starting rotation.

Neftali Feliz and Alexi Ogando may or may not be in line for spots in the rotation.

Jamey Newberg's still banging the Josh Johnson drum. Zack Greinke is still in the mix, somewhere.

For those wondering, here's who's left on the free agent market that could attract the Rangers.

(I started to add Vicente Padilla, Kevin Millwood and/or Rich Harden -- Harden and Padilla already getting contracts for California teams -- but it was too cruel.)

Carl Pavano
When he won 18 games for Florida five years ago, I was on the Pavano bandwagon. Then he robbed the Yankees for three seasons. All of a sudden, he's winning 17 games for the Twins in a contract year. I'd avoid the guy. A turd, I think. He eats innings at best and that's what the Rangers want almost more than anything at this point.

Brad Penny
As long as the Rangers have looked for pitching, Penny's been in the rumor mill. Frankly, the dude's fat and I think that's killed his health, which is why he can't get to 100 innings for consecutive seasons. He doesn't take care of himself and it strains his body in an inordinate fashion. Again, avoid like the plague.

Chien-Ming Wang
It shocks me that Wang won 19 games in two straight seasons for the New York Yankees while his strikeout-walk ratio was nearly 1-1. There's a limit to these Asian guys. I think they catch Major Leaguers off guard at first and then their limits are reached and they start getting hit. For every Ichiro there's two dozen Hideki Irabus. Wang's not worth a minor-league deal.

Brandon Webb
If I'm the Rangers, I throw a contract at Webb. He's coming off about eight billion surgeries. He's more like RoboCop than human at this point. He'll be cheap. Still 31, he has time to come back. Plus, he's always been perfect for the Ballpark with his groundball tendencies. Problem is, he's not a lock for a rotation spot or to make 30 starts.

Chris Young/Justin Duchscherer
Two ex-pats who combined for nine starts last season. Would they dare do the retread thing with two injury-prone guys? Two huge risks. Young hasn't been healthy in four years. Duchscherer has one decent half season.

Conclusion:
Yuck. Yuck. Yuck. There's shit left. Pavano's probably the surest bet to give you 180 innings, but he's a wildcard since he's liable to shut down once he gets his money. Or maybe the New York media got to him. The only guy I'd tender a contract to is Webb. Otherwise, I take my chances with C.J. Wilson-Colby Lewis-Tommy Hunter-Neftali Feliz/Alexi Ogando/Derek Holland. Then wait for the Marlins to get 30 games below .500 and trade Johnson.

Cliff Lee fallout

As the world turns without Cliff Lee:

The Rangers did not go seven years for Cliff Lee. Fortifies my faith in the Rangers management.

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There was apparent deal in the works with Tampa Bay Rays for Matt Garza, but it fell through. I'd keep my wandering eye on this tidbit.

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Thoughts are the Rangers would look to boost the offense now with free agent cash.

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Also, there are renewed talks of pushing Neftali Feliz or Alexi Ogando to the starting rotation.

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The Rangers are also apparently in on Chien-Ming Wang on an incentive-based, low-risk deal.

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Evan Grant gives weight to my thoughts the Rangers should get Brandon Webb.

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Anyone who thinks the Cliff Lee deal is like the Lebron James fiasco, you are a dickhead.

Cliff Lee is a Philadelphia Phillie

Phil-Lee

Cliff Lee chose a team. And it could not have knocked a city in the gut quite like it has Dallas-Fort Worth.

On the other hand, it's also not like the world is ending.

Mostly because as he's not a Texas Rangers, he's also not a New York Yankee.

Yesterday mid-morning, word came down on a significant "mystery" team being heavy hitters for Lee. Most decried that a "mystery" team was always the creation of the agent to build leverage. Turns out, the "mystery" team was very real.

It was the Philadelphia Phillies, the team that traded Lee to the Seattle Mariners last winter. By some accounts, the Cliff and his family "loved" Philadelphia and were sad to go in the first place. Now they're back.

Reason No. 2 we're not all that sad is that Lee didn't go for the most number of years or some insane amount of money. Seems like he kind of went with his heart. And if you listen to your heart, you can never lose.

The deal is worth $120 million over five years with a vesting option for $27 million for a sixth year should Lee pitch 200 innings in 2015 or 400 innings in 2014-2015.

Yes, the money helped. But we were always told that Lee wanted years, not cash. He wound up with less years (if the Rangers and Yankees were, indeed, offering seven years) and a bit more money in a city that they apparently love.

The Rangers could compete with as many years and dollars as they wanted. However, they were never going to compete with a family's affinity for a particular city or area.

Also, Lee probably doesn't mind missing out on the designated hitter for the final years of his career.

As for the Phillies, this solidifies their role as a World Series favorite. If Roy Oswalt is your No. 3 starter and Cole Hamels No. 4, it's World Series or bust.

For the Rangers, I feel like a great weight has been lifted off our shoulders. I also feel like a certain bullet has been dodged. A potential franchise-breaking contract like the one Lee wanted (or we thought he wanted) could have been the ruin of what was started last season. A bum back or shoulder could've caused a ripple effect that would've taken a decade to overcome again. That's not a place I wanted to go. Not with the light finally shining through.

The Rangers competed without Lee for half a season last year and I suspect they'll do the same without him this year. Remember, Colby Lewis beat the Yankees twice. The Rangers have a lot more options than some other teams and I think with this leadership they can still get better without Cliff Lee.

But whatever you do, do not sign Adrian Beltre!

Please, for the love of God, do not sign Adrian Beltre!

A strike ... at the Beltre

My heart sank this morning when I read a report that the Texas Rangers are "moving aggressively" on free agent third baseman Adrian Beltre.

Nothing could be worse news than that outside of a terrorist strike or the death of John Oates.

If the Rangers spend seven years and $150 million on Cliff Lee, I'll recover.

If they spend a dime and two days on Beltre, I might not.

What I don't understand is why teams don't see what I and every other baseball fan in the world sees.

ADRIAN BELTRE IS A CONTRACT-YEAR PLAYER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What don't teams understand. Look at the stats. It's as clear as the nose on your face!

Beltre's contract years:

2004
104 runs - 200 hits - 32 2B - 48 HR - 121 RBI - .334 avg. - 1.017 OPS

2010
84 runs - 189 hits - 49 2B - 28 HR - 102 RBI - .321 avg. - .919 OPS

Career Averages
70 runs - 145 hits - 30 2B - 21 HR - 77 RBI - .275 avg. - .791 OPS

What could be more clear? That the sky is blue? That water is wet?

Beltre is the classic and insanely maddening case of a player with an immense amount of talent that could give a shit about his career except when he's about to get paid.

I wouldn't have him on my team for free. Give me Mike Young's aged and inferior effort at third base and Vlad Guerrero's crazy baserunning at designated hitter over Beltre as a peanut vendor.

Friday night Cliff Lee thoughts and Brooklyn Decker

Who'd you rather look at right now? Cliff Lee or Brooklyn Decker?

Allegedly, a group consisting of Chuck Greenberg, money and contract men went to Arkansas to woo Cliff Lee.

They offered him a deal with an assortment of perks. Sounds like Lee can Souper Salad whatever he wants in the deal.

Whether that includes a seventh year is not clear. I was under the impression that the Rangers were going to buckle under the pressure of delivering Lee to its fans no matter the price or commitment.

Then I heard Greenberg interviewed specifically stating that they wouldn't put the franchise in the same hole it was in referring to the Alex Rodriguez deal. Says to me that a seventh year isn't on the table.

Six years is too long for me. Seventh is right out. How about five, $25 million per and Tommy Hunter as his permanent hunting partner?

MLB scuttlebutt

Hopefully the smartest and loudest man in the room

The Boston Red Sox threw seven years and $142 million at Carl Crawford. I tend to think he's kind of worth it although it would probably cause a third testicle to drop if the Rangers did that. It was rumored the Rangers probably did have talks with Crawford although I'm sure they shook hands with the agent and told him to have a nice day after the price tag was revealed.

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The New York Yankees are going to seven years for Cliff Lee. If I'm the Rangers, I offer my five years, the proximity to Arkansas and the fact that we don't spit on wives and leave to Lee. When and if he goes to New York, I regroup and move on.

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What do the Rangers say when they publicly come out to say they aren't shopping Michael Young, but then credible baseball writers are saying they are? There's been apparent talks with the California Angeles, Los Angeles Dodgers, St. Louis Cardinals and Colorado Rockies.

This, as everyone is agreeing, is a money thing. Freeing up Young's contract would give them more leeway to turn to free agent options.

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The Rule 5 Draft was held. No Rangers prospects were taken, although I think many of the candidates (Tanner Roark, Blake Beavan, Evan Reed, Tim Smith, etc.) had been used in trades the last two years.

The Rangers did grab three names, which I believe must be put on the 40-man roster or they go back to the original team. Or something like that.

The last high-profile Rule 5 pick for the Rangers was Warner Madrigal two years ago.

Mason Tobin - RHP
The 6-4, 220-pounder is 23 years old and hasn't pitched above High A. He sat out 2010 with Tommy John surgery. He hasn't thrown more than 40 professional innings since he was 19. He'll apparently get a shot at a relief spot.

Jessie Fausto Mier - C
He'll be 26 before the season starts. He'll provide some catching depth in the organization, which is sort of in flux right now.

Starling De La Rosa - LHP
Skinny (6-5, 159) Dominican entering just his third professional season in the states. He jumped from the Rookie League to High A last season. Struggled as of late, but showed some high strikeout rates before. Joins the Rangers' growing cadre of "De La Rosas" along with Miguel, Leonel and Ovispo.

Cliff Lee's latest

Fair-Lee expensive

Apparently, Cliff Lee will make a decision (considering every other free agent is waiting for him to decide as are teams looking to trade players) this weekend.

The New York Yankees have allegedly put a six-year, $130-140 million deal on the table. As we've always known, the issue ain't the money, it's the years.

Lee wants as many as he can get. At his age, 32, teams are wont to actually do that. Smart teams, at least.

Rangers president Nolan Ryan has stated that he expects the Rangers to match the six years. He's also avoiding an auction by approaching Lee and his agent and asking exactly what it will take to put him in a Rangers uniform for the next decade.

Still, it seems Ryan is prepared to get into a pissing match with the New York Yankees and, frankly, that's not good. That's how franchises are pushed back 10 years of paying off debt, trading insane contracts for 50 cents on the dollar and having to reboot because you thought Lee's shit smelled like roses.

We've seen it with Alex Rodriguez and Chan Ho Park. Aren't we still paying off A-Rod?

Tim Cowlishaw's strategy of just outbidding the Yankees to outbid the Yankees doesn't work and it has never worked. Trying to match dollar for dollar doesn't mean you're spending intelligently. For all the cash the Yanks have thrown around, they have one World Series in the last 10 years. Whereas, the Boston Red Sox have spent plenty, but with a bit more thought and foresight. No, they haven't always won and gotten to the playoffs, but they've always had their eye on two, three or five years in the future before throwing cash at someone. The Rangers would be smart to do the same.