Nick Punto: Who wouldn't like this guy? The Texas Rangers have new owners and, allegedly, a new piggy bank to play with. We'll see about that. Talking about spending and actually spending are two different things.
With that said, the Rangers have holes and needs and there are guys I think the Rangers should target.
One sidenote: Any idiot that wants them to go after Adrian Beltre is ... well, an idiot. He's had two fantastic years. He was playing for a contract both years. Avoid, avoid, avoid.
These are they:
10. Grant Balfour
RHP - Tampa Bay Rays
Balfour's put together two really good seasons in his last three with Tampa. A righty, he is good against lefties, but he's devastating against righties. He strikes guys out and walks very few. He can pitch in just about every and any situation and not think about it. He's your eighth inning guy. Will be 33 at the start of the 2011 season.
9. Nick Punto
IF - Minnesota Twins
Those Twins are always pesky, and guys like Punto are the reason. He'll never win a batting title or home run derby. He will prove valuable for any team that'll have him. He can play third, second and shortstop. He's even worked in the outfield in his career. He has gap power at best. Still, he's what the Rangers need. He works walks, is OK coming off the bench, starting or serving whatever purpose.
8. Jon Garland
SP - San Diego Padres
It's amazing to me that Garland can't find a home. He's won 131 games in this league including two 18-win seasons under his belt. Since, he's been with three different teams. Why he's not someone's No. 5 starter shocks me. It's probably the large amount of walks and lack of strikeouts. Still, he gets double-digit wins no matter what. In a pitcher's park, he posted a 3.47 ERA with 14 wins.
7. Joaquin Benoit
RHP - Tampa Bay Rays
Jack Benoit has shown that, when healthy, he's a dominant force. His year after the Rangers dumped him resulted in a dominating season where he posted a 1.34 ERA, a .63 WHIP and nine total earned runs in 60 innings. He's a known force. Injuries are an issue and so could price. Still, if you want an eighth inning guy, he's it.
6. Brandon Webb
RHP - Arizona Diamondbacks
A guy that's been on Rangers' fans' radars for a while because of his silly groundball-fly out ratio, a stat that we coorelate with pitching successfully at the Ballpark. Finally, he's free. Unfortunately, it's under inauspicious circumstances. Webb's started one game in 2009 and 2010. He's apparently healthy. The Rangers are the kings of the project. They've revived the careers of Vlad Guerrero, Kenny Lofton, Eric Gagne, Milton Bradley, Colby Lewis and Marlon Byrd. Webb will be cheap. Is he worth the risk and time?
5. Miguel Olivo
C - Colorado Rockies
Solid backstop. Will turn 33 in July. Good for a reasonable average along with double-digit doubles and home runs. Appears to catch well with decent defense and the Rockies of the past several years have had some really good pitchers. But I don't watch Rockies baseball enough to know a whole lot.
4. Jorge De La Rosa
SP - Colorado Rockies
Was primed for a break-out 2010 after posting a 16-9 record and a 4.38 ERA. Instead, spent much of 2010 on the disabled list, winning just eight games. He's 29 and will be 30 at the start of the new season. He strikes many out and walks a proportionate amount. An injury risk and a guy that's been three clubs already.
3. Paul Konerko
1B/DH - Chicago White Sox
A huge chip. He's 35 when the season starts, but he's coming off a huge year with 39 homers and 30 RBI. Konerko takes care of several problems. For one, he's in the five-hole protecting Josh Hamilton. Two, he's solidifying the DH and first base spot. Three, he brings a veteran leadership and a dependable bat.
2. Jayson Werth
OF - Philadelphia Phillies
I think it's slim pickings in the outfield in free agency. Werth is the best option and I'm not in love with him. A late bloomer, Werth's developed a penchant for power. He strikes out and walks a lot and that drives up his OBP. He's not a guy I would put fifth in the batting order to protect Hamilton. Considering the existing players, he'd maybe go sixth or seventh. I'm not in love with Werth. But I wouldn't hate him.
1. Cliff Lee
SP - Texas Rangers
Goes without saying.
