O what a tangled 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 ...
