Slowey poke 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.
