Self-fellation.

Of this:

First of all, I think the Rangers are pretty well committed to moving Michael Young to third base this offseason.

if our goal is to start seriously competing for the playoffs is 2010, why not just wait and let Andrus take over then and keep the prospects for something else, like say…starting pitching?

Is a quality starting pitcher, and the SS-A kids are too far away, what prospects would you assign, if you could? Sure Hardy would fit nicely in the scenario given, but doesn’t that train pull up short at the pitchers only station?

Are you suggesting Salty or Max, plus a young arm like Font or NeRa, for J.J. Hardy?

With the ridiculous glut of middle infield prospects in our farm system, I just cannot see the justification of using a bullet as valuable as Salty or Max, PLUS an intriguing young arm, for two years of J.J. Hardy. I read on yesterday’s minor league fanpost that a scout believed Andrus could be major league ready by next year’s all-star break. Granted, he will most likely struggle at first, but still. I think our young catchers have to be leveraged for pitching. I hate to be closed minded, but this team will NEVER SERIOUSLY COMPETE until our pitching is fixed.

I’d rather they just get a stopgap at SS and leverage their catcher situation for an upgrade to the rotation if possible. It could work, though, if they manage to sign a Sabathia or Sheets first. I like it from a standpoint of making the infield better. It makes you better at bat and in the field on the left side.

There are risks though in signing a free agent pitcher, in dollars, the number of years it would take to close the deal, declining skills, and health concerns…

What is the big deal with Young at SS. Is he that terrible? This is stupid, we have an all star SS who can get by there for the next 2-3 years and we have a top prospect who is 2-3 years away.

Hey but I have a GOOD idea, How about put that package together for a PITCHER

Just because the Rangers want Michael Young to move to 3B, doesn’t mean he will.

Him accepting moving to 3B will mean he is accepting that he is not good enough…....and MY will never admit that.

That allows the Rangers to significantly upgrade their infield defense without really taking a hit offensively, and without mortgaging the future.

Umm… if you’re trading them one of our top young catchers plus an arm for a guy you don’t plan on having here past 2010… yeah, that is kind of mortgaging your future just a little bit.

This is an intersting idea, but I’m just not willing to give up any high-quality young players for a 2-year rental shortstop. Maybe if they wanted to swap some major league players, like Maybe Millwood + Laird for Hardy though.

What I’m really having trouble with though, is why the Brewers would do this. What exactly are they doing as an organization, anyway? They’re about to trade off their #1 prospect for CC Sabathia, yet they’re willing to give up their starting shortstop? Something doesn’t add up there.

I think you sign a stopgap until Andrus is ready. While I understand Hardy’s allure, it just doesn’t make sense to me to trade big pieces of the farm system to fill a position that is essentially already filled. Or, at worst, you keep Young at SS and a Vazquez/Metcalf platoon at 3B. I just don’t think trading for a shortstop is the move.

Can you share the source for your defensive metrics? I’ve never found active +/- available online.

Unspoken in your stop-gap formula is what can be acquired for Hardy when he exits the season. Are you assuming getting back similar value to Salty/NeRa in a 2010 trade of Hardy?

if he’s approached about it in the right way. Even Ripken moved to 3B for the good of his team. It’s not like Texas is asking him to do something unheard of.

I’ll pass on Hardy…I’d rather sign a similar player as a free agent without giving up any prospects.