FanPost

Why I would pick up Livan Hernandez

No, Livan he is not a great pitcher, but the Rangers merely require average pitching to get the job done. Livan could be used to AT LEAST settle the rotation down and give the bullpen a little easier time. Sure it would be cheaper to wait for him to clear waivers, but then all the contenders can grab him. If the Rangers pick up Hernandez off waivers, his contract was only $5 million plus $2 million worth of incentives. That is a small price to pay for an innings-eater starter with post-season experience.

I would have no problem with a Padilla, Harrison, Hernandez, Mendoza, Millwood/Hunter rotation the rest of the way. Put Feldman in the bullpen along with Nippert, Hurley and Mathis when he returns. Get rid of Jamey Wright and send Madrigal down to Frisco for some AA playoff experience. Use a committee approach of Wilson, Francisco and Guardado to close out games.

Hernandez, 33, was 10-8 with a 5.48 ERA with the Twins, averaging almost exactly six innings in his 23 starts; he had allowed 199 hits in 139.2 innings, with 29 walks and 54 strikeouts.

Other than giving up too many hits and 25 HRs a year, he has pitched 200 innings for ten straight years and would make it 11 if plugged in for the wild card run. He has always been about a 2 for 1 K/BB ratio which is fine. He has a career ERA of 4.32. Anything under 4.50 will be fine for the Rangers of right now.

PLUS... He is 6-3 with a 3.97 ERA in nine post-season series in his career.

This is just an opinion, but it seems like the Yankees and White Sox are vulnerable. So lets give them a run for their money and have a fun final seven weeks!