on his web site?  I thought he did a great job of breaking down this team and the risks involved.  I mean the way i see it is "would you have wanted Johnny Boy to trade Hurley for Hamilton or another high prospect like Hurley?"  While everyone loves the whole Holliday part duex I think we should be real happy that we got a potential number 3-5 hitter playing a premium position and for dirt cheap(money wise).  Yes we did give up a signifacant part to this teams future, but we obtained an even greater piece, just as long as Hamilton doesn't flame out.

I left a comment there yesterday saying that he was outdated in his view of the Rangers.  He's normally pretty spot on, must not be paying attention to the Rangers system that much.

The more I think about this trade, the more excited I am about the possibilities (even as I cross my fingers for the injury risk, let alone his history).  When is the last time the Rangers had a CF with this kind of potential?  If Hamilton remains healthy all year how many CFers will outproduce him?

sure has won a lot since TO left...

"Volquez still doesn't have an average breaking ball and it seems likely that at this point, he never will, in which case, he's much more likely to end up in the bullpen. If he's going to be a starter long-term, it's hard to envision him as more than a fourth starter because of the lack of a third pitch, although he could be an excellent short reliever with that two-pitch repertoire because he won't have the large platoon split so many short relievers have."

Hamilton has his risks but we sold high on Volquez and Law supports the fact that he may not hit his cieling.

per Jamey Newberg, according to the Jim Reeves article today in the FWST, Narron has been hired to do what he did for the Reds, run video, do some scouting, assist Jaramillo, but mostly be a friend and mentor to Josh Hamilton.

Smart move.

He updated his blog - doing the family/holiday thang back in Cali - getting his tossing done off the wall at the elementary school across the street.  Here's his take on the trade:

I actually like the trade for the organization- Hamilton is the toolsiest OF we've ever had. Back in '99 when he was a pitcher as a side job in high school, homeboy could throw 94 mph according the Baseball America. He's also got ridiculous power- and anyone who hits balls I don't have to chase in batting practice is cool by me. I know that Hank Blalock might be bummed out because Hamilton is covered in tattoos, so that means he's gonna have to step up his game and get ink on his neck or rib cage to compete. This trade will also be good for Jason Botts- because him and Hamilton are similar sizes (yes botts you're taller and probably way better at guitar hero) but having another behemoth around will speed up his development.

Certainly Volquez is a big time talent, but the problem here in texas has been finding consistent starters, not guys that have good stuff...we've got a lot of guys now have good stuff. I like Edinson personally, but I'll guess he's really happy to get a fresh start, and a new chance. Plus national league teams have no DH- so that dude gets to try and score for himself which is always cool.

http://cjwilson.mlblogs.com/my_weblog/