I know you've mentioned before, Adam, but yeah I think Laird gets dealt this winter.

He's still just 27, he's got value and ML experience, there are some signs he doesn't get along great with Wash, and everyone's howling for Jarrod to catch in order to really pay off.

It's a break-in period for Saltalamacchia as much as for Botts and Cruz.

I am kind of with LeBreton on this.  While I don't think Tex can be blamed entirely for the Rangers' poor results while he was there, I also don't think he can be entirely excused.  He was often a slow starter and he is not the type of hitter who improves an entire lineup a la Bonds in the day, Pujols, ARod et al(which is how he expects to be paid).  I am sad that the player is gone but I won't miss the person one bit.  I think it is best he is in a situation where there are other clubhouse leaders and he can just play first and cash his checks b/c I think that is really all he is interested in doing.

more of a coach than a player for the rest of the season.  I would just rather not see him start another game.

Anyone think that they are trying to strech out CJ so he can get a few starts before the end of the year?  I know that with Hafner coming up in the 9th it made sense to stick with the lefty, but the decision to leave him in for more than one inning could have been two fold.  It helped them win the game and it served the purpose of stretching him out for a future rotation shot.

JD has managed to bring some credibility back to Hicks' public image, bring in a player that many consider a budding star, and bring in some first-round talent.  Pretty good.

Anyone have an idea on how long the Rangers control all of these new prospects?

good luck mark.

Yeah.. like this guy was ever going to sign in Texas... I haven't seen him this happy in years...

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/photo;_ylt=ArScp1QPyfrV7HhbUiN5Kzy4u7YF?slug=9a1a17ef1ac548d18a97fb1dd25 4c550.astros_braves_baseball_gags108&prov=ap

Grant Section: Why is Melhuse still here?  Laird has done everything asked of him.  He kept his mouth shut all last year while splitting time with Ol'Popup.  He has focused on his game calling.  He has laid down perfect bunts all year and leads the AL by throwing out 40% of the steal attempts.  Sure his offensive numbers are down, but according to his boss, R. Washington, that is because Laird is doing what was asked of him.  Laird can play some first base or in the outfield.  I just don't think Laird should lose at bats because he has worked so hard at catching a good game (according to Ron Washington).

Rosenthal: Maybe if Rosenthal and others would shut up about the way Hicks spends his money then Hicks would shut up as well.  This is a problem I see in our culture.  It is always the guy that is trying to defend himself that get rips to shreds for opening his mouth.  The media should comment on how Hicks spends the teams money, but Hicks should be able to defend his actions without being told to shut up.  If Teixeira had not falsely accused the Rangers of not trying to resign him then I doubt Hicks would have ever said something.  If the offer was so ridiculous, then Teixeira would have said, "Yeah they made me an offer, but it was only 140 mil for 8 years.  That's not even close, so I ended negotiations."  He didn't, however, because he would have looked like an ass (pardon the language).  So he told a bold face lie.  Hicks called him out on it, after he was traded.

LeBreton Section:  I think he is right on except for one thing.  This statement, "Teixeira isn't as good as first basemen Albert Pujols, Ryan Howard, Prince Fielder, Derek Lee, Lance Berkman or even Carlos Delgado," ignores two important details.  First off it ignores the defensive skills of the players.  Defensive only, I would put Teixeira at the top of the list.  The other detail that he has ignored is the difference in pitching between the two leagues.  I couldn't find current interleague statistics (I would love a link if you got one), but I think Teixeira could rank higher than all of those guys except Pujols given a full season against the weak national league pitching.  As for overall, I would put Teixeira in the second or third spot on this list.

Howdy.

Don't forget how the last big name Boras client treated the Astros - Carlos Beltran.

It's fairly obvious by now that Teixeira didn't intend to call Arlington his permanent home.  All he would have done is used them for leverage against a Brand Name club back east after the arbitration deadline, thus torpedoing Texas's chances to even pick up some quality draft picks out of it.

Just like Carlos Beltran did.