So what’s next for the Rangers?

We all know the Rangers won the negotiating rights for…Yu guessed it…Yu Darvish (Sorry, I had to get my Yu pun in for the day). And if signed (fingers crossed), the Rangers rotation will be complete heading into spring training. I cross my fingers again.

But what happens now? Do the Rangers add bullpen depth by trading for a reliever? There are still rumors floating around about the Rangers and Andrew Bailey. Take it for what it is worth though; the Rangers appear to be in about every trade rumor thrown out. But the thought of having Bailey, Mike Adams, Scott Feldman, etc… throwing in front of Joe Nathan sounds pretty darn good to me. And if Nathan goes down, in-house options will exist – like Bailey.

A big question the Rangers must ask themselves if they really are interested in Bailey is…Is the price tag more expensive now, or will it be more expensive when the Rangers are in the middle of a pennant race and the bullpen needs bolstered?

How about Prince Fielder? I’m not sold on Mitch Moreland as an everyday first baseman, and I don’t think the Rangers are either. Heck, he may not even be ready for the season opener and wrist injuries are not always easy to make go away…unless you’re a machine…I’m looking at you, Mr. Pujols.

Sure, Mike Young and Nap Nap can definitely provide stability and firepower at first, but why not lock down a chubby Fielder for the next six, seven, or eight years? Can you imagine a lineup with Josh Hamilton and Adrian Beltre enjoying a Prince sandwich? The Rangers would have to rename Home Run Porch, Prince’s Porch.

Ok, maybe I have a man crush on Fielder, but who wouldn’t. Check out this video to get your man crush started:

And while I’m still dreaming, I would like to offer this slogan for Team Ryan-Daniels…Go for Garza!

Doesn’t Nolan look like he’s in stealth mode? I think so. Or is that his blue steel look?

No really. Go for Garza! You can never have enough starting pitching in this league. Ask the Phillies. Ask the Rangers. Anyone recall a shaky Matt Harrison starting game seven? Would Harry be your choice to pitch the most important game of your franchise’s history? Nothing against the guy, I like him a lot. I just would have rather had someone with a little more experience starting game seven.

And as for Neftali Feliz starting, I would imagine the Rangers are penciling him in as their number four or five. But what experience do we have to go by that says he’ll be a productive number four or five? Spring training last year? Minor leagues? Go for Garza! Let’s get this over with.

My guess is the Rangers stand pat and head into spring training with the roster they currently have, and I’m okay with that. But you never know with Jon Daniels and Nolan Ryan because they always operate in the stealth mode. And I’m okay with that too…but a Ranger fan can always dream.