Texas Rangers - They are going to be sorry

It's 5 years, the 6th is an option if he meets performance levels. Time will tell. I think it will work out well for Texas.

Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it.

History repeats itself, first as tragedy, second as farce.

I wouldn't say he "stinks" after signing the big contract, I'd qualify it and say his hitting stinks every year after signing the big contract. His defense is usually solid year in and year out.

But playing in Texas...not exactly a RHH type of ball park. His power numbers will certainly drop HR's and doubles. Average will take a hit as well. But i'd expect he'd do better in Texas then he did in Seattle this go around.

I wish him all the best as he gave the Sox a great season last year.

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Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it.

History repeats itself, first as tragedy, second as farce.

Time will tell. Those that are afraid of what history and others say will never achieve anything either. Just ask Warren Buffet, or Bill Gates, or Henry Ford, etc.

Texas is actually a hitter's park so while I don't see Beltre hitting .321 again, I feel the Hr power could stay the same with a still respecable .280 average. Feeling he's part of a winning team might help him stay focused while the offensive burden is not on his shoulders alone by any means. The main thing is that he is arguably the best fielding third baseman in baseball. The pitchers should really benefit from the defensive wall on the left side of the infield. Truthfully Young was a statue at third base. Several balls in the playoffs went right by him before he could react or he just waved at them. I think everybody should have seen this. This move allows them to keep young as a super utility guy and DH who will play 2nd, 3rd or SS anytime there's an injury or someone needs a rest. Personally, I think Vlad was exposed as a slowing down offensive player not only in the playoffs but the whole last third of the season. And we don't even want to get into his defense. Young as DH and super utility greatly increases flexibility in the lineup, keeps a great clubhouse leader and popular player. His lack of selfishness sets a real example as he tasted the World Series and he'll do what it takes to reach it again. Texas has the money so while this is an expensive acquisition, if they get three solid years out of the guaranteed five I think it will lead to deep playoff runs.

Love your points 3-Bagger. The BP in Arlington can be great for righties because the ball flies out to center and the home bullpen in right-center. Knowing you can get carry to the opposite field- helps many righties stay back and have good at bats. And if you center the ball, LF gives up home runs as well. I worry a bit about his production being better in contract years, but like the gamble. It's not my money on the line. Also, I hope the Rangers aren't done. Still need an arm. Moreland, Chris Davis or Kinsler (let Young go back to 2B) for Garza maybe? I'll bet Young could still play 2B. Range and arm weren't his problems at 3B. Reaction time was. Let Kinsler go hit his fly balls elsewhere.

Good points also Swami, and Beltre is known for having power to right center. The only problem with keeping Young over Kinsler is the large age difference. The possibility does exist that Young might be used as trade bait and that IS another option. Actually in 2009, Beltre was in a contract year and had a bad year, so I think we're over stating the deal about his contract years, although many guys do get pumped up and work harder that year when the big paycheck is in sight. I wouldn't worry about that so much. He may have matured and become more professional as he's aged. Like you said though its a good gamble.

He's had 2 good offensive years and they were both contract years.

That's not exactly right, as Beltre had two outstanding years in 2004 and 2010, a couple of contract years but had good years in 2000, 2006, 2007, and 2008 that most teams would have taken from their third basemen. The Texas pitching staff will improve just by him making plays that Young can't dream about making at third.

Michael Young will now be the Rangers Omar Visquel, with the added DH to get his AB's in. It's a small token of thanks for making the moves for the betterment of the team. He is a great leader and presence in the locker room. No moves to trade him will happen, if it even does until spring training. He does not possess the range of either Kinsler or Andrus that's why the move to third was his only option or be traded. He wanted the trade but then was convinced that the team was committed in bringing in pitching to make a run and it all worked. Only time will tell if he accepts his diminished role or if he requests a trade before opening day.

I think Young will play a role similiar to Tony Philips with Detroit and other teams in the 1980's and 1990's and Chone Figgins with Anaheim, where he gets 500 to 600 AB's even though he constantly plays different positions as injuries and rest periods call for. His bat will still play at any position except maybe as a first base regular.

Is .275, 23, 75 worth 16M a year? These numbers are his season averages.

No, that production is not worth 16M a year. While I agree the contract is too high, I think the team is improved with both him and Young instead of Young and Vlad.

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No, that production is not worth 16M a year. While I agree the contract is too high, I think the team is improved with both him and Young instead of Young and Vlad.

I totally agree with that statement. What I'd like to better understand is what the Rangers THINK they are getting. Beltre can play 3rd base, and I think he has proven that year after year. I do not think he proven himself as a proven productive, and consistent hitter. The article I read in the paper has him batting fourth. I just don't see that at this time. I wish him well, as he was solid with the Red Sox last year, and carried them through some tough spells with all the injuries. He is a very good player, just not elite yet.

Beltre's a 2 time gold glover who has a career at .275 (>.300 in Arlington), 23, 75 $16M a year.

Doesn't seem so bad compared to say, Adam Dunn .250, 35, 88 for $14M a year.

There certainly is a question as to whether any human being is worth $96M, for anything, however I have always had a hard time actually saying a "major league" ball player stinks, regardless of his stats. With all due respect.

It's actually 5 years, $80m as the final year is cancellable at the Ranger's option if ABs are not there the last year/2 years (ABs won't be there if performance isn't).

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however I have always had a hard time actually saying a "major league" ball player stinks, regardless of his stats.

Try being a Royals fan for the past 20 years.