Yu Darvish

It figures , hope the guy stinks after they pay millions for him

I find it interesting that they didn't pursue Wilson, who has been established in Texas, but are set to throw much more money at Darvish, who has never thrown a pitch in the Major Leagues. It obviously remains to be seen if this is a good decision or not, but just an interesting observation from an outsider looking in.

I bet that puzzled CJ Wilson too... good point JH.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Its puzzling to many, why they are throwing twice the amount the offered CJ Wilson.

It is my understanding they scouted him extensively and like what they see.

Sounds like the biggest factor for the Rangers was while unproven he is only 25 and six years younger than Wilson.

If they get a deal done they likely will move another of the five pitchers.

You can argue that the Blake Beavens(?) trade with Seattle was a miss by Rangers, but all and all Jon Daniels has been pretty spot on so far. With that said this is a big one.

It's not that puzzling on Wilson. Wilson didn't earn the money he was asking for and was not well liked in the locker room either. You notice no one in the clubhouse expressed dissapointment at his leaving....it speaks volumes.

On beavans, how would you consider that a miss? They held him as untouchable forever until they had a chance to get Lee. You don't get a Lee for nothing.

Say what you will about the Rangers, but their front office has proven they know talent and can manage it. The Rangers are soon to be in a better position this year than they were in either of the past two. Daniels and Ryan know what they are doing.

Darvish has a MUCH higher ceiling than Wilson. Wilson also failed time after time on baseball's biggest stage. That is part of the reason NY and Boston did not pursue him too much. Wilson has already had arm problems in the past. All of these things add up. Wilson is NOT a No.1 pitcher, more of a number two and with any decline at all, a three or four. The Angels vastly overpaid for him.

Because CJ Wilson cant win a ballgame when it counts....thats why the rangers didn't want him. Isn't that why they pay him? Because he chokes when it matters the most. Two years in a row hes choked in the WS. He is the first guy in MLB history to not win a game in the ALDS,ALCS,and WS. Think about that for a minute. They know what they are getting out of CJ, and they think they can get much more obviously out of yu.

One other huge factor--Darvish is 25 while Wilson is 31. You all know this is huge in baseball terms. Wilson may actually be starting his decline phase. Also for the last 3 to 4 years Texas has done everything right while the Angels have made one Knuckleheaded trade or signing after another. Kind of coincides with the term of Daniels and Ryan working in tandem. Even the way the Angels are using Trout is not too smart and he was one of the top two prospects in all the minor leagues.

I don't disagree with any of the above. However, Darvish will cost the Rangers more than $100 million when it's all said and done. I understand the aspect of talent pertaining to what they've seen with him, but that's a whole lot of money for a player that has never played at this level. Wilson, despite everything listed above being true, has still had success in the Major Leagues, and is cheaper than Darvish.

I could be wrong, and Darvish could come in and win Cy Young Awards. But skepticism is present to me when there's so much money involved.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Tx-Husker:
On beavans, how would you consider that a miss? They held him as untouchable forever until they had a chance to get Lee. You don't get a Lee for nothing.

QUOTE]

Personally I don't think it was. Just think it is the only move that others might argue was a miss.

I wholeheartedly agree that the Rangers are in great shape with Daniels and Ryan at the helm.

It's a valid point JH...and I'm sure it was discussed at length. Ultimately it comes down to Ryan's assessment of the two pitchers. You can clearly see what he thinks of both. I'm a believer in Ryan's ability to assess pitchers.

Ryan is trying to create a BRAND in Texas and must spend, market to do so. How many extra fans bought season tickets and or game to watch Wilson pitch?

How many might buy and come to the ballpark to see Darvish pitch?

As am I. He's implemented several aspects of training that have proven to be successful as well. Certainly a huge bright spot for an organization that was left as a disaster by the Hicks/Hart regime. Take my opinions for what they are, a Devil's Advocate sort of approach that probably doesn't hold water because of their experience and scouting resources, and my lack of all of the above.

As a Nationals fan, I was glad the team passed on Wilson. Too old to help the team after the younger pitchers get going in a couple of years. He also has a lot of walks. I think the Angels realy overpaid.

I will be curious ot see how the impact of signing Darvish has on the rest of the league. With the Nationals having Strasburg & Zimmerman having to be resigned in the future, I see the price tag going a little higher today.

Also, I would trust Nolan Ryan's assessment of pitchers over all other owners in the game.

With the Red Sox signing of Dice-K what they didn't get in on the mound productivity was more than offset by the interest and revenue generated in the Japanese market. DOn't forget this are businesses trying to make money.

That aside, how many Cuban or Japanese phenoms have signed for millions and actually provided return on investment on the field commensurate with the money spent?

Forming a major league roster certainly involves risk in the way revenue is allocated for talent. Taking Darvish IS a risk but a highly calculated and intelligent risk in my book. There are not that many number one level pitchers out there and when they are avaiable, they cost mega-money as did Sabathia and Lee. Even if the chance to acquire one while he is at the top of his game occurs, it would require gutting a franchise's minor league system if they even have the level of talent to interest the team trading the ace. This is what makes acquiring King Felix so prohibitive. Darvish has not been worked especially hard in innings pitched although Japanese training methods are quite different so he will have to make an adjustment.

I forgot that Darvish is half Iranian, so we are going to insidiously undermine the Iranian leadership's hatred toward the US and point it in the direction of where it really should be-- towards the New York Yankees as they all become Rangers fans.

You think the buzz is getting big now, wait to see how much it generates if he actually signs in the next 30 days. If he does, the hype and speculation will go through the roof in anticipation leading up to opening day.