Before we get going on the Vlad story, I have a new blog for all of you to check out when you visit the Corner. It's called Sports Chump and it covers the major topics in sports. I would definitely suggest reading the story on the coaches who all lost their jobs because of their physical attitude towards players, hell of a read.
There was a mild baseball story last night that I think is a bigger story than people believe. Vladimir Guerrero signed a one-year deal with the Texas Rangers. I feel this is a smart move by the brass in Arlington because Guerrero is a hell of a designated hitter option and gives them an upgrade on defense once in awhile.
Since the Angels have dismantled somewhat losing John Lackey to Boston and Chone Figgins to Seattle plus a perplexing signing of Hideki Matsui and now losing Guerrero. People would be right to assume that the AL West is wide open. The Rangers went 87-75 finishing second in the AL West and were in the Wild Card hunt until the last couple of weeks.
Despite being somewhat injury-prone year last year, Guerrero hit near .300 with 15 homers and still played in 100 games. With the Rangers doing the one year deal, that means that they do not have much stock put into what Vlad might do this year, yet if he has a huge year, it will be a great success. I believe he still has some in the tank when it comes to the offensive end and maybe, he doesn't have the same speed to cover the field yet he has a cannon of an arm.
The other thing about the Rangers is they are a very young team who will continue to get better in the next couple of years. Sometimes adding that key veteran free agent can be the difference from finishing just out of the playoff hunt to making the playoffs and possibly some noise when there. In my opinion, they might still be a year away with some uncertainty with their young pitching but if they get that together, the Rangers may contend for AL West.
-Charlie
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