Posted: Mon Jul 31, 2006 6:27 pm
Big fan of Melvin when he was in TX. After all, he produced the first AL Divisional flags in team history while I was there (team Hicks also brought a Stanley Cup...but that's another story...) They were very good teams, but had the misfortune of running into the Yankees at the peak of their dynasty. Cordero has shown signs of excellence...but that was two years ago, hence the Rangers inking him to big $$$. But he totally flopped early this season and is now a mere setup man. Who knows, he could find it again...but once closers lose it, they rarely get it back. Nix? He was spending time in the minors since Gary Matthews has become a force. Guys like him are littered all over major and minor league rosters. Mench? Had a streak of homers in seven consecutive games. Not much else there.......er......although he is a BIG hockey fan. Gotta' love that. So I don't think the Rangers gave up too much.....OR....I don't think the Brewers got a whole lot. Cordero likely has the most upside. I think Carlos Lee is a free agent after this year and who knows if the Rangers can keep him. At least the Rangers front office is doing something to improve a very average club in a very average division. A bone thrown to the players and fans who were critical of management last year for making zero moves to mprove.Shoalzie wrote:The Rangers add the best RBI bat that was available...but at a steep price.
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2532418
The Brewers did a kickass job in adding quality players when they unloaded Sexson to Arizona...Chris Capuano was part of the deal and is one the best lefties in the NL. This trade is very comparable. For a potential free agent, they are able to pick up three quality major leaguers. Mench can almost replace Lee's power, Nix is a guy who could start in the outfield if they intend on trading away Brady Clark and Cordero could be the closer with Turnbow hitting the skids lately and he could moved in another deal before the 31st. Brilliant work again by Doug Melvin. He deals one every day player...albeit an elite player and run-producer...for three guys who can help you now instead of A or AA prospects that might not pan out.
From the Rangers standpoint, the middle of the order gets tougher and Mench, Nix and Cordero were expendable. Otsuka is the closer now and Mench and Nix didn't play every day but were quality contributors. I'd call this win-win barring the Rangers being able to re-sign Lee beyond this year.
