Richard Durrett

  (2:33 PM)

Hello, everyone. Let's talk some Rangers baseball on this Thursday (a good day for baseball...too bad it's not Game 7 of the World Series).

Chris Fiegler (Latham,NY)

What Texas Rangers Players will either get traded or will sign with other MLB Teams?

Richard Durrett

  (2:35 PM)

Hmm. Some options there. I would imagine the club will look at all possibilities to upgrade the team this offseason. That includes trades. I wonder what kind of value Chris Davis might have. He's still a young player with some upside that teams might take a chance on. Julio Borbon showed improvement this season, but if the value is right the club has enough in the OF where they might look at that (I'm not sure I'd trade him, but it would depend on the deal). I would not expect Scott Feldman to be moved with his contract, not to mention his value low at this point.

Darryl (Frisco)

The hardest thing to do is to return to the ultimate series/game, go ask the Mavericks. What do the Rangers have to improve to get there again? Which Free Agents should they seek (beside Lee). I say they need another bat and starter. Greinke in a trade if possible.

Richard Durrett

  (2:36 PM)

Greinke would be great if they can't get Lee, but you know it will cost major prospects to get him. And I'd be OK with that, by the way. They need to address catcher. If Bengie Molina isn't coming back, I like the idea of Matt Treanor as a backup. But who starts? Also, they have to have a viable backup option at first base. Mitch Moreland goes in as the starter, but they need a veteran backup. And then they have to decide on Guerrero. If he doesn't return, they need a big bat to help the middle of that lineup.

Jason (Dallas)

Hi Richard,I heard a couple of months ago that the Greenberg-Ryan group were looking at new uniforms for the Rangers in the near future. I believe they want to pick out a certain color scheme and a certain look and run with that from now on as opposed to changing uniforms every few years like they have been. Have you heard any truth to that?Thanks,Jason

Richard Durrett

  (2:37 PM)

I haven't, but I'll ask about it. I would think they'd want a more consistent look. But I am a fan of the white uniforms and I like the red when it's not worn too often.

Jeremy (Fort Worth, TX)

Since the Rangers declined the Vladd 9 mill option, what kind of offer do you think they'll make to Vladd?

Richard Durrett

  (2:38 PM)

Hard to say. It might be another one-year deal at a little less than that. But it may also depend on what Guerrero may get on the open market. We'll just have to see.

Ryan (Arlington)

Richard, Do the Rangers look at Grienke if they don't get Lee? I am hearing rumors of the team signing Beltre and moving Young to DH. Is this something that actually may happen?

Richard Durrett

  (2:39 PM)

I think it's too early to move Michael Young to DH. He just moved positions two years ago. Do I see him long-term at 3B? No. But I don't think he moves in 2011. That said, it would make sense later in his career. And I am a fan of Beltre. But I really don't think that's something that happens.

JR (Texas)

Who is the catcher Texas most likely pursues? John Buck, Victor Martinez or other?

Richard Durrett

  (2:40 PM)

If I'm the GM, I go after Buck. I think he's consistent, good at the plate and would be a good guy to have back there with Matt Treanor. But he's going to be someone several teams look at, so it's tough to know whether they can get him.

JR (Texas)

Would Texas be a good fit for Carl Crawford since they already have Left handers Murphy and Borbon?

Richard Durrett

  (2:41 PM)

I don't think so. And I've heard rumors the Yankees may go after him, especially if they don't get Lee.

Justin (Fort Worth)

For more balanced lineup, should Rangers go after Adam Dunn as oppose to Vlad? Dunn will be more expensive, but gives a second lefty power presence. Hamilton-Cruz-Dunn is a pretty good 3-4-5

Richard Durrett

  (2:42 PM)

I think it depends on the cost. I certainly don't mind Dunn, but I also think this club as a whole has plenty of left-handed hitters. Maybe I'm crazy, but I think Vlad has one more good year left in him. And I saw how he fit into the clubhouse. If they can get a deal with him that makes sense, I think that's what they should do.

Gio (Flores)

If the rangers can lock up Cliff Lee.You think the rangers have a chance to get another ace in a trade or free agent, or just another big player?

Richard Durrett

  (2:44 PM)

If they lock up Lee, they may opt for some trades to upgrade other areas. This ownership group will increase the budget, but it's not going to be the Yankees or the Red Sox. Cliff Lee alone really increases the budget, so I think they'd pursue trades. And they have the minor league system to do it. That said, Jon Daniels won't be giving up his entire farm system either. They'll be careful in how they do it. Timing will matter, too, just like it did this season. He made those moves in the summer with the team in first place in the hopes of helping them down the road. And some of those deals did (see Bengie Molina and Cliff Lee).

David (Fort Worth)

Will David Murphy Start in left field next season or does the rangers find someone else.

Richard Durrett

  (2:44 PM)

Or will Josh Hamilton get more starts in LF in 2011? Lots of things could happen out there. We'll wait and see.

Gio (Flores)

Whats up with the kid Mertin Perez?

Richard Durrett

  (2:46 PM)

He struggled after moving up in the system, but that's to be expected. He should be fine. He was 5-8 with a 5.96 ERA in Frisco this season. But scouts tell me he learned a lot and he'll get better. He's got high upside. He'll likely start at AA again and see how he does.

Bill (Lubbock)

Would the Rangers be interested in Thome as a DH/1st backup?

Richard Durrett

  (2:46 PM)

I think they'll look at all options, but the price has to be right. They won't overpay at that spot.

Jordan (S.)

Being that both cruz and hamilton were injured at various times during the season, would it be a good idea to move one of them to the dh and let someone like francoeur or murphy play full time?

Richard Durrett

  (2:47 PM)

I think both Cruz and Hamilton are too valuable in the OF. I'm fine with moving Hamilton to LF to protect his body some, but you need their arms and play out there. It seems wasted to me at DH.

John (Dallas)

Hey Rich - appreciate the up-to-date info 24/7. Here's a scenario for you. Sign Cliff Lee for 5 years/20 million per. Trade Hunter, Beltre, and a few throw-ins for Greinke. Pick up Victor Martinez for about 15 mil per. Jon Daniels for executive of the year?

Richard Durrett

  (2:47 PM)

Interesting thoughts, John. I'll pass them along to Daniels and his staff. :) If only making deals were that easy.

Gio (Flores)

What do you think will be the rangers pitching rotation in 2011?

Richard Durrett

  (2:49 PM)

I think the chances of re-signing Cliff Lee are 50-50. Those are much better odds than I would have given you when the playoffs started. He really had fun here and I think that gives Texas a shot. If they get him, it's Lee, Wilson, Lewis, Holland (yes, Holland) and TBD. I'd like to see Kirkman get a fair shot at it. But Hunter will be there too and others. We'll look at other free agent pitching options on the blog next week. But the market isn't great. It's why Lee should really cash in.

Jay (Dallas)

With the Rangers relative recent successes getting something out of "reclamation projects" like Bradley, Sosa, Gurrerro... any idea of bringing in Manny Ramirez? If we can get a good deal financially, I could see him stepping in where Vlad left off, and with a much more consistent bat.

Richard Durrett

  (2:52 PM)

Well, the Rangers kicked the tires in August on Manny by putting in a waiver claim. They didn't get him, of course. Sure, I'm interested if the money is right. And while the Rangers have struck out on some of those reclamation projects (Rich Harden), they've also hit the jackpot (Bradley, Sosa, Gagne, Guerrero). So they'll look at all of those options.

Bill (Lubbock)

Do you see the Rangers trying to lock down players like Hamilton, Cruz and Wilson to long term deals or will they stay with the arbitration process until they become free agents?

Richard Durrett

  (2:55 PM)

Good question. That's one of the big decisions they have to make. I would try to sign them to deals that at least go through the arbitration years. I know the worry on Hamilton with his health. But look at what the guy does when he's healthy.

John (Pecos, TX)

What are the chances that the Rangers re-sign Frank Fransisco and if they don't who are the best bullpen options on the market?

Richard Durrett

  (2:57 PM)

I think that depends on Francisco's health. He clearly had issues with that lat muscle late in the season and they'd have to be convinced he's healthy. Plus, he can test the market. Alexi Ogando with a year of experience is a viable option in the eighth, if you ask me. But they have to have confidence in him to do that.

Chuck (Jacksonville, NC)

I read a rumor of trading for Matt Cain are there any rumblings to that effect that you are hearing?

Richard Durrett

  (2:57 PM)

I haven't heard that. But I love the guy. No telling what that might cost in terms of prospects.

James (Fort Worth)

Richard, is resigning Cliff Lee and going after Grienke possible?

Richard Durrett

  (2:58 PM)

Sure. Both are possible. Some thought getting Lee in the first place wasn't possible. The Rangers still possess one of the top minor league systems in the majors. That means they have the pieces to make deals and can make better offers than most other teams. That gives them a chance at anyone.

Dennis (Irving)

Hey Richard! What a great season the Rangers had. If Clint Hurdle gets offered/takes the Pirates job, who do you think would be brought in there to be the new hitting coach?

Richard Durrett

  (3:00 PM)

I really don't know. They could look at the same group of finalists they had last time: Rusty Greer, Thad Bosley and Gerald Perry.

Steven (Troy)

What would it take to get Zach Greinke from KC? Would a Scheppers/Holland, Borbon/Moreland, Ross, and Font type package get it done?

Richard Durrett

  (3:01 PM)

It might. But that also might not be enough.

Kelly (Lubbock)

Do you think the Ranger's will re-sign Vlad and how seriously do you think they will pursue Victor Martinez?

Richard Durrett

  (3:02 PM)

I think they've got a great shot to re-sign Guerrero and they may pursue someone like Victor Martinez. Not sure what he would cost, but he's an option.

Chuck (Jacksonville, NC)

Catcher situation what about Oliva from teh Rockies? And exactly what would it take to get Greinke from the Royals? Would Davis, Feldman, and Teagarden work?

Richard Durrett

  (3:03 PM)

I'm not sure Olivia is the best option. And the Rangers would be laughed out of the room if that was the offer for Greinke.

Joaquin (austin,tx)

My main concern is that the Ragers will get in a bidding war with the Yamkees and pay too much for Cliff Lee.How much are the Rangers willing to pay for him? I hope is not the kind o foolish money they spend on Alex Rodriguez,no player is worth that much. This after all a team sport, one player can not win ny himself.f

Richard Durrett

  (3:04 PM)

They won't get into a bidding war. That's not how they'll handle it. They'll make a competitive offer and see if Lee will take it. There's a great chance the Yankee offer will be higher. But how much higher might determine whether Lee takes it or not. But I don't see this ownership group getting into a bidding war.

Bill (Lubbock)

Wouldn't Garza of the Rays be a more reliable choice over Grienke in a trade senario?

Richard Durrett

  (3:05 PM)

I'm not sure I see the Rays trading Garza. I'd be interested. He's another guy that I think has good stuff and could be helped even more under Mike Maddux.

Danny C (Las Colinas)

Richie...what have you heard regarding Mark Prior. I read up on him on the Independent league, but not much since. Did he bring down his elbow from is previous years or is he still pitching from the same latitude?

Richard Durrett

  (3:05 PM)

Honestly, I don't know. We should know more about him as the off-season progresses. I'll have to see if I can dig around and find out how he's doing.

Jonathan (Ferris)

Do you feel if they give Vlad every 4th or 5th off will help him late in the season or the playoff?

Richard Durrett

  (3:06 PM)

It might. It's the balancing act of trying to make sure he stays in rhythm, but also give him time. When he was slumping, the Rangers tried both. Guerrero swings at everything, but his timing can still get off.

Andrew Shay (Coppell)

Would you give Neftali a chance to be a starting pitcher in spring training?

Richard Durrett

  (3:07 PM)

I wouldn't. That's just me. I understand the intrigue. But I think this guy can be the next Mariano Rivera. I really do. He could be a dominant closer for the next decade or more. I'd leave him right where he is.

Cole Garrard (Peachtree City, GA)

What do you think of the Rangers adding a guy like Scott Downs to the pen? Lefty with great stuff, and I think bullpen help is our most glaring need.

Richard Durrett

  (3:07 PM)

I think that's one option of many. And bullpen will be something the club looks at this offseason.

Mitch (Dallas)

It seems to me that a great right-handed outfielder for this team would be our old friend Marlyn Byrd. Any chance the Rangers could get him from the Cubs without giving up any significant prospects? An outfield with Hamilton, Cruz, Murphy and Byrd would get the job done and allow Hamilton and Cruz to DH more often to keep them healthy.

Richard Durrett

  (3:08 PM)

He'd also fit back into the clubhouse without much issue. But I'm not sure they need another OF in the mix, to be honest. If Guerrero comes back, they still have OF deptn and the best fourth OF in the majors in David Murphy. They've got other, more pressing needs.

David T (El Paso)

Hey Richard-I was wondering what you thought about this rotation for 2011 Lee, Wilson, Lewis, Hunter and former Texas Rangers pitcher Chris Young who's option was declined yesterday...Chris Young would fit financially i think do to injuries he's dealed with the last two years.

Richard Durrett

  (3:09 PM)

Chris Young could also be the type of guy Daniels and company would take a chance on. Maybe he could be a Ranger at a cheap price and see if he can get things done again.

Barrett (Dallas)

What are your thoughts on bring Joaquin Benoit back to be our set up man?

Richard Durrett

  (3:10 PM)

That would be costly, I would think. I do like the guy and he was fabulous for the Rays this year. You could certainly tell a difference in the series when Maddon knew exactly who was pitching the eighth for him (Benoit) and the Rangers were mixing and matching in the 8th because of Francisco's injury.

Richard Durrett

  (3:10 PM)

Thanks, everyone. We'll do it periodically this offseason, which should be an interesting one. Thanks again.