Looks like Washington got the memo

So if the Rangers are above .500 at that point in the season and in contention then what? You know what fans will be screaming. They will be yelling about all the depth in the minors and screaming for a trade to make a push. If that happens then we are right back where we were. I say winning isnt a concern for that reason. Its not what this season is about. If we win we win but we shouldnt be making moves that weaken the future in order to do anything this year. We simply arent close enough to contention to be doing those kind of things. Let the young players gain experience and trade anyone who doesnt fit into this team longterm for prospects who may. The most important thing is figuring out which players fit into the future. The only way to do that is for them to play and that probably doesnt translate into extra wins. An example of this is Laird. We win more games this year with Laird behind the plate then with Salty. I have no doubt about that. However I say Laird should be traded while his value is high and Salty should be the MLB catcher and gain the ABs and experience with the staff. Even though it weakens the team this year it is whats best for the future. I dont have the mindset of being a contender this year so that is a move that I feel has to be made. Now if I believed we had the chance to contend then I wouldnt be able to justify making a move that would take wins away from the team. It is for that reason why I hope that Daniels and Ryan think the same way I do. I think they do but they are hesitant to make those kind of moves because so many fans dont look at things realistically and Daniels and Co. fear the backlash of punting on this season. I saw the comment about the players looking at things my way and I agree they shouldnt. The players should want every small advantage they can get because they wont be around forever. They want to win in the years they are with teh Rangers. I however am a fan and no matter how bad this team is I will be a Ranger fan. I want this team to be the best they can be year in and year out for the rest of my life. I have absolutely no problem with a teambeing bad for a year or 2 if its a calculated move that enables them to be good for years to come.

Agreed.

Not really. Adam can teach Salty how to run a pitching staff. Everyday Eddie will help too.

It is for that reason why I hope that Daniels and Ryan think the same way I do.

We all are. Ryan will be very true to the team to become. But we can win now.

Daniels has made some bad moves. Not in the last year though. What kind of "backlash"? Are they not going to sell as many tickets? Not likely. On the news and radio? Maybe. Gallaway and Co. hate the Rangers. I am convenced of that.

We can compete this year my friend. 

God bless Texas.

atd..i just figured out our differences.you keep talkng about our future,and our future young players. what you dont seem to understand is,is that this has become a NOW league. for instance,take a look at the players the Rangers have traded recently,then look at what we've gotten in return.  every time we develope a player, we lose him. teams that can afford it, buy players to win now,not 2-3 yrs from now like your talking about. the difference between us and them is, we dont get a return on our investments when we make a trade. like, pudge, a-rod, texiera, or the several pitching prospects that seem to be hitting their stride with other teams. i wont even talk about players like sosa, and the like, who have been traded away , only to become superstars elsewhere. my  point is, you say develope, but then we trade 'em when they're developed! i dont have all the answers, but i wont compromise my commitment and compassion for a winning team, by lowering my expectations at the start of the year.

jus sayin'......

iho.....

I would love for the Rangers to win NOW and build the farm so that we can be winners for years to come.  The Rangers "appear" loaded in the minors but in reality very few of these hot prospects will turn out to be good or great major league players.  Between injuries and players just not being able to adjust to the big leagues a team is lucky to have 30% of its top prospects pan out.  If you can trade some prospects for proven players with a good track record you can come out better in most trades. 

I don't want to give up prospects to rent anyone for the last 3 months of a season, but I don't mind giving up some to get someone that you can control for 3 years or more.  Sitting on your hands and not standing pat with what you have gets you nowhere.  I am glad John Daniels is an aggressive GM and is always looking at making the team better now and for the future. 

Waiting around for prospects to make you a winner puts you in the same boat as the Royals, Rays, and Pirates.  I really don't want the Rangers to be in that sinking ship.