Rangers Assembling Right Parts

[Tony tha Mavs fan]

Rangers assembling right parts

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By Peter Gammons
Special to ESPN.com


July 13


Ugueth Urbina may have been leading the American League in saves and may have a relatively cheap contract, but in the 18 hours after trading him to the Marlins for three prospects, the Rangers' John Hart had a dozen calls from fellow general managers congratulating him on the deal.


Adrian Gonzalez hit .307 at Double-A.


"John has established a clear vision of where this organization is going," Buck Showalter said. "Between the three players we're getting for Carl Everett and these three from Florida, we feel we've added a lot of talent to go with what we already have. We're going to get this right."

Texas did get back a small chunk of Urbina's contract, but Showalter views the acquisition of 2000 overall No. 1 pick Adrian Gonzalez, lefty Ryan Snare and outfielder Will Smith as a kind of financial windfall. "When you consider what they were paid out of the draft (more than $4 million), we had someone else pay for the players and we get all their non-arbitration time," he said. "It's exciting."

Whether Juan Gonzalez -- who turned down a deal to Montreal and indicated that he wouldn't go to L.A. or Arizona because he wants to play in the American League and on grass -- will reconsider another deal isn't clear. Whether or not Rafael Palmeiro will entertain waiving his no-trade isn't known, either. Before he broke his hand this week, Kevin Mench was being discussed in a deal with the Indians that would have brought more pitching.

But the Rangers have one of the best young infields in the game with Alex Rodriguez, Hank Blalock, Michael Young and Mark Teixeira. They now have Laynce Nix getting major-league experience, and center fielder Ramon Nivar isn't far behind. Adrian Gonzalez has been bothered by a wrist problem that has limited his bat speed and power (one homer), but he is a born hitter who could be an impact Palmeiro-esque player when healthy. "Pitching is still something we have to address," Showalter said. "But we'll get it done."

For now, Francisco Cordero will get the opportunity to replace Urbina as the closer. Snare, who may be a starter or who might be another Scott Sauerbeck, will be in Arlington before the season is over. They will get at least one pitcher in the Chicago deal.

There is a distinct chance that owner Tom Hicks will cut back on payroll in 2004, but Hart and Showalter don't seem to care. They've seen what happens when a team is built on expensive mercenaries, they have experienced building projects, and they both know the right way to go -- in case you've forgotten the Indians and Yankees of the '90s.