Holland, of course, works out to be the better overall value on paper in this scenario (which is likelier than many want to admit), but the extra wins today during the apex of the Rangers’ competitive window merit special consideration, as another 1-2 win enhancement to the present team and beefed-up rotation could mean the difference between another deep October run and second place — yes, this is true despite the fact that the Rangers are division favorites. Being a favorite is not equivalent to being a favorite to win your division by a sizable margin. Despite the additional years of club control at what will likely be cheaper prices, there’s little question as to which pitcher I would take, leaving Beltre, Francisco, and Davis to constitute enough value to compel Tampa Bay to accept the Rangers’ offer (which they obviously didn’t).
Jan
11
2011
