As Nathan opts for free agency.

He wanted 2 years and telegraphed this. Can't blame him, but I don't think it necessarily mean he won't be with the Rangers.

The Rangers get the security of a pick, IIRC, if he goes elsewhere.

If he wants a 2nd year... Rangers could resign him.

I have a feeling he might get more than the Rangers are willing to shell out.

Either way, his time with the Rangers was great, and like Colby Lewis, it might be best for all to part ways.

they can't really get a pick. he opted out of a mutual option. unless they've changed the rules.

I believe you are correct. I was thinking "Qualifying Offer."

Also, looks like JD was playing some hardball, to save a few bucks:
http://espn.go.com/blog/dallas/texas-rangers/post/_/id/4906422/rangers-looking-at-internal-options-at-closer?ex_cid=espnapi_public

quote:

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they were honest about the bullpen situation with him and he opted to seek a multiyear deal in free agency rather than risk getting traded. The move also allows the Rangers to avoid paying the $750,000 buyout.

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Or maybe it was just honesty.

If Scheppers\Soria\Feliz get it done... a heck of a savings. I think resigning Frasor also helped make the decision. Add Cotts, and that is 5 guys in the BP, in which you can have some confidence.

Robbie Ross should bounce back. We have JoJo... and of course, I've predicted that Wilmer Font will storm onto the scene.

Take the $10M from Nathan and fill some holes. BP should be set.
Darvish\Holland\Perez\Ogando
Go get a SP.

You have like $38M to fill like 5 spots.
Get a LF
Get a 1B
Get a DH
Get a C

Don't mind losing nathan IF we sign a new bat

Yeah, I'm fine with a resource reallocation to the lineup here, if that's how it works out. They've got bullpen depth and between injury recovery and prospects, should be fine without him. Spend $10 mill more on bats.

What are the odds we go after Ellsbury or Beltran? Ellsbury seems like a perfect fit in this line up, with his base stealing ability.

I'm betting Feliz goes back to pitching the 9th.

I hope im wrong, but Im sensing payroll slash again this yr. They will let their names get tossed in with some trades and free agents but in the end JD will be under orders to save more money.

Yeah you just cant give Nathan a 2 year deal at 39. Maybe if he goes out on the market and does not find a 2 year deal, he'll come back on a 1 year deal.

Scheppers got in and out of enough jams in the regular season that I'm comfortable with his composure in the 9th.

Nathan wants 2 yrs.

The Rangers indicated they were coming down to $125M. So, while only a modest decrease... there should have been and should not be an expectation of increase.

Why would the payroll need to be that low with the high attendance, etc.

...and with an estimated $25 mil in TV dollars coming in from MLB national contract?