The Texas Rangers may be aggressively entering the sweepstakes that is Masahiro Tanaka after Derek Holland wen't down for at least half of the 2014 season. Holland fell at home, according to a Rangers press release, and injured his left knee and had arthroscopic surgery to repair torn cartilage. The Rangers are obviously a win now team, especially after trading for Prince Fielder and signing Shin Soo Choo to a big time contract so does that make Tanaka the eventual replacement for Holland?
The Rangers have literally nine or ten guys that could easily fill out the starting rotation including Japanese superstar Yu Darvish so I find it highly unlikely that they get into the discussion for Tanaka, but they could. If the Rangers did sign someone I could see them jumping on a Matt Garza, the devil you know vs. the devil you don't, but I can't count the Rangers out until Tanaka is standing at Yankee Stadium being introduced as a Yankee.
Color me worried.
Honestly, I'm not worried about Tanaka going elsewhere. Although I'd like to see him in pinstripes, I have faith in Cashman to find another pitcher to strengthen the rotation. Besides, if the Dodgers end up with Tanaka, I think there's a chance they let Kershaw walk rather than extend him.
ReplyDeleteActually, I can see Kershaw turning down any extension offer, as he knows he will get a ton of money in free agency. Maybe that's why the Dodgers are so in on Tanaka, as they too know that could very-well happen.
I'd take Kershaw, lol.
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