Jerry Crasnick gives Jon Daniels and the Rangers a 'B' for their summer trades, but says that the end grade will likely be determined by the club's playoff success. The grade ranks Texas third among the nine teams evaluated.
↵↵↵If Lee pitches the Rangers to the World Series, it will merit an "A" grade regardless of how Seattle's young prospects fare. If he pitches poorly in the postseason and the Rangers make a quick exit, the deal will be perceived as a bold effort that failed to work.
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He, like the rest of us, isn't impressed with the other deals.
↵↵Daniels hasn't had much luck with his other additions. Bengie Molina has done a nice job handling the pitching staff, but he's hitting .208 with a .540 OPS as a Ranger. Jorge Cantu has no RBIs in 68 at-bats with Texas, and Cristian Guzman has been equally bad. Jeff Francoeur has made a nice impression since coming over from the Mets, and will push for a spot on the postseason roster.
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He does correctly point out that the secondary deals sent low ceiling talent away. I would add one exception to that: Michael Main.
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