Getting back to C.J. Wilson, I believe the Rangers are sincere in the desire to keep him, but the management team does not believe he is worth the amount of money, nor length of contract, that the open market may award him.
One estimate is that Wilson is looking for a six-or seven-year deal for over $120 million. Some have suggested his value has sunk in the past few days, and that he might collect a five-year contract for around $80 million (source: ESPN Dallas). This is much closer to what the Rangers would be willing to pay him, and the team may very well offer him this sort of contract. However, by signing Nathan and moving Feliz to the rotation, keeping Wilson is a lower priority now than he was previously. If the Rangers could sign him for five years at $65 million, I believe the deal would be done.
Team Architects Still at Work
So, what other cards might Jon Daniels have up his sleeve? Without spending near the amount of money it would take to keep Wilson, the team is keeping its powder dry. There should be ample money to find another top pitcher, or perhaps, a premier first baseman, either by free agency or a trade.
Team owner Nolan Ryan and general manager Jon Daniels have proven again this year that they will be aggressive, if not a little creative, in bringing talent to Arlington. With all the team’s big names signed for the 2012 season, with the exception of Wilson, the Rangers roster looks stronger than it did in 2011.
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