Spring into Training

Ah... I can smell the Pine Tar now... BASEBALL! The Rangers have obtained Kevin Mench, signing him to a minor league contract with a big league invite. But before I really dig into baseball, I want to address something else for a moment.

JASON KIDD. He's a Maverick. And the Mavericks have given up their future for "The Kidd" who has but more than likely a couple of seasons left in him. Now, JK has probably more triple doubles than anyone else I can think of... but as the Mavericks already know, triple-d's don't win championships (Insert Obscene Joke Here). The Mavericks had JK at his debut into the NBA and the guy threw together more T.D.s in a season than anyone could have possibly imagined. Here's a look at the deal...

Dallas gives up Trenton Hassell, Keith Van Horn, (THE FUTURE) Devin Harris, DeSagana Diop and Maurice Ager. They also give up a first round pick in 2008 and in 2010. So, if this trade doesn't work out, they are not going to be able to recoup from a pick. Way to sacrifice, guys. And if you are wondering about Van Horn, here's the scoup on him: Van Horn is eligible to be signed and traded by the Mavericks because he never filed his retirement papers and because the Mavericks haven't renounced his rights. At least Van Horn is still on top of things. Without retirement, he wouldn't have been able to be traded. We all know he was just filler on this. Of course, the Mavs get Jason Kidd. They also grab Malik Allen in the deal.

I'm a bit upset by the deal. I wasn't happy about the first, but was a bit happy when it was blocked. I don't see this one being delayed or stopped. I don't mind getting Jason Kidd, but giving up the farm? Well, maybe I will be proven wrong by this, but the only way I would end up being happy about this is if the Mavs are playing at the end of May and into June. A first round goodbye is not acceptable. A Western Conference Finals exit isn't good for me, either. I need the NBA Finals... and four wins in that series, capeesh? Maybe I am asking too much... but I don't think so, and niether does the rest of the DFW Metroplex. It's now. Not later. It's now.

I won't be able to get to Spring Training again this year. Once we finish paying off all our bills, then it won't be a dream anymore for me. I've already got my wife to agree to season tickets once the bills are paid off... I don't think spring training will be too hard to lobby for once we're done with the "CHA-CHING". But, yeah, Kevin Mench, or as we call him around here: SHREK! Hopefully, he will find his way back into a Ranger's uniform this season.

Kameron Loe will not be a starter for the Rangers, at least not at the beginning of the season. It has been mentioned that he is up for a relief role, and that is it. No Starting for Loe. I think that is a shame, but then, they haven't listened to me much thus far, why start now, right? Anyway, I haven't heard if Ryan is going to work with the pitching coach, Mark Conner, as of yet, but as soon as I know if Conner will utilize that resource or not, I will be putting that info on here. You know I will. Anyway, I will get back to this later, Johnny Out.