Free Agents Worthy of Note

Jon Garland is still available and could make for an interesting argument for a starting spot. He did well with the White Sox, however, hasn't done terribly awesome since. His last full year, he did manage a 14-12 record, which would be nice for a #5 guy (hint, hint), but he could be a project as he only started 9 games last season. Still some say he is mediocre at this point in his career and maybe he is, but as a #5 guy in the rotation, he could be a good buy. Does he fit the Rangers needs? I don't think so. The Rangers have too much talent and depth to call for a Garland signing. Prince Fielder is a possible for first base with the Rangers. Concerns do range that the Rangers wouldn't be able to sign both Darvish and Fielder and another concern is keeping both Hamilton and Fielder. Losing Hamilton in place of Fielder would be a mistake, but that is my opinion. I see Hamilton as a better fielder (no pun intended, OK, maybe a little) and has just as good a bat, if not better. What intrigues me is what Fielder could do with his bat at Arlington. He collected 38 homeruns this last season, and that number would be sure to go up in a Ranger uniform. Does he fit? Yes. Does it make financial sense? Yes and no. Yes, he would be worth the money, but not if it dictates Hamilton being sent away. Francisco Cordero is a free agent right now. It would be nice to see him back in a Rangers uniform, maybe as a set-up guy to whomever we have closing games. Likely? No. Pipe dream? Most definitely. Luis Ayala is a free agent from the Yankees organization and what a good pick he would be... he posted a 2.09 ERA during the regular season and got some postseason action. He's been in five organizations over the past four seasons, so he has seen some travel time. Would he fit? I don't know. He's been shaky over the previous two seasons of work Jamey Wright and Chris Young are also free agents this off-season. Wright is a relief guy that has good stuff. I wouldn't call him a bust if the Rangers sign him, but there are other guys out there with better numbers than Wright currently available. Chris Young, well, a good starter with good numbers and he's a hometown guy. This would definitely be a good nod by ownership should the Rangers sign this guy. Concerns would be that Young only started four games last season... heck, he only played in four games, all of them starts. Shortly after the start of the season, Young sustained an arm injury which forced him to miss the remainder of the 2011 season.