Wants vs. Expectations Part 1 of 2

As writers, we always like to tell people what we think our favorite team should do during the off season. We like to pontificate about what we really think the biggest needs are, who the biggest downfalls are, and what the front office needs to do to fix it. I always make lists, I am a big list guy, and I always have two that I come up with at this time of the season:

1. My list of wants and

2. My list of expectations

They never seem to match up too well. For example, last season I wanted to re-sign Josh Hamilton, get Zack Greinke, re-sign Napoli and Koji, and bring in a good utility infielder. My expectations were that the Rangers would let Josh and Napoli go, re-sign Mike Adams and Koji, and get a good utility infielder. I was wrong on both counts. Lets see if I can do better this season.

My list of wants:

1. A power hitting outfielder. I would like to see the Rangers go after some like a Stanton or a Granderson, someone who could have an immediate impact on the team. There have been other names thrown around as well, such as Nelson Cruz, David DeJesus, and Carlos Beltran, and I hope the Rangers are in the discussion for some of these guys. It showed really badly down the stretch how the Rangers do without a power bat in the lineup to protect Beltre, and I really hope the Rangers adress that this off season.

2. A new first baseman. Maybe I am giving up on Mitch too early, but I just don’t feel like he is going to be the first baseman of the future for the Texas Rangers. Mitch has shown flashes where he looks good, but overall I have been disappointed with him as the Rangers everyday first baseman. I don’t even know who I want the Rangers to go after, I jsut know that I want them to make a run at some else to take over at first base, even if that someone is Ian Kinsler.

3. A premier catcher. We all know who I am referring too: Brian McCann. I would love to see the Texas Rangers land a McCann, but so would many other major league teams fans. He is going to be over paid for sure, and he has a bit of an injury history, but man is he a good catcher. If the Rangers could get him at the right price, I would be a huge fan of Daniels and the guys in the front office getting that done. There is also Jarrod Saltalamacchia, who I would not be opposed to seeing in a Rangers uniform again. Not sure I want A.J. back, and I am not sure the Rangers are even interested in bringing him back.

4. A Starter. The Rangers have four good starters in my opinion:

Yu Darvish

Derek Holland

Matt Harrison

Martin Perez

Perez showed himself to be pretty invaluable in 2013, and I think he is going to be really good in 2014. If Harry can come all the way back, I feel like he can be a good fourth starter. I don’t like Ogando or Feliz in the starter role, I think they are destined to go back to the pen. So that leaves one spot open for the Rangers. Lets all admit right now, Garza is not coming back, and I think that is a good thing. So who? Some of the names out there guys like James Shields, Ervin Santana, Jon Lester (who I assume the Red Sox are going to re-sign), Jason Vargus, Phil Hughes, etc. None of these names speak to me, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it came from within again, like it did last season. We will just have to wait and see, but I would like a good no. 3 or no. 4 starter.

Also, a good utility infielder and a good fourth outfielder is a must. Tomorrow, I will talk about my expectations.

Sep 9, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers starting pitcher Yu Darvish (11) walks off the field in the sixth inning of the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports