Beltre is cheap compared to Fielder, A-Rod, Pujols, Jeter, Crawford, Rayes and a few others.

They do both look at World Series Champion banners in their parks, though. And that's a fact. You sure enjoy generalizing about other teams' fanbases. Seriously, you don't really believe the average Ranger fan is more knowledgeable about baseball than the average Cards' fan, do you?

Go visit the Cardinals forum. Just be ready for a superiority complex.

Well, I was going to add my 2 cents worth to the Free Agency options for Josh, but then things got stupid and I totally forgot what my 2 cents worth was.............

You wanna know how to be saved?

38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Acts 2:38 (KJV)

You wanna see where the Bible claims it is the sole authority?

160 Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.
Psalms 119:160 (KJV)

15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

2 Tim 3:15-16 (KJV)

20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
2 Peter 1:20-21 (KJV)

Not good enough for you?

6 And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.

1 Cor 4:6 (KJV)

Don't go beyond what is written.. Clear commands from the Apostle Paul

Oh.. Also.. Just for kicks

8 Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us.
9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?
John 14:8-9 (KJV)

The trinity!?!?!?!?... An absolute false doctrine from the pits of h.ell

I agree.

Roughly 3 off topic comments for every 1 comment about baseball. Nice job guys.

Honestly, isn't the question of Josh's value one of the key issues for the Rangers right now? Resign him to a contract the team feels is fair (to keep the team together) or let him sniff free agency (risk having to replace him). And to some extent isn't a "fair" contract based on what other teams can afford to offer Josh?

The Rangers can not afford to treat Josh like C.J. and low ball him, as it might effect how other free agents view the Rangers front office.

So, once more, for the final time, which teams can honestly afford to make a run at Josh if the Rangers do not resign him prior to free agency?

I dont think you can answer that question at this point in the season. You never really know until the off season hits. Look at Miami this past year. Small market team gets a new stadium and starts spending money like drunken sailors.

With big money TV contracts fueling spending and, not knowing what a team might need, or think they need, at the end of this season it's anybodys guess which teams might be willing to belly up to the bar to get Josh.

I'll say this though, if he keeps playing like he is now and stays off the DL, some team will toss a $20mm per for 5 or 6 year deal at him if he hits Free Agency.

I can only think of 29 teams.

Look, Josh is just too plain good to not get a lot of interest and a lot of money from a lot of teams. I’m not saying he WILL get a $22M AAV contract or that the Rangers will/should do that. I’m just saying that, when healthy, he is among the very best in baseball. Indeed, in my view, when he is healthy, he is at least as good as Pujols.

So, in short, there is no doubt in my mind that several teams will line up with their checkbooks and Josh will be rich. Again, I’m not sure how high I would go personally - if it were me, I’d pay the $22M-ish, but only in heavily incentivized contract.

We agree.
I would pay him and just work in some option years so if he breaks down you have some out areas.

Just because other players may be overpaid doesn't mean Beltre isn't. He may prove to be a decent signing, but as I mentioned, the jury is still out.

That's interesting and a little sad. While I never quite bought "the greatest fans in baseball" mantra always spewed about Cards' fans, I've never known them to have a superiority complex. Sounds a little like Red Sox fans, who even exceed Yankee fans in being entitled and obnoxious.

Beltre is cheap compared to a lot of players that were signed last offseason and this offseason

The "overpaid player" argument is foolish. We see it all the time from fans and media, but nobody except a team's management can truly determine what is overpay and what is not. All the rest is opinion based on speculation. And most likely any fan using it is jealous of another's good fortune. You should drop that from your arsenal.

I doubt there is a fanbase that doesn't have it's bad eggs.... I mean just take a look at the Athletics and the Rays... I mean how big CAN their fanbase be yet I'm sure we can ALL name at least a half dozen we don't like.

OFC if the question is over the fan bases we don't like I'd have to say ALL of em!! Except for the one I cheer for. And that's how it ought to be.

I miss Oaklandace. It would take him about 2,000 words just to say no.

Sounds like whoop.

Hamilton will be signing with the Dodgers this off-season.