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Grant: What the Rangers would look like if Jerry Jones was the owner and which prospect will be called up first


Louis DeLuca/Staff Photographer

Texas infielder Rougned Odor takes the throw at second base on a steal attempt during Texas Rangers baseball spring training in Surprise, AZ on Tuesday, February 25, 2014. (Louis DeLuca/Dallas Morning News)

SportsDay's Texas Rangers beat writer Evan Grant hosted a chat Tuesday afternoon to talk about the team and all things baseball. Here are some highlights:

Question: Could the Rangers swing a blockbuster trade early in season to get some help in the rotation?

Grant: That's not the route to go. Jon Daniels already acknowledged giving up too much of the farm over the last couple of years, particularly singling-out the desperation trade for Matt Garza last July. Desperation is never good motivation for a trade. And desperation might be the only reason a major deal would get done so early.

Question: If Jerry Jones ran the Rangers, what would this team look like?

Grant: They'd probably be a lot better than his attempts at running the Cowboys. Here's why: He's never been afraid to throw money at a player or a problem (whether he's had the right solution or not). In football he's got a hard salary cap to make the playing field level. In baseball, he could use all that revenue he generates to balloon up the payroll, simply spending more money after one personnel mistake or another. If you've got money, you can cover up problems in this league. In the NFL not so much.

Question: Who is the first Rangers high prospect (top 15) called up to the majors this year?

Grant: I've got to go with Odor there. The Rangers open the season with an issue at second base. A strong April by Odor and a poor month by the major league club could force the Rangers' hand.

Question: What do you think it would take to get Mark Ellis from the Cardinals?

Grant: I'm told the Cardinals won't make a deal. If you want to talk about a veteran second baseman that might be available but who would come with some financial investment, Ricky Weeks might be a guy. The personnel cost might not be high, but Weeks has a $12 million salary for 2014 and a vesting option for 2015. Don't see the Rangers adding that much in payroll obligation right now for what would be a 10-12 week solution.

Question: Why not ask Michael Young if he would come back for a final season at $5 mil plus incentives? What is the worst thing that could happen?

Grant: It's not happening. Guy's retired. I'd be all for it, but I think it would take time to get him ready and I think the Rangers don't want to go buying people out of retirement. They did it with Lance Berkman last year and it didn't work out.

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