Ten years ago, ARod signed with the Rangers. It was that US$ 250 million contract that shook up baseball.
ARod was supposed to put Texas over the top after the 3 first round losses to the Yankees in 1996, '98 and '99.
By 2004, and last place finishes in 2001, '02 & '03, ARod was gone and the Rangers decided to build the best farm system in baseball.
It took time but we see the results today.
First, the Rangers developed young pitching and diversified the offense. The Rangers used to be a power hitting team that outscored their opponents.
They are not anymore! They still have power but they run the bases and manufacture runs.
Second, GM Jon Daniels made some amazing trades, such as sending Mark Texeira to the Braves for Neftali Feliz, Elvis Andrus and Matt Harrison.
Is that one of the best trades ever or what?
Third, the farm system gave Texas the depth to get Cliff Lee and Benji Molina, two of the key parts of the 2010 pennant team.
Last, but not least, the farm system has secured that the Rangers will continue to bring talented young players to the majors.
Yes, Feliz striking out ARod was poetic justice. It was the conclusion of a plan put in a motion when ARod was traded away.
Don't get me wrong. ARod is a great player and had 3 wonderful seasons here.
Nevertheless, his contract destroyed the Rangers and made it impossible for the team to win with so much money invested in one player.
