In JD We Trust

Last summer, Jon Daniels and the Texas Rangers were "hoodwinked". The Washington Nationals were able to take Alfonso Soriano from us by giving us the lowly Brad Wilkerson and a few unknown minor league players to take up space in our farm system. Ever since the start of the season, the lineup has been missing one thing: a slugger. Yes, Mark Teixeira was supposed to step into that role and become a legitimate MVP candidate, but so far this season he has done nothing more than you would expect from a #6 hitter.
In an effort not to be seen as "the guy who traded for Brad Wilkerson", Jon Daniels has put together an agenda to greatly improve the team before the trade deadline.
#1A: Add a slugger.
#1B: Add quality pitching.
#1A was fulfilled today with the acquisition on Carlos Lee. The power hitting left fielder from the Milwaukee Brewers was traded to the Texas Rangers along with their top minor league Nelson Cruz prospect for Kevin Mench, Francisco Cordero, and Laynce (yes I spell my name with a "Y") Nix. With this trade comes a solidity in the lineup with that extra punch the Rangers have been lacking all season. Lee is batting .286 with 28 home runs and 81 RBI. Not only do those number eclipse anything the Rangers hitters have been able to muster this year, the number that really sticks out is Carlos Lee has only struck out 39 times this year. Keep in mind, that is 20 less than the Rangers best hitter, Michael Young.
As for #1B, only time will tell. If Carlos Lee continues the output he has established this season, the need for pitching could look less important and maybe make it into #2A. In JD we trust.

Ya Baby.