Rangers trade three prospects to White Sox for Brandon McCarthy

by Blair Lovern

I know people are going to freak out about Texas trading away the No. 1 draft pick from 2003.

Here are his minor league numbers, don't sweat it too much. I saw the guy get rattled too easily the past two seasons in Frisco. I know he's young, but I had never been convinced he was going to make it as a major league player. Many people have been clamoring over him for a long while, but I don't know if they were too stuck on wishful thinking or what. It's not his stuff that worried me, it's his inability to wrangle the tough times and his command. He has never proven he can be consistent. Who knows. I don't wish any ill will on him. And guys can come back to life in a new organization, plus he won't turn 22 until next April, so best of luck to him.

I had much more confidence in Nick Masset, although he was in the pen.

Jacob Rasner is listed as 6-5, 190. I'm a fan of selecting pitchers with the potential of filling out a big frame. He's kinda stunk so far, but he was a solid high schooler picked in the seventh round in 2005. In his case right now, don't pay too much attention to the numbers. Scouts like his arm, he throws in the low 90s. Anyway, that doesn't matter for Texas any more. Of the three, and I know his numbers don't show it now, this is the guy I wish the Rangers could have kept. But this is what happens when you trade players.

In return, Brandon McCarthy is a tad older than Danks and better. In fact, there was speculation this winter that the White Sox would trade someone in their rotation to help make room for McCarthy (he was in the bullpen this past season and wasn't so great, but he said didn't like being there. He's expected to help the Rangers rotation in 2007.) McCarthy led the minor leagues in strikeouts in 2004. He's tall (6-7), he's kinda lanky (195). But he's bulked up in recent years and may (or may not) still add velocity to his low-90s fastball. He can give up the hits, so watch out for that. He's not a groundball pitcher, which may or may not be a problem at Ameriquest. But U.S. Cellular in Chicago often gives up more home runs than Ameriquest, did you know that? Besides, when people complain about having to pitch in Ameriquest they almost always forget that the other team has to pitch in the same place. All you have to do is be better than the other guy.

From the Sox, the Rangers also get outfielder David Paisano. He's 19 and played winter ball most sparingly this year in Venezeula for the White Sox. Here are his numbers from the VSL (rookie ball). How's he gonna pan out? Who the hell knows, he's 19 and not yet Hank Aaron, that's all anyone can say now.

Overall, I like this trade for Texas because it gives them immediate help with a young guy for the rotation. And in order to get something like that, you have to give up something. I don't think Texas gave up too much.

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