In a phone interview with 105.3 The Fan in Dallas, Texas Rangers general manager does not figure that the team will be making any more big Free Agent acquisitions, despite losing Derek Holland for at least half of a season.
He was asked about signing Tanaka or trading for Price, but JD stated that even though ownership has been very supportive, he and the club “do have limits.” Daniels stated that the main goal would be to develop the pitchers they have internally and potentially add depth from outside the organization, but he doesn’t look to try and replace Holland’s production.
As far as injured starters Matt Harrison and Colby Lewis go, Daniels says that they are feeling very good and with any luck, they will build up their stamina during Spring Training, and Daniels expects both to be able to have an impact on the club.
When asked about using Robbie Ross and Tanner Scheppers as starters, Jon stated that both are coming along nicely in their offseason regimens, but that Robbie Ross has always wanted to start. JD said that Robbie Ross not making it as a starter two years ago had nothing to do with him not showing his stuff as a starter, but simply that he was too good to leave off of the 25-man roster. Regarding Scheppers, Daniels said that Tanner was just too good in the 8th inning to mess with.
Daniels also brought up the closer situation in Texas. He mentioned that Neftali Feliz and Joakim Soria have the most experience, but firmly believes that any of Neal Cotts, Scheppers, or even Alexi Ogando could close for the club if called upon.