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I’m done waiting for this trade to go official so here’s my unofficial take on Mike Lowell going to the Rangers and Max Ramirez going the other way.  Mike Lowell has one more hip surgery than my grandmother, but she’s dead so it’s an unfair competition.  She would’ve beat you, Mike Lowell!  Why I think the Rangers made this trade, besides obviously feeling the need to singlehandedly make the winter meetings interesting, is because the Rangers want to win.  They can smell the division crown.  They realize no team is winning if their 1st baseman is batting .200 and striking out 300-plus times.  Lowell is their insurance.  If Davis hits, great!  Then Lowell fills in 3 times a week at DH, 1B or 3B and Davis sees 400-450 ABs, remains a sleeper and lives up to his potential.  If Davis doesn’t hit, then Lowell swoops in and plays 4 to 5 days a week at 1st base and Davis goes onto the “When is he playing?” carousel and sees 250 ABs.  Davis, basically, needs to hit.  He’s capable of it.  Now let’s see him do it.  Anyway, here’s some more winter meetings news and their fantasy baseball implications:

Max Ramirez – It only took the Rangers about a year and half but they are finally down to a manageable number of catchers.  (If you wanna read what I said about all of their catchers last year, read how the Rangers thought catching wins championships.  Most of it still applies…. Okay, maybe 67% applies.)  Ramirez is not great on defense.  (The Red Sox needed another catcher who should be a 1st baseman?  *shrugs* Whatever.)  Still, I like him not simply because his name sounds like a Hispanic Rabbi.  He is solid with the bat.  He has 20 homer power with the possibility of a .300 average.  Last year in the minors was a wash because of a wrist injury.  He should be good to go again in 2010.  He’ll probably start the season in the minors, but with an injury he might get the call.  Definitely worth a look in keepers, especially AL-Only ones.

Joel ZumayaTigers GM has tabbed Zumaya for the closer role in 2010.  Will he succeed as closer?  As long as he stays away from Guitar Hero.  However, I do feel like he will be overrated in drafts, it’s still just saves.

Rafael Soriano – I think Soriano might be the first closer to go from closing for one team to another without ever being named the closer.  Lucky he doesn’t seem like the type to seek validation from others.  Quiet your mind.  Listen to your inner voice.  Honor you.  Or so says needy ex-girlfriends.  Howell will set-up Soriano and will likely get some saves since Soriano is injury-prone.  When Soriano is healthy, he’s a force.  102 Ks in 75 2/3 innings last year, rocking a 1.06 WHIP and a 2.97 ERA.  He can easily go from donkey-corn to $12 Salad during the season.  For those reading under the age of 7, me likey.