If the Rangers are seeking to make a splash in free agency this Winter, this is not the way to do it.

Nolan Ryan is talking about the possibility of signing Randy Johnson. Perhaps a good decision, oh, about three or four years ago. Not now.

Why would the Rangers want to make this type of investment on a 45-year-old pitcher whose best days are well behind him? The Big Unit seems to have purchased a home on the disabled list and he lives there often. This move would seem to be one born out of desperation...an attempt to lure ticket buyers back out to Arlington, fans who have stayed away from the ballpark in droves lately.

Also, this deal smacks of Nolan Ryan and his desire for a pitcher that once approximated his own status as the game's top fireballer. When Nolan came to the Rangers, he was a phenomenon. The ballpark was nearly full every single time he pitched. There was the chance for a no-hitter every single time he pitched, as well.

Randy Johnson would bring nothing to the Rangers but frustration. Big series coming up against the Angels? Oh, sorry...Unit just went on the DL. The Yankees are coming to town? Sorry, you won't see that Sabathia/Johnson duel....Randy's still two weeks away from throwing on the side.

Johnson coming to Arlington would simply be a short-term fix, and not a very good one at that. The focus should be on good young pitchers, ones that aren't members of the AARP. Even signing the oft-injured Ben Sheets would be a better idea than going after the Unit.

If this is what Rangers fans were waiting for, it may be a very long season indeed next year.

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