Thad Levine was just on MLB Home Plate, and had the following things to say:

• Said it is "terrific" that BA has named the Rangers as the team with the best farm system; result of the last five years of work.
• When asked what players are on the cusp of helping the team in 2010, Levin said they don't like to put those expectations on players, but that Smoak will be a middle of the order bat and Perez will be a SP "in the not so distant future".
• Rangers feel rewarded so have so many young players contribute last year, and that they are prepared to do the same next year (Levine mentioned this on several occasions).
• Looking to add some pitching, either RP or SP because the team has some players who could go either way as a pitcher.  They also want a middle of the order bat.
• They wanted Salty to go to Winter Ball so that he could be 100% by ST; in hindsight they rushed him a bit.  Pain and discomfort was around the area where the incision was made, not a continuation of TOS symptoms.  He needs another 2 to 3 weeks to recover, and should be ready for ST.
• Said the league adjusted to Davis in '09.  The team will stick by Davis in 2010, and they were pleasantly surprised by his GG defense last year.
• Called Hunter a workhorse and innings eater.
• Holland has potential to be a 1 or 2.
• Called Feliz's debut "phenomenal".  He will be brought to ST as a starter, but could end up back in the bullpen if the situation presents itself.  Longterm, Feliz will be a starter.
• When asked if the Rangers were going to spend a "ton of money", Levine said that was a relative term.  The Rangers are prepared to be creative which could mean a trade, finding a bat through in-depth analysis (probably somebody we wouldn't normally think of), or going with a group of second-tier players.  Reiterated that the Rangers are comfortable going with their young players.
• This offseason will be "business as usual" because they have not been active with big name free agents the past few years.  They are looking for players will outperform their contracts, and mentioned they have lots of depth from which to trade.
• Levine stated that the current financial situation is not an excuse for the team to not compete.
• The arbitration process and contract escalators (Kinsler and Young) will eat up much of the $20 million coming off the books this offseason.
• Said the Winter Meetings are not stressful, and it provides an excuse for Daniels and Levine to meet with their best evaluators who don't normally work out of Arlington.  Together they will strategize for the future; mentioned one-year and five-year plans.
• Conversations with other teams are friendly, and they typically the find new fits for a potential trade that they did not know about before the meetings.

He was a bit of a mirage.

That was Kevin Goldstein on Julio Borbon and his debut last season. He was a guest on Minors and Majors on MLB Home Plate this morning.  A caller asked why, after his successful call up, there is talk about Borbon not being ready for CF next season. Firstly, Goldstein said that signing Byrd makes no sense with Borbon on the roster.  He wonders what Borbon does besides hit for average, because he won't draw a lot of walks or hit for power. Moreover, Borbon has to hit .300 to be useful.  Grant Paulsen (the host) said that the Rangers have enough power that they can live with Borbon in their lineup.  The caller mentioned that Borbon has a bad arm, and Goldstein added that it was "a very bad arm", though he says Borbon has great range.  Much like Adam, Goldstein says now is the time to commit to Borbon if they plan on using him in CF.

Grant Paulsen taped some conversations with Holland and Borbon yesterday, and aired them this morning on his show Minors and Majors (on SiriusXM).  Paulsen remarked that the Ranger clubhouse was so calm and relaxed despite being in the mix for both the Wild Card and division title.

Holland:

• With coming to the majors, Holland had to learn to attack the strike zone with all his pitches, and to have fun.
• Hitters are the biggest difference between the minors and majors; there is a reason they are in the majors.
• Holland feels to be successful, he has to be able to throw an offspeed pitch at any count.
• Grew up idolizing Thome, Griffey, and Greg Maddux.  Holland's "I've made it" moment was playing against Thome.
• Holland likes to hit, but realizes that he is not any good at it.  Paulsen asked if commissioner for a day, would Holland let pitchers bat in the AL.  Holland said yes.
• Holland called the Rangers the "best team I've ever played for", says the team has great chemistry, and likened them to a family.
• Gets a lot of rookie hazing, but did not mention specifics.
• Talked a bit about all the nicknames CJ is giving out, but has no idea why he is Wonder Boy.  Miguel Cabrera is also called Wonder Boy, which Holland thinks is cool.
• Holland is not a part of the fantasy football league that the Rangers created.  Holland said it is probably just for the veterans.  Paulsen asked if it was because they are afraid of the team Holland would put together.  Holland joked that the veterans would not let him play because he would "clean house".
• Paulsen asked if the Rangers would see the season as a failure if they did not make the playoffs.  Without hesitation, Holland said yes.  The team feels they belong in the playoffs, they are confident they will get there, and are playing for the division title.

Borbon:

• Borbon feels that the biggest thing is being yourself and getting comfortable in the majors.
• Veterans have been as helpful as the coaches in helping Borbon make the transition to the majors.
• Borbon watches the veterans more than asking questions, and says it is important to know when to ask questions.
• He knows his style of game is as a speedy player and must do those things to be successful; good things will happen.
• Borbon said it feels good to know that the team believes he can still contribute as an offense only player (when starting as the DH).
• His first experience in the majors is contributing to a playoff race, which is satisfying.
• At the end of the day, Borbon realizes that this is still the same game (college, minors, or majors), and this has helped with his success.
• He was glad to get his first hit so early on in his time in the majors
• When stealing a base, the most important part is a good, safe lead (two steps plus two and a half shuffle steps depending on the pitcher).  Then you need to know the pitcher's tendencies to pick your moment.  The first few steps when you start to steal are key.
• Borbon talked about how much fun this team is having.
• Paulsen ended this interview with the same question about the season being a failure if they don't make the playoffs.  Borbon said that when the season is over he will look back and make a judgement.  However, he said that this team is "hungry" and is "hunting" for a playoff appearance.

Paulsen also has a theory that as more and more teams are eliminated from playoff consideration, the casual fan will start to root for the Rangers.  Sure enough, a Reds fan called in to say that he is now rooting for the Rangers, and asked a question about their minor league pitchers.