All the analysis of this has come from the Red Sox side of the equasion. But when you look at it from the Rangers' side, the question has to arise: You have had the best player in major league baseball in your employ the past three years, and you have had some of the worst pitching in major league baseball for the past four years and your trading this player ... for a tempremental outfielder who doesn't play hurt and blows off big games if he doesn't feel like gracing the diamond. And this you do a year after your great experiment in trading for another ex-Red Sox head case, Carl Everett, ended in total failure. And with home-grown head case Juan Gonzalez already on the roster.

There may be some more to this deal from the Rangers' side (ou know there will be from the Boston side, since they have to say no more Nomar to make budget), but if the deal goes down without Texas getting one quality starting pitcher or top closer in return, owner Tom Hicks really does live up to his last name.