THE NEWBERG REPORT — DECEMBER 4, 2007

While there was a story here and there that Texas had engaged in some level of discussion with Florida on Miguel Cabrera before the Marlins shipped him, along with Dontrelle Willis, to Detroit in one of the most fascinating trades in years, the most interesting Rangers-related angle as far as that deal is concerned, in my opinion, is that Cameron Maybin is essentially a year ahead of Elvis Andrus in development, and Andrew Miller is basically a year ahead of Eric Hurley. Maybin and Miller were probably considered a little higher up in the league-wide prospect pecking order a year ago than Andrus and Hurley are today, but not by a lot.

Next year at this time, assuming Andrus and Hurley each take a step forward in 2008, it might be Texas who can swoop in and initiate talks on a blockbuster trade like that on a Tuesday morning, and close the deal that same night.

In the meantime? Love that Cabrera won’t be an Angel for the prime years of his career.

You can read more from Jamey Newberg at www.NewbergReport.com.