The Good News: The Texas Rangers are leading the AL West, and look poised to remain in contention through the long hot months of the summer. The Bad News: the pitching it seems does not hold up. Some veteran presence could shape and change that.

The Rangers are winning despite leading the league in men LOB and trailing in the category of base on balls. That is a bad combination but both are irrelevant as they are products of offense. Despite my concerns of small ball, this is how the Rangers play, and is now obvious on how they win. But this is not a formula for post season success. What the Rangers need to do is get a veteran pitcher. Who they need to pursue is Roy Oswalt.

Even thought the Rangers are feasting on interleague play, what concerns me is pitching. Pitching is a constant commodity, especially after a long hot season in North Texas; come September the arms wear thin, the stamina gets lost. Just look back to the most recent two successful seasons in recent history and you will find teams that fizzle down the stretch due to arm fatigue; 2004 and 2009. What both of those teams had in common despite losing trends is a veteran starter on the hill.

In 2004 Kenny Rogers lead the staff with an 18-9, 212 IP effort when the team played to an 89- 73 record. In 2009 Kevin Millwood performed at a 13-10, 199 IP level and aced a team that finished 7-14 down the stretch. In Millwood’s defense, during his last three starts he garnered a win that broke up losing streaks. We don’t have a veteran hurler to count on this season and that will haunt us in the end. Let’s think about what we need to change that.

Recently it was rumored that the Rangers may be interested in Roy Oswald. True, he is owed $15 million this year and $16 next, but savvy owners could work that to an advantage, especially when factored into a futures player deal. The Rangers are just such a team to make that work. Let’s talk trade.

But why they need to make that work is based upon Oswalt’s proven track record; he is a pitcher that gets stronger down the stretch. Just look at these numbers: for his 10 year career, Roy improves his ERA (you know this isn’t my favorite pitching stat, but it serves my purpose here) from 3.51 in July to 2.80 in August to an incredible 2.75 in September. He shines in the hot Texas heat just like a jalapeño on the vine.  Make a trade now.

In order to do so, a team needs to offer cellar dwelling Houston prospects. The Rangers are perhaps better equipped to do this than anyone as they have a minor league system ripe with talent. In fact, they are bottle necked at AAA and are in a quandary on what to do with majors ready players now.

The problem seems to be MLB from what I can read. Bud Selig is handicapping the team due to owner Hicks being bankrupt and trying to sell the team. I don’t understand all of that, but I also think at the same time the Rangers have to operate in order to remain solvable and they should not use this as an excuse to short shift the organization, franchise and fans. Make the move.

Get Roy now before other organizations realize his immediate impact. Trade some prospects that can’t make the roster for Oswalt. We’ll need him in September if we want to make the play-offs. And his October numbers (2-0 through 2 starts) are impeccable. Bring a winner to this team to lead the way.

It’s a tough sell at this exact moment. Dallas just pulled off an upset by defeating the Magic in Orlando. Back to back impressive road wins does NOT put anyone in the mood to trade.

105.3FM The Fan, a local Dallas area sports radio station, referenced yesterday’s Baron Davis article this afternoon, mentioning my comparison of Baron Davis and Terrell Owens. It’s a logical comparison. Both are divas. Both get PAID. Both perform best when they’re happy with their surroundings. Both are potential team chemistry wreckers. Both get more attention than they deserve. Both have failed to consistently live up to their potential, year to year to year. Can Baron fit in with the Mavericks? Or would he be the Mavericks’ own personal T.O.?

Now that you’re less interested in Davis, let’s go ahead and take a look at three trade scenarios being mentioned by the “experts.”

Scenario 1: Trade Kidd for Baron Davis and Marcus Camby now.

Scenario 2: Wait and see if you can get Chris Bosch in 2010?

Scenario 3: Make BOTH trades now, by moving Kidd to the Clippers and Dirk to Toronto. Seriously. Would you? If it could happen now, would you like to get six or seven years younger with Bosch?

Check it: Baron Davis, Jason Terry, Josh Howard, Chris Bosch, Marcus Camby. Not a bad starting five, assuming they mesh together. Dampier and Camby can compete for minutes. Terry could remain sixth man if you want that scoring power off the bench. Davis, Howard, and Bosch could have some fun in a fast paced offense we were supposed to see in Dallas this year but never really materialized.

We all expect Dallas to opt out on Dampier in 2010. He’s a flop, as I mentioned in my article about Damp yesterday at DallasProSports.com. With this trade, you have Damp and Camby as options to keep, trade, or release. You might deal Josh Howard out for a better fit next year if he can’t mesh well, and see what you can get for him before next year’s trade deadline.

In the end, all you really lose is Dirk. Yes we love Dirk. We love him because he’s all that’s left of the big three. Releasing Nash was the biggest mistake in franchise history since the Karl Malone draft, so we should be able to stomach the loss of Dirk.

A word of warning, however. Give up on Dirk, and your team attitude will change forever. He may not be the killer instinct leader you want paving the way to a championship, but he’s been the focus of this team, and he’s brought a sportsmanship that many teams don’t have. A team led by Baron Davis won’t be known for its sportsmanship… I’ll guarantee you that. You will have a typical team with attitude, which is what you Dallas fans have been clamoring for these past few years.

You hate to give up on Dirk. He’s a guy we all expected would retire a Dallas Maverick. But change MUST come, or we must all change our purpose for watching Dallas basketball.

Kidd’s doing well over the past eight or nine games. Kudos to him for not being a flop. But are you REALLY expecting to build a championship team on his shoulders? Didn’t think so.

Mentioned by ESPN.com as an available point guard before the trade deadline, Baron Davis would make an immediate impact on a Mavericks team desperate for a third scoring threat.

Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Terry are carrying the team in points, with Jason Kidd contributing a decent number some of the time. But the Kidd trade was a flop if for no other reason than it gave away more draft picks for a an aging star. And while everyone in Dalls is clamoring for a star two guard, Baron Davis is someone who would make the two guard irrelevant.

What would stop the Mavs from seriously pursuing Baron Davis? Injuries, for one. $53 million for two. Four year contract for three. Diva attitude for four.

What about the bright side? Clutch shooting. Unstoppable to the basket. Excellent three point range. Confidence. Swagger. Bursts of speed. All traits the Mavericks desperately need.

The Clippers could use a shorter contract in Jason Kidd to free up some salary cap after next year. The Mavs need a solution and very few superstars are available who could bring the instant thrust this team needs.

Granted, letting Steve Nash go was the biggest mistake made by this franchise since picking Detlef Schrempf over Karl Malone. Trading away Devin Harris was a lesser mistake, though one most of us wish the Mavericks could undo.

Nash led by example on the court, but was too softspoken. Devin lacked the air of confidence and competence needed to lead a team. He was always looking to be led by the coach. Jason Kidd simply doesn’t have the shooting skills or the speed to keep up in this league in the postseason.

Like it or not, Baron Davis is a viable option. He might be the Terrell Owens of basketball, but a move involving Kidd for Davis should definitely be considered. Someone with confidence and some personal pride needs motivate these players. Dirk Nowitzki is NOT going to lead this team.

Jerry Stackhouse is reportedly talking to his agent about “exploring options” – either getting traded or bought out by the Mavericks. He’s not happy with his inactive status, and says he has too much good basketball left in him. In other words, the Mavericks coaching staff doesn’t know what they’re doing, and they’ve made a mistake by sidelining someone of his talent and ability.

Bah. Bah, I tell you. Coaches don’t sideline players who can contribute. They sideline bloated old players who can’t play defense or contribute points when necessary. If the coach wants him out, he’s out. It’s in the coach’s best interest to win, so he will do whatever it takes to accomplish that goal.

Is there a trade out there? Possibly. It seems hard to believe that the Mavs could get anyone of any value for Stack, but stupid trades have been made before (Lakers DID manage to get Gasol for nothing, remember!). What would it benefit the Mavericks to buy out Stack’s contract? At least now he’s on the team, and can be reactivated for any game if someone gets injured.

If a trade can be made, make it. He’s not doing much here, and he may fetch a little something from a possible contender. But do it soon. No sense in keeping an unhappy player on the roster. More than anything, this team needs a solid dose of unity.

While I did not expect Artest to become a Maverick, it was because I thought he might actually stick it out in Sacramento. But tonight’s headlines tell us that Ron Artest will be headed to Houston in a trade for Bobby Jackson and probably Donte Greene.

Another opportunity bites the dust. How did Mark Cuban and Donnie Nelson manage to spend so much energy and money getting Jason Kidd to Dallas and fail so miserably to shop Josh Howard? It can’t be THAT hard to trade him. He’s still pretty talented.

Sure, another trade could go down during the summer. That is not an impossibility. But Artest for Howard made the most sense. Dallas would have gained a confident defender and scorer who would have fit the need here nicely. Instead, Houston just became a much tougher team. The triple threat of Yao Ming, Ron Artest, and TMac launches Houston backinto elite Western status. That’s not including Shane Battier or Rafer Alston.

So what’s left for Dallas? Is there even a shot at Josh Smith? Shaun Marion? Anyone? I know a LOT of Dallas fans who will be sorely disappointed if Josh Howard is still on this team in November.

Some of you have pointed out to me that NBA.com says San Antonio picked up Gerald Green. This is why you have editorial control over your website. Someone needs to review this data and ensure its accuracy. While you would expect NBA.com to be the leader in accurate NBA reporting, human error is inevitable.

To allay your concerns, all other reports including quotes from Dallas Mavericks front office indicate that Gerald Green is a Dallas Maverick. Don’t worry about San Antonio. They have a good chance of picking up Corety Magette. Gerald Green isn’t even on their radar.

With everything that we as fans have been hearing and seeing in the media, blogs, and rumor sites it’s hard to get a clear grasp of what the 2008-2009 Mavericks will look like. This is what we know Gerald Green is a Maverick or is he???? Diop is going to be signed with the MLE or is he???

There is speculation that Dallas and New Jersey will try to work out a sign and trade apparently this benefits both teams…why you ask? Well Diop has already made it clear he wants to be in Dallas sign and trade benefits new jersey because they will get something back and it benefits the Mavericks because they wouldn’t have to use the MLE on Diop instead they could use it to sign a free agent….Maggette and Posey seem to be high on the Mavericks wish list…will this happen I will be thoroughly surprised if either of those guys sign with Dallas..Posey will stay put with the Celtics and Maggette is going to sign with the Spurs but that’s just my gut.

Bonzi Wells he could be some one the Mavs could lure with the MLE. And then there is Ron Artest the Kings could just release Artest and the Mavs could try to pick him up with the MLE (which I seriously doubt would happen). But this could definitely happen and man if Dallas and Sacramento would go for it would be real nice for both teams Carlisle says he has a good relationship with Artest and I am pretty sure the Kings are ready to be done with Artest…Cuban and Donnie should really look at this scenario.

Then there is Josh Howard and the pot smoking and him leaving a skunky taste in the Mavs mouths. But trading Howard would almost be doing it just to shake things up…I don’t know how you would structure a deal like this but Lamar Odom for Howard or Mike Miller for Howard… but I’d rather keep Howard. So in my GM fantasy world (where the numbers would actually work) this would be the Mavs team I would put together.

Starting 5
Point Guard- Jason Kidd
Shooting Guard- Ron Artest
Small forward – Josh Howard (if traded, Lamar Odom or Mike Miller)
Power Forward – Dirk Nowitzki
Center- Diop

Bench
Point Guards- Tyron Lue and JJ Barea
Shooting Guards – Gerald Green and Stackhouse
Small Forwards – Devean George and Bonzi Wells
Power Forward – Brandon Bass
Center – Dampier

Developmental Players
Shan Foster, Reyshawn Terry, and Atoine Wright

Coaching Staff
Head Coach – Rick Carlisle
Assistants- Paul Westphal, Dwayne Casey, Terry Scotts and Mario Ellie

ESPN announced early this afternoon that the trade for Jason Kidd has been approved. Kidd will suit up for the Mavericks Wednesday night for his first game.

Are you ecstatic, depressed, or indifferent? I’ll be covering several angles over the next week or so. For now, it’s enough to know that Jason Kidd is back at the helm in Big D.

Say your goodbyes to Devin Harris, DeSagana Diop, Trenton Hassell, and future first round draft picks which would keep this team alive 5 years from now.

This leaves me to ask 2 questions:

1. Is Devin going to pull a Steve Nash and use this lack of appreciation and credit to motivate him to MVP/All-Star status?

2. Does this mean I have to design a new MavsUpdate banner ?

I’m thinkin’ yes and yes.

The Dallas Cowboys are playing excellent football right now. This is why nobody is really noticing how bad the Mavericks are doing right now. The Mavericks are 17 – 9 right now. More than half of those losses have came from Eastern Conference teams. I don’t know what is more embarrassing the video of Devon Harris dancing to Rod Stewart’s “Do Ya Think I’m Sexy?” or losing to an Eastern Conference team. I hope the reason for the inconsistent play of late has to due with us adding a couple of new pieces in Eddie Jones and Brandon Bass. Hopefully we start to get into a rhythm and start rolling like a gravy train with biscuit wheels into the All-Star break.

The Mavericks barely pulled out another win against an average Orlando Magic team. The Magic turned the game into a nail biter at the last few moments with the final score being 111 – 108. One thing that has been a constant knack on the Mavericks is their ability to lose a lead. No matter how much we are on up on the other team they always seem to come back. One good thing I can say about tonight’s game is I think we saw the return of the Dirkanator. The game was close at the end and Dirk Nowitzki hit the big shots that needed to be made finishing with 31 points. This game should help bring his confidence back up and hopefully even out his inconsistent play of late. We are talking about the MVP of the league. This type of play is expected every night. Was I the only person that noticed the announcer’s “hot mic” when Jameer Nelson was shooting his free throws with seven seconds left in the game?

Whoever started the Jason Kidd rumors need to be slapped by Kidd right after he slaps his wife. The price for the albino Ike Turner would be Josh Howard and possibly Devon Harris. Lets think about that for a second, Jason Kidd was drafted by the Mavericks when Josh Howard was 13 years old. Josh Howard has just started into becoming what looks like a great player. I don’t even think this guy has shown a flash of the brilliance he is capable of. I would be open to trading Devon Harris and Jerry Stackhouse for Kidd. That is the only remote scenario that could land Kidd back in Dallas. If Howard goes it could end up being one of the big mistakes like Portland drafting Sam Bowie over Michael Jordan. I know what your thinking, who is Sam Bowie? I don’t know either.

The Dallas Mavericks are not going to pursue Mr. Selfish/Team Destroyer Kobe Bryant.
Is it an issue of talent? Yes it is. The Mavs would have to give up way too much and it’s a catch 22. Why? It’s the perfect contract situation for Kobe – there is a no trade clause. In other words, Kobe can shoot down any deal, so if Lakers management has a deal in place where the Lakers actually get some talent back, Kobe’s going to shoot it down because he would be going to a team that just lost all their talent just to get him. So the Lakers are going to have to budge and take less talent or Kobe’s going to have to budge and basically accept the same situation he has now on a different team.

Fact is, most players that have played with Kobe imply that he was no good in the locker room and not a very good teammate. Probably similar to the rich kid who got everything and got away with everything in junior high.

Fact: Kobe is un-coachable according to one of the best player-friendly coaches, Phil Jackson.

Fact: Kobe can not coexist with another all-star player. Ask Shaq Daddy who was run out of town and formed a pretty good relationship with Dwayne Wade in Miami.

Fact: Kobe takes most of his team’s shots, is not a team player, and does not make any of his teammates better. He actually hinders their growth.

Fact: Kobe is not Michael Jordan. Why? Jordan made his teammates better. Jordan played with heart and passion! Which does not filter through Kobe’s game.

Kobe is a talented player. But as a Mavs fan, I have to ask myself why do this deal?

Unless the deal is Mo Ager , Jose Barea , and Nick Fazekas for Kobe, stay away from it! It is to risky and Kobe is high maintenance.

I did state before that I wouldn’t be to disappointed if the deal was Josh Howard and Jason Terry for Kobe, but if you really look at the deal that way, you’re getting the same if not more production by keeping Howard and Terry. They are good guys, good teammates and good for the community here in Dallas.

But the Lakers want Diop too, which would cause Dallas to sacrifice even more production ….. for what? To fill the seats? So Kobe can score 50 and the Mavs still lose …. So he can send Dirk packing to Phoenix to help them win a title…

The Mavs roster looks as good as it ever has. It’s deep with veterans and young talent. We have some new pieces to our coaching staff. This could be the year, but if it’s not the year, it’s not necessarily player personnel …. But we will see. I hope Kobe ends up in New York with Isaiah…they can relate.

But THANK YOU Mark Cuban for not bringing him here.