Texas Rangers: Is the Signing Bonus Too High For Nomar Mozara?

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Over the weekend, the Texas Rangers, along with the rest of baseball, had their chance to sign some of the best Latin America talent money could buy.

So, Nolan Ryan and company decided they were going to spend almost $9 million on two different players and both no older than 16 years of age.

Ronald Guzman, a 6-foot-4 195 pound outfielder, was signed for $3.5 million but the one thing that has some people scratching their head is the part of his scouting report that says "below average arm and speed." I know $3.5 million isn't much at all in the grand scheme of things as far as baseball is concerned, but for a guy listed as "below average" it seems a little steep.

While some are curious about the signing of Guzman, there are even more who are talking about another 16-year old outfielder.

At 6-foot-5 and 185 pounds, 16-year old Nomar Mozara received a signing bonus of more than $5 million topping the Oakland Athletics who signed Michael Ynoa for $4.25 million back in 2008.

His scouting report, however, is much different from that of Guzman's. He's being called one of the best Latin American hitters since Wily Mo Pena and...Miguel Cabrera? That's high praise for a 16-year old who's yet to prove anything in the states.

You might remember Cabrera being signed by the Florida Marlins for $1.8 million back in 1999.

Shan Shariff, one half of 'New School' on 105.3 FM The Fan in Dallas, Texas called Mozara's signing "irresponsible" and is of the opinion that the Rangers should not be giving a 16-year old kid $5 million.

While I understand Shariff's opinion I will respectfully disagree with his assessment for one simple reason. Had the Rangers not signed this young athlete, who has a ton of potential, there would have been another team who snatched him up for almost the same cost.

Why is that a bad thing? Because Mozara, because the Rangers have this kind of luck, or lack thereof, would have become a huge star and the media in Dallas and Fort Worth would be calling Texas' front office "irresponsible" for not signing him in the first place.

How could they have missed out on a prospect being called the next "Miguel Cabrera?"

It's easy to knock the Rangers for signing a teenager for what he might be able to do instead of holding your opinion until he either makes it or he washes out.

I'm in favor of this team and it's front office doing exactly what they did. I believe they do their due diligence on the players they sign. If this were a group led by former owner Tom Hicks then I'd probably be questioning the decision as well.

But with Nolan Ryan leading the charge, I know he has a group of scouts and advisers who know the kind of players this franchise needs going forward.

Heck, there were those who blasted the Tampa Bay Rays for signing one Josh Hamilton out of high school. Say what you want about his past, he became the star the Rays had envisioned from the moment they signed him.

So before we pass judgement on the signing of Mozara or Guzman, let's wait and see how these two players shape out before we call anyone "irresponsible."

It's better than having to eat those words later.

105.3 FM The Fan's Gregg Henson Headed to WOWO 1190 AM in Fort Wayne?

Update: 8:24pm CDT - I talked to Gregg and he confirmed the rumors of his impending move to WOWO in Fort Wayne, IN. He told me, "I'm excited to join the legendary WOWO and can't wait to work with its tremendous staff"


After over two years at 105.3 FM The Fan in Dallas, the contract of former on air personality Gregg Henson was not renewed by CBS Radio, ending his time at the station.

There were questions as to what was going to happen with him as well as his morning co-host, Chris Jagger, after both were let go.

While there have been no rumors about Jagger and where he might end up, there are rumors about where Henson might end up. According to sources in the Dallas area, Henson is apparently headed to News Talk 1090 WOWO in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

There's been no official announcement from WOWO or from Henson himself but this would seem to make sense. He's originally from Detroit and this move would bring him closer to that area as well as to Ann Arbor to attend Michigan Wolverine games since he is an admitted Tigers' and Wolverine fan.

Once there is an official announcement, we'll let you know.


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105.3 FM The Fan Making Big Changes in Order to Compete

It's not the first time 105.3 FM The Fan in Dallas, Texas has tried to shake things up but this time it seems they are trying to make bigger changes in order to compete with 103.3 FM The Ticket also in Dallas.

For those of you who have been loyal listeners, your morning commute will have a much different sound come April 11th.

Out are long time radio voices Jagger and Gregg Henson as neither of their contracts were renewed by The Fan.

Instead, according to Richie Whitt of the Dallas Observer, Shan Shariff, a former Kansas City sports talk show host, and RJ Choppy, formerly of ESPN Radio in Dallas, will be your new voices in the morning on the 5am-9am slot.

I've gotten to know Henson over the last six to eight months and enjoyed the person he was away from the radio airwaves. Originally from Detroit, Henson made himself known alongside Paul Barsky during the afternoon drive time.

Henson would then join newcomer Gavin Dawson when Barsky was moved into the morning slot alongside Jagger and Jasmine Sadry.

When Barsky's contract wasn't renewed by The Fan, Henson was moved into his spot in the morning and the rumors began that Henson was sitting in what was called the "cursed chair" by listeners of the morning show.

Now, it seems the listeners couldn't have been more right.


RJ Choppy



While I don't know Shariff, I have gotten to know RJ Choppy. He's going to be a great addition to the morning drive slot and I know fans of the Dallas radio station will enjoy him as well.

The only thing he may need to change is the fact he's a Yankee fan. Once that little nugget of information comes out, the Ranger fans won't let him hear the end of it.

Get ready for a new station with new voices in the morning. The rest of the lineup will remain the same with Newy Scruggs from 9am to 11am, Josh and Elf from 11am to 2pm, RAGE with Richie Whitt and Gregg Williams for your afternoon drive time (2pm to 7pm) and the evening normally finishes with Arnie Spanier.

Whether or not this change works for The Fan is yet to be seen. But, I know RJ will do a great job as he has a ton of sports knowledge and brings a lot to a radio show.

I wish him the best with his new position and I also wish Gregg Henson the best wherever he ends up. He has a great heart and a lot of experience in the radio industry.


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