The Texas Rangers have made it clear that they will do everything in their power to re-sign starting pitcher Cliff Lee this off-season.  While signing Lee would obviously be the ideal outcome for the reigning American League Champions, there is no reason to believe that the Rangers should live-or-die by him, especially with a prospect like Martin Perez surging through the Minor Leagues.  And while there is an inherent risk in signing the 32-year old Lee – as there is with signing any 32-year old pitcher – the left-handed Perez is just 20-years old and already has a full Double-A season under his belt.

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On Saturday morning Clint and I were back at it on The Baseball Show, offering our thoughts on all of this past week’s signings, as well as other notable headlines.

Some of the many things that we discussed:

• Adam Dunn: Clint’s favorite player and my the White Sox new 1B/DH

• A.J. Pierzynski, Paul Konerko, and the Chicago White Sox

• The great career of Andruw Jones and what could have been…

• Adrian Gonzalez; the newest member of the Boston Red Sox

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• As a Chicago White Sox fan, I am still in total shock over the signing of Adam Dunn, as well as the re-signing of A.J. Pierzynski.  What makes the news even better is the fact that they both accepted back loaded contracts so that the organization may still potentially re-sign Paul Konerko.  Furthermore, it appears that Kenny Williams and the White Sox are finally shaking up the bullpen after non-tendering Bobby Jenks and trading Scott Linebrink. [Scott Merkin]

• The baseball world lost a true legend this week, as Ron Santo passed away at 70-years of age.  His lasting impact on the game, the Chicago Cubs organization, and city of Chicago goes above and beyond anything that you will read in a newspaper or on a blog.  Ron Santo will forever be at the heart of Chicago Cubs baseball and he will be sorely missed.  Thanks for all the great memories, Ronnie. [New York Times]  *Be sure to also read ‘Pat Hughes reflects on 15 years with Santo,’ which was published in the Chicago Tribute.

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In 2010, Starlin Castro finished 10^th in the National League with a .300 batting average while playing in 125 games for the Chicago Cubs.  Yet, what made the feat even more impressive was the fact the rookie shortstop did it as a 20-year old.

Ranked by Baseball America as the 16^th best prospect in baseball headed into the 2010 season, Castro was called up by the Cubs on May 7 after posting slashes of .376/.421/.569 in 26 games at Double-A Tennessee.  In his first Major League game, not only did Castro crack a three run, opposite field homer in his first at-bat, but he also ripped a bases clearing triple to notch six RBI in his MLB Debut.

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Be sure to tune in to FX tonight at 10pm EST — or if you a sucker for convenience like me, DVR it – to see Ryan Howard and Chase Utley make a cameo appearance on “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.” We all remember Mac’s letter to Utley from last season, so will he finally get the opportunity to confess his love for Chase face to face? Only time will tell. But early reports indicate that their appearance is legitimately funny… [Todd Zolecki]