Q: What is your take on Nolan Ryan becoming president of the most inconsistent, worst defensive team in baseball; one that has a non-baseball general manager and an owner that is only interested in income?
— Steve Percival, Burleson, Texas

A: You sound like one of the many frustrated Rangers fans out there, Steve. I guess that’s how it is when you only have three ALDS appearances (1-9 combined record) to show for 35-plus years in Arlington.

As far as Ryan goes, who better for the task than the franchise’s biggest hero? He has wanted to do something along these lines for a long time, and I think he would have done it sooner if not for some health issues in recent years. So the motivation is there.

Knowing him as I do when our paths crossed during his time as a player with the Rangers and mine as a beat writer in Fort Worth, he only does things full-bore. So I know he will roll up his sleeves, and put a real effort into it. This is no ceremonial, just-for-show hiring.

Now, to the task at hand. The franchise’s long-standing problem with pitching is no secret. And it’s a tough one to get a handle on, as despite last year’s showing as a neutral park, the longer-term trend shows Rangers Ballpark to be slanted toward offense. In particular, it is skewed big-time for triples and for left-handed-hitters’ home runs, is well above-average for home runs and infield errors, and above-average for runs scored.

All of which makes me wonder how the Rangers could have made deals in recent years that have sent away quality arms such as Chris Young, Francisco Cordero, Jon Danks, Armando Galarraga and Edinson Volquez, although in the latter case, Josh Hamilton came in return, so that is the ultimate good-deal-for-both teams trade.

That said, I will be surprised to see the Rangers trade away any more young pitching talent on Ryan’s watch. I also think you’ll see more emphasis on the entire system, from drafting to player development. The Rangers have to crank out more quality big-league players from within, simply put.

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As for Jon Daniels, he had precious little experience when he was hired as general manager, but I wouldn’t call him a non-baseball GM at all. And besides, John Hart, Jim Sundberg and Ryan are around now, too. And Hicks has shown a willingness to spend in the past — not often wisely — but I believe he wants to win more than just make money. But it’s just not an easy place in which to produce a winner.

Q: Can the Marlins be in it in September against those high-priced teams? We have a couple of other starters due back before All-Star time. Do we need to go out and get anything before the trade deadline if we don’t have an injury problem?
— Paul H. Rice

A: I’ll be surprised if the Fish still are hanging around in September, Paul. That’s not to say they won’t be, but I think the NL East is very strong, with up to four teams capable of finishing better than .500, and I don’t believe the Marlins’ pitching will hold up over the long haul.

Anybody who has read this column for awhile knows I don’t hold Marlins ownership in high regard. Their financial practices both past and present are borderline inexcusable. Yes, I know all about the terrible fan base and the stadium issues, but a payroll in the $20-million range — are you kidding me? (And when I say this, I exclude underrated GM Larry Beinfest, who has done some great things with next-to-nothing to work with.)

As for Fredi Gonzalez’s roster, the home-run power (second in the majors) and run production (eighth in the majors) have been surprisingly good. This isn’t a big batting average/on-base percentage/stolen base lineup, however. They have tried to address the center-field situation with Jacque Jones, but he doesn’t appear to be having any more success in Florida than he did in Detroit.

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On the pitching side, as you mention, starter Anibal Sanchez could be back around the All-Star break, and Josh Johnson and Sergio Mitre could make late-season contributions. But you never know about pitchers coming off injuries, and this rotation is thin. I like Kevin Gregg and Matt Lindstrom late in games, but the bullpen could use more depth, especially from the left side to help Renyel Pinto.

The question is, if the Fish are hanging around in late-July, will ownership spend even a little money for some pitching and/or role-player help?

Q: Do you think Boston should look at acquiring Barry Bonds? It seems like a logical fit – Barry wants to play for a contender, and David Ortiz is on the disabled list. If Barry truly wants a ring, he’ll come down on his asking price. It seems like a no-brainer.
— Michael Salas, San Jose, Calif.

A: With the latest round of indictments coming down recently, I don’t think Bonds will be playing anywhere this season, Michael. And while there is a potential temporary fit in Boston due to Ortiz’s injury, I couldn’t see the Red Sox going in that direction — indictments or no indictments pending.

The Sox have turned into a very successful development-from-within organization, and also are trying to build more of a speed-based/run manufacturing lineup, as to one that relies more on power. That should help them more on the road, where they traditionally have trouble, as opposed to their dominance at Fenway Park.

In Ortiz’s absence, I think they will primarily use a lineup with Manny Ramirez at DH, and an outfield of Jacoby Ellsbury, Coco Crisp and J.D. Drew, which will be excellent defensively and inject more speed.