The chess game continues. With Albert Pujols and C.J. Wilson relocating to the American League West, the Texas Rangers knew they must make a bold move to keep pace and stay competitive. That move transpired Monday night when Major League Baseball announced the Rangers posted the winning bid for negotiating rights to Japanese pitcher Yu Darvish. But it was more than just a winning bid, but a record bid: $51.7 million.

With the bidding for the handful of elite Japanese talent reaching $50 million, fans and media are becoming critical of the posting system. Has the bidding fee effectively eliminated small-market organizations from participating?

According to Major League Baseball, five teams – Cleveland Indians, Kansas City Royals, San Diego Padres, Pittsburgh Pirates and Tampa Bay Rays – have entire team payrolls less than the Texas Rangers winning bid. Could they bid? Yes. Would they post a bid? Sure. Do they realistically have a chance to win the bid? No chance.

The posting system is, in effect, reserved for teams who sip Dom Perignon in the chilly air of late-October, flags whip proudly as they ascend in April and players collect gaudy jewelry. The posting system is for the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, Philadelphia Phillies, Los Angeles Angels and, well, surprisingly the Texas Rangers of the baseball world. It’s natural selection.

Former MLB general manager and XM Radio broadcaster Jim Bowden tweeted Monday night, Darvish is the “highest financial risk … highest baseball reward in baseball history.” At 25, Darvish has the tools and numbers; he’s also never thrown a pitch to a major league hitter. So why would the Texas Rangers take the risk? As Bowden points out, they must. They’ve been to the World Series the last two years and zero rings. If Darvish gives them an extra push, to win in October, then buy.

There is also the philosophy that suggests winning the bid is losing. If the Rangers negotiate a deal with Darvish, they must pay the $51.7 million posting fee – and the price of the contract. In the end, Darvish could end up costing the Rangers more than $100 million. If he becomes the next Bob Gibson or Tom Seaver … jackpot. But what if Darvish becomes Kei Igawa or Hideki Irabu? Then you can start comparing the Rangers to Juan Rodriguez.

History reveals the posting system does not guarantee a return on investment. In 2006, the Boston Red Sox paid the Seibu Lions a $51 million posting fee for the negotiating rights to Daisuke Matsuzaka, who would eventually sign a six-year, $52 million deal. Despite a fast start, winning 15 games in 2007 and 18 more in 2008, Matsuzaka is 16-15 over the last three seasons.

“Darvish is a totally different person (than Matsuzaka),” said Los Angeles Dodgers coach Trey Hillman, who managed Darvish for three seasons in Japan. “He’s continued to grow … and people there tell me how focused he is with his offseason work. Provide him with what he needs to acclimate to the culture and you’ve got half the battle done.”