Sports News and Trade Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

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November 6

MLB.com

"Catcher Ivan Rodriguez was one of five Rangers who filed for free agency on Thursday, the first day eligible players could file. Also filing were outfielders Hank Blalock and Marlon Byrd and pitchers Eddie Guardado and Joaquin Benoit. Guardado has talked about retiring. Rodriguez, who turns 38 on Nov. 30, has not. He has made it clear that he still wants to play for two or three more years. He has expressed an interest in returning to the Rangers but so far negotiations have been slow. "Pudge had a good return to our organization but we're still evaluating other options," general manager Jon Daniels said."

Clint Hurdle a finalist for Rangers' hitting job

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October 30

Denver Post

columnist Troy E. Renck

"Watching words spill out of Ozzie Guillen's mouth on the Fox TV set down the left-field line brought back memories. Former Rockies manager Clint Hurdle was a lot of things to a lot of people - nobody was more charitable or gracious with his time in the community. Back to Thursday night, Hurdle, like Guillen, is a talker. Sometimes charming. Sometimes angry. Always offering an opinion. At his baseball core, however, Hurdle is a teacher. So it wasn't a surprise to learn that he's one of four finalists for the Texas Rangers' hitting instructor job. Hurdle has told people close to him that he wants back into coaching. And this could be an ideal landing spot. Fired after the Rockies stumbled ..."

Rangers talk to Greer about hitting instructor position

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October 28

Dallas Morning News

"If the Rangers are seeking advice on improving their approach at the plate, they certainly went to the right place to talk on the first day of casual interviews for a hitting instructor. They called Rusty Greer. Greer, who had a .301 career batting average in a decade with the Rangers, has the second-highest career on-base percentage as a Ranger at .388. Greer, who has spent the last two years working with hitters in the Texas Collegiate League and giving private hitting instruction, acknowledged talking with the Rangers about the job Tuesday, but declined to comment on the discussions. General manager Jon Daniels declined to comment on the interview process. The Rangers were expected ..."

Vizquel plans to play again in 2010

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September 28

MLB.com

"Omar Vizquel, the oldest position player in the Major Leagues and the career record holder for games played at shortstop, wants to continue his career next season. "I'm going to play. I'm going to try to give it another shot," the 42-year-old Vizquel said Sunday, according to The Associated Press. "I still feel physically pretty good. When my body feels like that, I better take advantage of it." Vizquel is finishing his first season with the Texas Rangers and his 21st in the Majors. The 11-time Gold Glove winner, who has played in 2,680 games at shortstop, has been in 59 games this season and is batting .266 in 169 at-bats. He was batting .305 at the start of September, but has two hits in ..."

Ryan could join group bidding to buy Texas Rangers

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September 25

Dallas Morning News

"Two more bidders for the Rangers have been identified, and one of them has had conversations with Nolan Ryan about joining his investment group. Ryan, the Rangers president, said that he has had conversations about becoming a minority owner with Chuck Greenberg, a sports attorney in Pittsburgh who also owns two minor league teams and a sports consulting firm. While he hasn't joined Greenberg, Ryan also hasn't ruled it out. A source said that if Ryan comes aboard, he would continue to oversee all aspects of the club. "I've visited with Chuck Greenberg several times when they were in the process of looking at the organization," Ryan told MLB.com. "There is a possibility I could be ..."

Rangers veteran closer Guardado considering retirement

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September 23

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

"A ho-hum ninth-inning appearance Monday night in a blowout victory put Texas Rangers left-hander Eddie Guardado in the same company as Cy Young. But another day gone by in Guardado's 17-season career has possibly moved him closer to retirement. Guardado said Tuesday that he is considering stepping away from a career that has included two All-Star appearances, 187 saves and 906 career appearances that are good for a tie for 21st all time with Young. "I'm thinking about hanging it up," said Guardado, who turns 39 on Oct. 2. "I can't give you a definite, because when December comes you get that itch and Mama wants you out of the house. But I think it's maybe time." He earned the nickname ..."

Sources: Former agent in bidding for Texas Rangers

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September 22

Dallas Morning News

"A former agent to some of baseball's biggest stars is serious about buying the Rangers, and Dennis Gilbert won't be a silent partner should his group land the winning bid. Sources have identified Gilbert as the front man for investors who have been approved by Major League Baseball and have submitted a bid to Hicks Sports Group with the help of the consulting group Game Plan LLC. Gilbert and Game Plan executives were in Dallas in late July, seeking local investors. A minimum contribution of $5 million was sought from potential local investors, who were told that the winning bid for the club could fall between $450 million and $525 million. A call to Gilbert at his office in Beverly ..."

Hamilton likely out another week

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September 11

Dallas Morning News

"Texas outfielder Josh Hamilton received another injection in his back Friday in California and will likely not be back until the Los Angeles series next weekend at the earliest. Hamilton met with Dr. Robert Watkins to get a second opinion on his back. Watkins agreed with the pinched nerve diagnosis of Dr. Drew Dossett and recommended Hamilton wait another week before trying to play."

Unflappable Hunter to start Game 1 Tuesday for Texas Rangers

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September 8

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

"A clan of Hunters made the five-hour drive from Indianapolis to Progressive Field to watch one of their own pitch Monday night. But 23 family members and friends of Texas Rangers right-hander Tommy Hunter will have to return today after a steady stream of showers soaked the area and forced the first of three games against Cleveland to be postponed. That's fine with them and fine with Hunter, who will start the first game of a doubleheader that begins at 4:05 p.m. Just as he has shown this season during tough spots on the mound, a little rain delay isn't going to affect the Rangers' unflappable rookie. "Let's roll, baby," Hunter said. "I'm good. I'm good to go. I'm just going to go with the ..."

Andruw Jones coming off disabled list

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September 8

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

"Two All-Star starters this year are missing from the Texas Rangers' offense, so a former All-Star will get a chance to add some punch to the lineup. Andruw Jones, a five-time All-Star, will be activated from the disabled list tonight and jump right into the mix as the designated hitter against Cleveland left-hander Aaron Laffey. The Rangers knew they would be without Michael Young (pulled left hamstring) this series, and manager Ron Washington confirmed that Josh Hamilton won't be coming to Cleveland. The center fielder had a second root-nerve injection Monday, but the procedure usually requires 24 to 48 hours for the cortisone to calm the nerve. The latest plan calls for Hamilton to join ..."

Hamilton doubtful for rest of Texas Rangers' road trip

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September 7

Dallas Morning News

"The chance that Josh Hamilton will play at all on this six-game road trip became more remote Sunday, when the center fielder returned to Texas to receive a second injection for his ailing back. Hamilton said he has seen only minimal improvement with a pinched nerve that sends pain shooting down his right leg. Massage therapy has helped him to walk better, but he can't accomplish the simple task of standing on only his right leg. He will meet with Dr. Drew Dossett today for a second shot that he hopes will hit the affected area more directly to allow the cortisone to cool the nerve. "If the shot gets on it in the right spot, I'll feel better," Hamilton said. "It might come back in three ..."

Hamilton may rejoin Texas Rangers today

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September 5

Dallas Morning News

"All-Star center fielder Josh Hamilton could join the Rangers today after having too much discomfort in his back Friday to travel to Camden Yards for the series opener. Hamilton had a root-nerve injection Thursday to help alleviate a pinched nerve in his back. But the lingering effect of the epidural prevented Hamilton from making the nearly three-hour flight from Texas. It usually takes the procedure 24 to 48 hours to take effect and for the soreness to dissipate. Manager Ron Wash- ington said he hopes to have Hamilton back today, but his availability is uncertain. "If there's any way for Josh to play when he gets here, he'll play," Washington said. "Hopefully we get him back in there ..."

Rangers sale not likely before end of season

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September 3

Dallas Morning News

"Six prospective buyers have expressed interest in acquiring the Rangers by notifying the team by an Aug. 18 deadline, according to a sports business publication. Street"

Rangers' Davis will be called up Tuesday

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August 24

Dallas Morning News

"The Rangers are hoping Chris Davis can give them a boost at first base. Davis, who was demoted to Triple-A in July, will be called up for the series opener against the New York Yankees on Tuesday, and manager Ron Washington said Davis will be the first baseman. The move will cut into the playing time of Hank Blalock, who is hitting .238 and was 1-for-11 in the series against Tampa Bay. Blalock has seven hits in his last 43 at-bats. Davis hit .202 in 77 games with the Rangers, striking out 114 times in 258 at-bats. With Oklahoma City, he hit .335, with 39 strikeouts in 165 at-bats. Washington said when Davis returns to the lineup, Blalock will resume his role as a part-time first baseman ..."

Source: Dodgers in pursuit of Padilla

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August 19

ESPN.com

"With right-hander Hiroki Kuroda's future availability still uncertain, the Dodgers have reversed course and have made Vicente Padilla "a consideration," according to a source who has spoken with Padilla's agents, Adam Katz and Paul Kinzer. Initially, the Dodgers had decided not to pursue Padilla, who was officially released this week by Texas after being designated for assignment earlier this month. However, that was before Kuroda experienced post-concussion symptoms after being hit in the head by a line drive Saturday in Arizona. Now the Dodgers are talking with Kinzer about Padilla, who pitched five shutout innings against the Dodgers in June during interleague play. And it's possible a ..."

Rangers trade for catcher Pudge Rodriguez

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August 18

Dallas Morning News

"The best catcher in the history of the franchise and one of the top in the history of the game is coming back to the Rangers. Sources have confirmed that the Rangers completed a trade Tuesday morning with Houston for Ivan Rodriguez for two minor-leaguers. Rodriguez was the catcher the last time the Rangers went to the playoffs in 1999. They enter play today with a one-game lead in the wild-card standings. They also have some uncertainty behind the plate. A source said Rodriguez will serve as the backup for Taylor Teagarden, who has assumed the starting duties with Jarrod Saltalamacchia on the disabled list. Saltalamacchia was placed on the DL on Saturday with arm fatigue and was told today ..."

Padilla available after Rangers release

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August 17

Foxsports.com

"Vicente Padilla has been released by the Rangers, a major league source told FOXSports.com. Padilla is expected to clear unconditional release waivers on Wednesday, at which point he will be free to discuss a new contract with any team. A team in need of rotation help, such as the Dodgers, may be willing to sign him for a prorated portion of the $400,000 minimum salary."

Red Sox officially release former Cy Young winner

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August 17

Foxsports.com

"John Smoltz has been released by the Red Sox, a major league source told FOXSports.com. The move is not a surprise, since his contract was designated for assignment on Aug. 7. Smoltz will clear unconditional release waivers on Wednesday, at which point he will be free to discuss a new contract with any team. The Dodgers, Marlins, Cardinals and Rangers have interest, sources have told FOXSports.com senior baseball writer Ken Rosenthal. Smoltz, 42, does not intend to retire and is open to joining clubs as a starter or reliever, a source told Rosenthal over the weekend. The Red Sox are now obligated to pay the remainder of the one-year, $5.5 million contract Smoltz signed in the offseason."

Next for Padilla: Who knows?

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August 11

Foxsports.com

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"Two NL teams, believed to be the Dodgers and Brewers, are "kicking the tires" on right-hander Vicente Padilla, who was designated for assignment by the Rangers. A trade, however, remains unlikely; any team interested in Padilla can simply wait for him to clear waivers, knowing the Rangers will be responsible for the remainder of his $12 million salary. A more assertive club could include money and/or a marginal prospect to entice the Rangers into making a deal. It's doubtful, however, that any team would be so motivated. As one rival GM points out, the Rangers were so disgusted with Padilla's conduct, they purged him in the middle of a pennant race."

Could John Smoltz or Vicente Padilla be in Dodgers' future?

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August 10

Los Angeles Times

"With Chad Billingsley questionable for his next start Wednesday in San Francisco and with the Dodgers unsettled on a permanent fifth starter, Manager Joe Torre said Sunday the team continues to look outside the organization for help. "They're looking," Torre said of the front office. "We talked about the waiver wire. There is a possibility that something can happen." Among the possibilities is right-hander Vicente Padilla, a former All-Star who the Rangers designated for assignment Friday despite an 8-6 record in 18 starts. The Rangers said the decision to part ways with Padilla, who won at least 14 games in two of the last four seasons, was the culmination of several factors, including ..."

Texas Rangers plan another roster move

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August 7

Dallas Morning News

"The Rangers are planning to bolster their roster today for a weekend series against the Los Angeles Angels, and they hope to do so without placing Nelson Cruz on the disabled list. Outfielder Julio Borbon accompanied the Rangers to Anaheim and will be added as a bench player if a move is made. The move would give the Rangers a three-man bench after they played the final three games against Oakland with only two. Right-hander Doug Mathis could be the player optioned back to Triple-A Oklahoma City. The Rangers have 13 pitchers, but with starter Kevin Millwood looking solid for Saturday and a day off Monday, Dustin Nippert can assume the long-relief role and the bullpen should be able to get ..."

Rangers' talks for Halladay break off

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July 31

MLB.com

"There was a point on Thursday when the Rangers thought they had a real chance at trading for Blue Jays pitcher Roy Halladay, with a source saying a deal was "very close." But that is no longer the case. As of Friday morning, just hours before the 3 p.m. CT/4 ET Trade Deadline, trade talks between the two clubs appear to have broken off. According to those familiar with the discussions, the situation was somewhere between dead and on life-support. There were multiple issues involved that kept a deal from getting done, but the biggest involved Rangers rookie left-hander Derek Holland. The Blue Jays wanted him and the Rangers wouldn't give him up."

Rangers bid for Halladay appears over

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July 31

Foxsports.com

"The Rangers' bid for Blue Jays right-hander Roy Halladay appears over. It is "unlikely" the Rangers will get anything done with the Jays, according to a major-league source with intimate knowledge of the discussions. The Jays had asked the Rangers for left-hander Derek Holland, Class AA first baseman Justin Smoak and two other top prospects."

Ryan confirms Halladay discussions

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July 31

MLB.com

"Club president Nolan Ryan confirmed Thursday night that the Rangers and the Blue Jays are having trade discussions about pitcher Roy Halladay. "We've had discussions with them, yes," Ryan said after the Rangers' 7-1 victory over the Mariners. "Nothing has been done. It's been going on for a while and there have been names talked about. There hasn't been a deal struck and it's still premature to make a prediction whether it will happen." Earlier, when asked to comment on the report, a high-ranking Blue Jays official replied with a text message saying "nothing to them" regarding how serious the rumors may be.There are mixed signals whether a deal will get done by Friday's 3 p.m. CT ..."

Roy Halladay still in play for Rangers, but Jays want Derek Holland, others

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July 31

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

"Just about everyone in the Texas Rangers' organization, on the field or off it, wants to make a deal before the non-waiver trade deadline passes at 3 p.m. today. The Rangers have the prospects to get any potential trade partner's attention. But in a sport where $5 million seems like spare change, it's been suggested for the past few months that the Rangers come up with only lint when they dig into their pockets. That might not be entirely true. The Rangers are still pursuing a trade for the biggest name on the trade market, right-hander Roy Halladay, and baseball sources said that money won't be the issue that causes a deal for the former Cy Young winner to fall apart. "We've had ..."

Rangers looking to Arizona, Toronto and Pittsburgh for deadline help

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July 30

Dallas Morning News

"Rangers brass has a day and some change to find a deal before the non-waiver trade deadline at 3 p.m. Friday to help fortify the Rangers for the stretch run, but Jon Daniels and crew will have to find away to remove the financial shackles that are making their task more difficult. The Phillies will pay the rest of Cliff Lee's salary this season, around $2 million. Philadelphia traded a top prospect whose star had diminished in some circles and a highly regarded pitcher at least three years away. They also tossed in two other prospects. Surely, the Rangers could have matched that prospect package, but was a seemingly paltry $2 million the deal-breaker? It might have been. So, working under ..."

Rangers long shots for Halladay, Washburn

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July 30

Foxsports.com

"The Rangers remain interested in Roy Halladay and Jarrod Washburn but regard them as long shots, one major-league source with knowledge of their plans said this afternoon. The source added that Texas isn't involved in talks about relievers Heath Bell, George Sherrill or Matt Capps."

Obstacles aplenty in any potential Halladay deals

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July 30

CBSSports.com

"The Philadelphia Phillies now off the table after acquiring Cliff Lee from Cleveland, Toronto general manager J.P. Ricciardi says his "gut" tells him that ace Roy Halladay will remain with the Blue Jays through Friday's deadline. Trade deadline translation: Less than 48 hours until Friday's non-waivers trade deadline, Ricciardi's gut is telling him that it doesn't like what the Angels, Red Sox, Dodgers, Rangers and Yankees are offering. "My gut tells me [that he won't be traded]," Ricciardi told colleague Danny Knobler shortly after learning Wednesday that the Phillies had re-directed away from Halladay and latched onto Lee. "We haven't been moved enough to move the player." No doubt, ..."

Washington says club ready to buy

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July 30

MLB.com

"Rangers manager Ron Washington said he thinks his club will do something before Friday's Trade Deadline. It won't be Roy Halladay, but the Rangers are still hoping to make a move either for starting pitching or offensive help. "We'll make a deal," Washington said. "I don't know who we'll make a deal with, but we'll probably do something. But if we don't, we're not going to use that as an excuse for not playing well. We're still looking at everything to see what's out there." Washington's preference is to add starting pitching. "That's what every manager sitting at the Trade Deadline is hoping to get unless he has five quality ones," Washington said. "You can always use depth in your ..."

Rangers aren't giving up hope on Halladay

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July 30

Foxsports.com

"The Texas Rangers have a definite need for pitching and one of the best farm systems in the game. What's more, Roy Halladay hasn't ruled out waiving his no-trade clause to come to Texas, according to FOXSports.com senior baseball writer Ken Rosenthal. So, why aren't we hearing more about them in the market for frontline starters? Well, the answer is pretty straightforward: Rangers owner Tom Hicks is having some financial difficulties, and it's doubtful that the team will be able to add much to its payroll this year. The Rangers are optimistic that next year's payroll will be more flexible — when Halladay would be in the final year of his deal at $15.75 million. As of Wednesday, the folks ..."

Source: Halladay would consider Rangers

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July 29

Foxsports.com

"Roy Halladay wants to play for a perennial contender. So, would he approve a trade to the Rangers, who last made the postseason in 1999? Maybe. Halladay has not ruled out waiving his no-trade clause for the Rangers, according to a source with knowledge of his thinking. However, he is not as certain to approve a deal to Texas as he is to the Yankees, Red Sox or either of the Los Angeles teams. The Rangers are 2½ games behind the Angels in the AL West and 1½ games behind the Red Sox for the wild card. They have the prospects to land Halladay, but many in baseball doubt their ability to take on his remaining salary in 2009 and '10."

Yankees making a strong push for Jarrod Washburn

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July 29

Yahoo! Sports

"With Chien-Ming Wang needing shoulder surgery and lost for the season, the Yankees are making a strong push for Seattle left-hander Jarrod Washburn, according to one rival executive. What the Yankees want, they usually get, which could be bad news for the Phillies, Brewers, Rangers and Twins, all of whom had scouts watching his sharp performance Tuesday night."

Rangers eye the market for a starter

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July 29

MLB.com

"The Rangers are scrambling to figure out their rotation this week. Roy Halladay is not going to be an option. The Rangers have had discussions with the Blue Jays concerning Halladay but have balked at the asking price. The Blue Jays are looking for a package that includes prospects at the level of pitcher Derek Holland, Minor League first baseman Justin Smoak and outfielder Julio Borbon. The Rangers, who have limited financial flexibility anyway, aren't willing to give that much for Halladay. But they are still talking with other clubs, and general manager Jon Daniels' top priority is still starting pitching. "That's fair to say," Daniels said. "Nothing has changed at our end. We're ..."

Lee prefers to stay in Cleveland, but OK with trade

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July 28

Foxsports.com

"Cliff Lee will not be upset if he is traded. While the Indians left-hander wants to spend the rest of his career in Cleveland, he recognizes that his time with the team is running short. Lee, after learning in spring training that the Indians would not sign him to a contract extension, told the team that he plans to become a free agent when his current deal expires after the 2010 season, according to his agent, Darek Braunecker. A trade appears inevitable, perhaps even by Friday's non-waiver deadline. Lee, the reigning American League Cy Young Award winner, would prefer such a move to happen sooner rather than later, Braunecker said. The Phillies, Dodgers, Angels, Rays and Rangers are ..."

Rangers have "no money"

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July 23

Foxsports.com

"The Rangers have "no money," multiple sources say, but Lee — earning $5.75 million this season with a $9 million club option for next season — is relatively affordable. A trade of first baseman Hank Blalock, who is earning $6 million, would help clear payroll. The Red Sox discussed Blalock with the Rangers before obtaining LaRoche."

Jays Set Halladay Shopping Cutoff

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July 22

New York Post

"It could be a ploy to get teams to up their offers or the Blue Jays may have decided to keep Roy Halladay rather than accept what they believe are inferior packages for the best right-handed pitcher in the game. Either way, Blue Jays general manager J.P. Ricciardi said yesterday it's likely Halladay won't be dealt and informed those interested in talking trade that the deadline is no longer July 31 but July 28, due to the magnitude of moving a player of Halladay's caliber. Ricciardi wants the issue resolved before Halladay, who has a no-trade clause, starts on July 29 against Seattle. "At this point, it's probably unlikely that we'll trade Doc," Ricciardi said. "No one has really stepped ..."

Phillies won't give up Drabek for Halladay

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July 21

SI.com

"The latest word from a source familiar with Philadelphia's thinking is that the front-running Phillies have decided they will not include top pitching prospect Kyle Drabek in a four-player package for superstar pitcher Roy Halladay, perhaps raising the chances that Halladay will be dealt elsewhere or maybe even stay with the Jays. The Phillies are believed to have told Toronto of their Drabek decision, but if they haven't yet they will inform the Jays very soon. Philadelphia has a bevy of respectable prospects, but opinions around baseball vary as to how decent the deal might be for Toronto without the inclusion of Drabek. The two teams have been discussing prospects, including outfielder ..."

Padilla looks ready to go Wednesday for Rangers

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July 7

Dallas Morning News

"An extra day is apparently all Vicente Padilla needed for his sore right shoulder to feel well enough to pitch this week against the Los Angeles Angels. The Rangers' right-hander told manager Ron Washington and pitching coach Mike Maddux that he is available to start Wednesday. He was originally scheduled to start Saturday but asked to be pushed back to today. On Sunday, he asked for an extra day. But Padilla threw a bullpen session Monday at Angel Stadium before the Rangers and Angels played for sole possession of first place in the American League West. "Padilla told us he's pretty certain," Washington said. "And if Padilla says he's pretty certain, I believe Padilla." After Padilla ..."

Rested Padilla ready to return to starting rotation

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July 7

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

"An extra day is apparently all Vicente Padilla needed for his sore right shoulder to feel well enough to pitch this week against the Los Angeles Angels. The Texas Rangers right-hander told manager Ron Washington and pitching coach Mike Maddux that he is available to start Wednesday. He was originally scheduled to start Saturday, but asked to be pushed back to Tuesday. On Sunday, he said Tuesday was a no go. But Padilla threw a bullpen session Monday at Angel Stadium before the Rangers and Angels played for sole possession of first place in the American League West. "Padilla told us he's pretty certain," Washington said. "And if Padilla says he's pretty certain, I believe Padilla." After ..."

Texas Rangers' Hamilton hopes to return soon

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July 3

Dallas Morning News

"The search for the missing piece from the Rangers lineup resumed in a state where the best-known ballpark is carved out of a cornfield. But Josh Hamilton was some three hours southwest of the Field of Dreams on Thursday night, instead playing center field for Triple-A Oklahoma City at the 11,000-seat Principal Park.But his field of dreams is Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. Hamilton, who is on the disabled list after having surgery to repair a torn abdominal muscle, hopes to resume patrolling center field there and batting third as soon as Saturday. The Rangers will gladly welcome the return of their best run producer, who hit 32 homers last season, drove in 130 runs and has the ability to ..."

Might Rangers be in Lackey's future?

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July 2

Orange County Register

"John Lackey said he has never met his boyhood hero. But he might get that chance this winter. With Lackey headed toward free agency, he could find the Texas Rangers- and their club president, Nolan Ryan - knocking on his door as one of his suitors. In that situation, would Lackey have the guts to tell the pitching icon, "No?" "I'm not sure who does," Lackey said with a laugh. "It'd be cool, no doubt (to meet Ryan under those circumstances). But I'm not even thinking that far ahead." Lackey said that "the Rangers were my team growing up" about 150 miles west of Dallas in Abilene, Texas. But he there are "a lot of factors" that will come into play beyond the chance to pitch close to home. ..."

With Harrison on DL, Texas eyes arms

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June 29

MLB.com

"Matt Harrison's arm problems could force the Rangers to make starting pitching a priority in any trade discussions they have with other teams. General manager Jon Daniels said last week that he was more inclined to look at improving the bullpen. But that was before Harrison was placed on the disabled list Sunday with biceps tendinitis in his left arm. Now starting pitching may be a bigger concern for the Rangers and a bigger priority. "It might," Daniels said Sunday. "We probably have more internal options in the bullpen than in the rotation. [Starting pitching] is something we're looking at but there are not that many starting pitchers available and I don't expect that to change. Not many ..."

Hamilton will play in Frisco

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June 29

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

"Josh Hamilton will take another step toward returning to the lineup this week when he begins a rehab assignment. Hamilton, who had surgery to repair a partially torn abdominal muscle 20 days ago, will play for Double A Frisco tonight against Corpus Christi in Frisco. He'll bat leadoff as Frisco's designated hitter. The 2008 All-Star will be re-evaluated by the Rangers on Tuesday. If there are no complications, he will join Triple A Oklahoma City because Frisco will be off for the All-Star break. The RedHawks begin a three-game series in Iowa on Wednesday night. General manager Jon Daniels said there's a chance Hamilton could be ready to play for Texas on Saturday when the Rangers host ..."

If Rangers deal, upgrading bullpen will be likely goal

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June 24

Dallas Morning News

"General manager Jon Daniels said the bullpen is the area that probably could be upgraded by a deal before the July 31 trade deadline, but the Rangers might also try to improve from within the organization for a run at the playoffs. Daniels said the potential trade market has yet to shake out as several teams are trying to determine if they will be sellers. As a result, his volume of conversations with other clubs is the same as other seasons. Even though the Rangers' offense was struggling as it entered a three-game series against Arizona, most of Daniels' future calls with other clubs will center on pitching. "I'm still of the mind-set of continuing to strengthen the pitching staff, if ..."

Source: Injured Glaus has trade appeal at 1B/DH

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June 23

Foxsports.com

"Here's another name to consider for all those teams in the market for a first baseman or designated hitter. Troy Glaus. Glaus, who has yet to play this season while recovering from surgery on his right shoulder, is progressing better with his hitting than his throwing, according to a source with knowledge of his recovery process. While Glaus hit off a pitching machine for the first time Monday and could be ready for a minor-league rehabilitation assignment by the middle of next week, he is struggling to throw at distances of greater than 90 feet, the source said. If Glaus cannot play third base, he will be of virtually no use to the Cardinals. Albert Pujols, perhaps the best player in the ..."

Ten ball clubs that can add payroll

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June 22

SI.com

"Baseball is doing better than most businesses. But you know something's amiss when even the Yankees are claiming they can't add salary or expand their payroll. Ultimately, the $200 million team just might find a few mil in the seat cushions. But for now anyway, they're saying they are tapped out. The same may be true for the Cubs, yet another storied big-market club that may not spend this summer. The Cubs' situation could be compromised by the glacial pace of the team's sale. At present, their player dealings appear to be in the same sort of limbo as the sale, meaning their big in-season acquisition may be limited to recovering star Aramis Ramirez. The Rangers also are believed to have ..."

Nats' Johnson on Rangers' radar

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June 16

Foxsports.com

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"The bullpen is the Rangers' biggest concern — the team's relievers have allowed the second-highest opponents' OPS in the American League, ahead of only the Angels. The Rangers, however, also would like to upgrade their rotation, and remain the leading contender to sign free-agent right-hander Ben Sheets, who is recovering from elbow surgery. Another issue is the offense, which is averaging only 3.25 runs per game in June. Club officials have discussed making a run at Nationals first baseman Nick Johnson, sources say. Such a move, however, appears unlikely. If the Rangers replace Chris Davis — who leads the majors with 92 strikeouts and owns the lowest OPS of any regular first baseman — ..."

Red Sox reliever drawing interest from several teams

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June 16

Foxsports.com

"For all the talk about the Red Sox trading right-handed starter Brad Penny, the team might be just as inclined to move right-handed reliever Takashi Saito. The Sox discussed sending Saito to the Rangers for infielder Hank Blalock, major-league sources say. The talks, however, were tabled after Rangers center fielder Josh Hamilton underwent right-abdominal surgery on June 2. They are unlikely to revive, sources say, in part because of the resurgence of Sox designated hitter David Ortiz, who has a 1.001 OPS in June. Saito, however, remains in demand, with several teams expressing interest. At this point, the Sox probably would prefer to trade him for a prospect, according to one source. The ..."

Rangers' top draft pick expects deal will get done

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June 16

Dallas Morning News

"Last Tuesday marked the biggest day in the life of Matt Purke, a soon-to-be 19-year-old who can throw a baseball better than any prep prospect in Texas, and perhaps in the country. A week has passed since the Rangers made the left-hander from Klein their first-round draft choice, 14th overall, in the First-Year Player Draft. Now, another key date awaits. Aug. 17 is the deadline for teams to sign their draft picks or lose them to the 2010 draft pool. Purke could sign at some point between now and then, but if he hasn't, he figures to be in close proximity to Rangers Ballpark in Arlington that day - either to sign a contract with the Rangers well above slot money (the amount the ..."

Sox not in a hurry to trade Brad Penny, Street being scouted

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June 15

SI.com

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"The Red Sox now "aren't in a hurry" to trade Brad Penny, who hit the mid-90s in his last start vs. the Yankees, even with John Smoltz seemingly ready to go. While it appears they have too much pitching, they also know there's no such thing. The market also hasn't been great so far for Penny, thanks to his $5 million salary. Perhaps with the pitching market dying, though, he'll begin to look better to someone. • Rockies closer Huston Street is being heavily scouted. Among the teams that need a reliever are the Yankees, Rangers and Angels. The Rays, Cubs and Twins might also consider bullpen help. • The Cardinals continue to scour the market for a bat. • Giants lefty Jonathan Sanchez is on ..."

Rangers Trade Rumors