At +81, the Texas Rangers have the best run differential in the major leagues. However, the morning of May 29, the Rangers had a run differential of +92, so clearly things have been a bit of a struggle of late as hitters have regressed and pitchers have gotten injured. With the trade deadline looming, are the Rangers looking for a boost? You bet your trousers they are! A pretty substantial one, writes Danny Knobler:
Rangers After Zack Greinke, Cole Hamels
The Rangers, in search of a high-end pitcher to top their rotation, have focused their attention almost entirely on Cole Hamels and Zack Greinke.
The Rangers have lost the last two World Series, and they believe their best chance of getting back and winning it is to add a true ace atop their rotation. They have focused primarily on Hamels and secondarily on Greinke, but there’s no guarantee that they can get either one.
Knobler writes a lot about the Rangers re-connecting with Cliff Lee, but that's basically speculation so we can ignore it for now. There's more meat to the Hamels and Greinke rumors, as the Rangers would like to add an ace to the front of their rotation down the stretch. As far as Hamels is concerned, he could become available, although the Phillies are reportedly trying to re-sign him. Greinke also isn't readily available on the market, as the Brewers are on the fringes of the race, but if they don't make up more room quick then Greinke could get moved somewhere for a haul.
Plenty of teams want things they never get. The Rangers might reach August without having added a starting pitcher of considerable value, if they add a starter at all. But don’t think the Rangers won’t sniff around the most expensive cheeses. They are a people of wealth, and of exceptional taste.
See More:
