Texas will look to improve their starting five from within, writes MLB.com's T.R. Sullivan. Even though the club has the minor league talent to make a deal at the deadline, their financial situation could very well prove to be an impediment.
The Rangers are looking forward to Rich Harden and Derek Holland rejoining the rotation. Harden is on the disabled list with a strained back muscle and is scheduled to throw live batting practice tomorrow. Holland, who is dealing with inflammation in his left shoulder and a sprained right knee, could be close to throwing live batting practice as well. Both hurlers could be back in action before the Trade Deadline.
General Manager Jon Daniels says that even though he has his "finger on the pulse" of the trade market, he wants to see how the two look before looking to deal for an arm:
"We're very focused on improving the rotation internally right now," Daniels said earlier today. "From a health standpoint we've got a couple of guys that we'd like to get back after the All-Star break. A lot depends on how both proceed this week."
Cliff Lee continues to be atop the Rangers' wish list and Roy Oswalt's name has come up frequently. However, Texas may be content to just stick with cards that they have.
They should not be looking forward to Harden re-joining the rotation. They should put him in the pen and at least try and get some value for him while they still can. He’s put up good seasons in the past, but he just can’t find the zone at all this year. Injuries may be finally taking their toll on him.
Good point, it would probably extend his career as well.
What about Tanner Scheppers? Still slated for the bullpen? I thought he was mowin’ dudes down in AAA?
That is a mistake. Not only because i want their minor league players, but because they really do have a shot at it this year. If they get Lee, then I think that they are the odds on favorite for the AL and in this world of baseball means the WS since the NL is the JV league.
agreed, to an extent. i don’t think you can put them as the odds on favorite in the AL, but it really helps their chances to at least make a good run. Lee v. Sabathia/Lee v. Lester/Lee v. Verlander/Lee v. Pavano? would be much better than Lewis or Hunter or even CJ. those 3 mentioned have thrown relatively well, and i think would match up decently against the 2-3-4 of the other AL clubs. the rangers lineup can compete against the best, thus making the games where the aces arent throwing up for the taking. adding Lee will make them bonafide contenders for the pennant.
What are the Rangers willing to offer for Paul Maholm, provided the Pirates cover his salary for the rest of the season?
“We’re looking forward to Rich Harden being healthy enough to contribute.”
In the distance, someone in an A’s hat coughs.
Let the posturing begin!
~No, no. We really don’t need Cliff Lee. See. We have Rich Harden coming back! So, yeah… Cliff Lee, who? We’d take him if the price is right but, yeah, we are perfectly fine with what we have. We have no problem pitting Colby Lewis in game one against C.C. Sabathia or Jon Lester come playoff time. We like that matchup! And in game two? Scott Feldman or Tommy Hunter will be there to tear them down as well. No worries.~
Calling the shot. If the Rangers don’t add Lee or Oswalt or some other top end arm, they are one-and-done in the playoffs. Lewis has looked great this year but after him its a crapshoot. And when your #2 guy would be considered a “crapshoot” in the playoffs.. yeah, you ain’t around long.
They’re not going to get anything out of Harden. My understanding (Rangers fans, feel free to correct me) is that his slider is his best pitch, but throwing the slider is what hurts his arm. So either he stays healthy and he sucks, or he pitches well but then lands back on the DL again. Either way – minimal contribution.