So the Rangers talks with the Cubs ended last night, and according to MLBTradeRumors.com, one of the reasons is because the Rangers want a second player in the deal. They are asking for Cubs reliever James Russell, who has a 2.78 ERA with 29 strikeouts in 47 innings this season. Not really a strikeout guy, but w had only allowed two home-runs in that span as well.
The Rangers, as are many teams at this time of year, are rumored to be linked to other players as well. Bud Norris of the Houston Astros, James Shields of the Rays, although I don’t think he is going to be available. Alex Rios is another name that has been thrown around, as well as Michael Cuddyer, if the Rockies start tanking.
My opinion is that the Rangers are going to get something done edits the trade deadline, an it will be pitching and not the right handed bat they need. With Baker back, they have a right handed power hitter back on the lineup who can hit left handed pitching. Bit the rotation still has Ross Wolf and Justin Grimm in it. I think the Rangers will be a little more urgent now that the rehab start for Colby Lewis did not go well. But we shall see. If I know Jon Daniels, he will pull off a trade that no e of us saw coming and it will help the team. I just hope whatever he does, it doesn’t cost too many prospects and the Rangers can control the player past 2013.