With the division rival Los Angeles Angels acquiring right-hander Zack GreinkeFriday, the options for the two-time defending American League champs is down to a chosen few. With Colby Lewis out for the year, Derek Hollandstruggling to grab hold of the No. 2 spot in the rotation and Roy Oswaltbattling back issues, the Rangers appear to be the contender with the greatest need.
Greinke joins Cole Hamels as two impact starting pitchers now off the market, leaving the likes of Josh Johnson and James Shields as the top two remaining -- if the Rays are even up for dealing Shields. Shields' struggles may put the club in a position where they would be selling low, and GM Andrew Friedman can always trade Shields this time next year.
The asking price for Johnson appears set much higher than Greinke, who fetched the Brewers shortstop prospect Jean Segura and two Double-A starting pitching prospects -- John Hellweg and Ariel Pena -- and rightfully so, as Johnson is not set to hit the free agent market until after 2013 whereas Greinke's contract expires after this season.
The Rangers could hold out hope that the Phillies are willing to trade Cliff Lee, but indications earlier this week suggested that the club had no intention of trading the lefty. Matt Garza, one of two Cubs right-hander on the block, is unlikely to be moved after injuring his triceps and having his next start pushed back until at least late next week -- after the trade deadline.
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