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After acquiring Matt Garza from the Chicago Cubs, it seemed like the Texas Rangers were ready to make a move to contend with the Oakland Athletics in the AL West division. Oakland owns a six-game lead on the Rangers and a 12.5-game lead on the Los Angeles Angels. Garza boosted the Rangers’ rotation and made them even more hopeful that a division title would come to fruition.
But with the trade deadline nearing, the Rangers are now willing to listen on an offer for anyone. Texas does need help and are reportedly making players like shortstop Elvis Andrus available. The Rangers are anticipating a suspension for outfielder Nelson Cruz in the wake of the Biogenesis scandal. Replacing Cruz is going to be hard, and it will be now or never for Texas.
Andrus has played in 103 games for Texas this season, but is batting .250/.310/.289 without a home run. He has 32 RBIs and only 10 doubles this season. His doubles total is extremely low compared to the 31 he had last year. Adding Michael Young is starting to make more and more sense as the minutes tick by.
Texas seems to be extremely desperate to make a trade. Making Andrus available shows the organization’s vulnerability to get wrapped up in the competitiveness of the trade deadline. It is up to Jon Daniels to strike a deal before the clock hits at the deadline on Wednesday.
Ryan Gaydos is a MLB columnist for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter, “like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
