Rangers Tradeable Commodities

Ron Washington's first year in Texas has not exactly been a smashing success. But Washington slowly has let his philosophy to sink in with the players. Despite injuries to Hank Blalock and Ian Kinsler for much of the season, the team has done nothing but improve after an abysmal April and May. Since early June, the Rangers have had much better pitching and the offense has come around thanks to Michael Young coming around a little bit and contributions from guys like Marlon Byrd and Kenny Lofton.

Still more than 10 games under .500, the Rangers need to think towards the future and their first priority should be figuring out what they have 2008. And that includes calling up Jason Botts to DH and letting Sammy Sosa go. Mark Teixeira is going to be a Free Agent at the end of the 2008 season, and there is a 0% chance he resigns with the Rangers. With that being said, here are the top 5 players that the Rangers need to try and deal before the trade deadline and will get something of value in return.

1) Mark Teixeria 1B -- Teixeira is the best play being talked about in trade talks and many teams have been mentioned as possible trade partners. The Braves and Dodgers appear to be the best fit both from a need standpoint and prospects that both organizations have to offer in their farm system. The Braves have mentioned Jared Salamtacchia and a minor league pitcher, and the dodgers have mentioned sweet swinging James Loney (hitting over .340 this year since being called up) and possibly another minor leaguer. GM Jon Daniels must do something, becuase the longer Teixeira stays with the team, the less value he command in a trade.

2) Kenny Lofton CF -- Not many of the contenders need a reliable center fielder but the Indians could some offense and the Red Sox are not completely locked down in Center Field. If the Ranges could deal Teixeira and Lofton to the Red Sox for Jon Lester, Jacoby Ellsbury, and possibly another minor leaguer (No way they could get Clay Buchholz?), you would have to do that deal from a Rangers standpoint.

3) Eric Gagne RP -- From everything I hear, the Rangers are going to try and lock Gagne up for a few more years which would be a very wise move. Gagne is still one of the most dominant closers in baseball and will be as long as he is healthy. But if you are the Rangers, you have to at least listen to offers from contenders.

4) Joquin Benoit / Ron Mahay (Middle Relievers) -- Benoit could get you possibly a legitimater starter prospect in return and Mahay probably a little less. Still worth talking about with teams.

5) Sammy Sosa -- Maybe an American League team could use a guy who can crush lefties. Proably not, but you can dream. Because right now, Sosa is doing nothing but pad his own career numbers and keep Botts from getting meaningful At bats.