On Monday, rumors swirled that the Texas Rangers might be considering a blockbuster trade to acquire veterans Carlos Beltran and Francisco Rodriguez from the New York Mets.
That possibility was quickly shot down, however, as Rangers president Nolan Ryan told 103.3 FM's Galloway and Company that he "can't believe we have an interest in either."
Beltran and Rodriguez, both former All-Stars, have been enjoying modest success this season. Through Tuesday, Beltran is batting .278 with 10 home runs and 49 RBIs — including 5 RBIs in the Mets' three-game swing through Arlington last weekend — and K-Rod's 20 saves are tied for ninth in the majors, although he carries a less-than-stellar 3.65 ERA.
The two have not exactly played up to All-Star form this year, however, and Ryan does not believe they would bring enough to the table to warrant a trade.
"I don't see that [Rodriguez] is an upgrade [to our bullpen]," Ryan said. "And Beltran, you worry about his knee. And you're taking on an awful lot of salary."
Both players carry hefty price tags, with Beltran making $19 million this season and Rodriguez earning $12 million.
The Rangers, who surprised many with their run to the World Series last season, hold a 1 1/2-game lead over the Angels in the AL West with six games to play before the All-Star break.
