Rays and Reds interested in Cruz

[missionhockey21]

The Rays and Reds are among the teams that have asked the Rangers about Nelson Cruz, but Texas remains reluctant to trade the slugging outfielder, a major league source said Sunday.

In theory, the Rangers could enter the season with the outfield/DH rotation they currently have: David Murphy, Julio Borbon, Josh Hamilton and Cruz.

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I can't see the Rangers parting with Cruz unless we really gave up a chip. Of course there were a few of us really wanting our management to pursue Cruz, who once was looking an outsider looking in as a 26 year old AAA'er.

Oh well...

[redsrbetter]

Aren't the Rangers going after a bat like Vlad or something like that? Perhaps they are looking at a surplus if they get a Vlad or Dye and they don't want the logjam.

I don't see this playing out unless the Rangers get close to signing one of those guys. In which case, I welcome the heck out of it. Dude comes cheap.

[Kingdom]

I take it that Texas isn't bringing back Byrd. I don't think they should trade Cruz unless they're getting a good pitcher. Borbon was a nice flash in the pan, but what he did was in such a small sample size. As good as Hamilton is, you cannot depend on him staying healthy and Murphy is a slow starter.

[redsrbetter]

Perhaps you are right man. I forgot about Byrd's departure. And Vlad or Dye would be more of a DH type than an outfielder anymore. Good point.

[Molina00]

I don't think Byrd is completely gone yet. The Rangers want Byrd to stay and he wants to stay. It's just a matter of Texas offering him what he thinks he is worth and a multi-year contract. He already declined the Rangers arbitration offer. I really hope they can resign him, but I don't expect them to.

[redsrbetter]

Well this rumor would spice up a bit if he does sign. I like the thought of it, so more power to Byrd hooking back up in Texas.