TEXAS RANGERS

2005 finish: 79-83, 3^rd place in AL West

Manager: Buck Showalter (4^th season)

Free agents: LHP Kenny Rogers, OF Richard Hidalgo, DH Greg Colbrunn, RHP Steve Karsay, C Sandy Alomar Jr., RHP Doug Brocail, RHP John Wasdin

On the block: 2B Alfonso Soriano, OF Kevin Mench, 3B Hank Blalock, 1B Adrian Gonzalez, 1B/DH Phil Nevin

Looking for: Starting pitching, relievers, corner outfielder

What’s going on: John Hart backed away from the GM role, temporarily surfaced as a possible candidate for the same job in LA, but is back in an advisory capacity. Twenty-eight-year-old Jon Daniels was promoted to replace Hart, but you have to wonder how much real authority he will have working with owner Tom Hicks and manager Buck Showalter. As much as the Rangers need starting pitching, it’s hard to imagine Kenny Rogers being re-signed after a tumultuous season. They will try to add at least one free agent starting pitcher and one setup man, and possibly two each. Alfonso Soriano remains the club’s best bargaining chip for pitching, and there is a second base prospect ready in Ian Kinsler. If not Soriano, then Kevin Mench appears the likeliest to go, as he has attracted a lot of early attention in trade talks. Adrian Gonzalez, who is stuck behind Mark Teixeira, also could go. They would like to deal Phil Nevin and his $10-million salary, but that could prove difficult. Teixeira could get a long-term deal. Rod Barajas and Gary Matthews Jr. also could attract interest in the trade market, or remain in time-share situations with Gerald Laird and Laynce Nix.

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