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SEATTLE -- There are two weeks to go before the non-waiver Trade Deadline, and the Rangers are focused almost exclusively on relief pitching.
The Rangers are not actively looking for starting pitching and they are happy with their center-field platoon of Endy Chavez and Craig Gentry. Bullpen remains their biggest concern, and they want a power right-handed arm at the end of the game.
Texas' problem is that it's being turned away in pursuit of the most coveted relievers out there on non-contending teams.
The Padres are willing to trade All-Star closer Heath Bell, but the Rangers would rather have right-handed setup reliever Mike Adams. But the Padres aren't willing to trade him. Luke Gregerson is another possibility.
The A's are semi-willing to talk about closer Andrew Bailey, but they want a massive return from the Rangers that includes first baseman Chris Davis, top prospect Martin Perez and one more good Minor League pitcher. Bailey can't be a free agent until 2014, and the Rangers have been told that the A's need three players back in any deal.
The Marlins have told the Rangers that they might be willing to trade closer Leo Nunez, who may be the best out there as the Deadline approaches. The Rangers asked about Royals closer Joakim Soria and Orioles setup reliever Jim Johnson, but have been told they are not available.
The Rangers made an impact trade last season for a starter when they acquired Cliff Lee from the Mariners. They would like to make an impact trade for a reliever, but the deal isn't there.
Better not give Perez
