Rangers look more toward trades

The Rangers are likely to improve their team through trades rather than free agency this winter. That's a reflection of the Rangers limited payroll flexibility.

The Rangers are trying to maintain contact with various representatives of free agents out there, whether it be pitcher John Lackey or outfielders Vladimir Guerrero and Jermaine Dye. They also retain interest in pitcher Ben Sheets, who is supposedly recovered from elbow surgery and planning to be at full strength in Spring Training.

But the Rangers are limited financially and do not expect to be leading the charge toward the top free agents. Remember the Rangers were the only team last winter not to sign a free agent to a Major League contract.

The Rangers will talk trades with other clubs and have some pitching depth to offer, including right-hander Brandon McCarthy.

-- T.R. Sullivan