TOWER GROVE • The two-time American League champs Texas Rangers have stable ownership, an infusion of cash coming their way through a new television deal, the designated hitter as an option on their roster, and a perceived opening at first base.
In so many ways they have the ingredients of a team that could be a player in the market for Albert Pujols and Prince Fielder.
They just don't have the interest.
That's what the Rangers are saying.
On Wednesday, the Rangers confirmed to local reporters that first baseman Mitch Moreland underwent wrist surgery in Cleveland to remove a troublesome bone. MLB.com and ESPN/Dallas reported that Moreland could miss a good chunk of spring training, but the club hopes he'll be ready for opening day. Wrists are tricky injuries, however. And the Cardinals had the same optimistic expectations for Brendan Ryan when he underwent wrist surgery before the 2010 season.
"He may be a little slow coming into camp," Rangers GM Jon Daniels told MLB.com in this article by T. R. Sullivan.
Earlier this offseason, Rangers owner and Hall of Fame pitcher Nolan Ryan said he expected Moreland to be the starter at first base in 2012, thus defusing the notion that his club would pursue the two biggest free agents in the market, Pujols and Fielder. That has been the public stance for the Rangers, a team that was believed to be positioned for a run at either of the All-Star first baseman.
As of today, there are three identified teams in the mix for Pujols: the Cardinals, the Miami Marlins and the Chicago Cubs. Three teams contacted Pujols' agent, Dan Lozano, in the first 24 hours after free agency opened. The Cubs were not one of those teams. They first reached out to Pujols' representative over the Thanksgiving weekend.
The Washington Nationals, Rangers and Los Angeles Angels fit the profile of teams that would have interest in Pujols, the ability to reach his expected price and an opening at first base.
Daniels again downplayed Texas' interest even in the wake of Moreland's surgery. Though he does not mention the free agents by name it's clear what he's saying by insisting the Rangers aren't looking to make that kind of financial commitment at this time.
"We may look for some protection there (at first base) now," Daniels told MLB.com, "but I don't see it changing the level of investment we're going to allocate there."
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