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Texas Rangers rumors: The Miami Marlins and the Texas Rangers have been talking trade, writes Evan Grant, with Texas reportedly interested in some of the Marlins' surplus lefthanded relief pitching.
Grant specifically mentions Brad Hand, a swingman/long relief type, and Mike Dunn, a lefty specialist, as potential options. Joe Frisaro writes that Dunn is not available, but that the team is in a tough spot with Hand, who is out of options and who likely won't make Miami's rotation. Frisaro also mentions Andrew McKirahan, a Rule 5 pick from the Cubs, as someone who has generated trade interest, though he says the Marlins want to keep McKirahan, and may deal Hand to open up a bullpen spot for McKirahan.
McKirahan is a Georgetown native who pitched for the University of Texas, so he has that native Texan thing going for him. It sounds like, if the Marlins opt not to keep McKirahan, he wouldn't make it through waivers without someone claiming him, so they'd presumably look to deal him if he's not going to make the team. McKirahan had a 2.08 ERA in 65 IP, splitting the season between high-A and AA.
Hand, who turned 25 yesterday, was a 2nd round pick of the Marlins in 2008, and has a career 4.42 ERA in 195.1 IP in the majors. He split last season between the rotation and the bullpen, with a 4.38 ERA in 111 IP, striking out 67 and walking 39.
The Rangers only have two lefthanded relievers in the major league camp, Alex Claudio and Joe Beimel. Beimel was signed to a non-guaranteed major league deal just recently, but he's been awful this spring, and one would presume he's in danger of being released.
