Weeks before the trade deadline in 2010, the Texas Rangers pulled the trigger on a trade that would forever change the landscape of the organization when they landed Seattle Mariners ace Cliff Lee, the top trade target that season that was also coveted by such powerhouses as the New York Yankees.
The Rangers didn't get a fantastic return from Lee in the regular season, but they got to their first postseason in more than a decade and ended up going to the World Series on Lee's back, their first in club history.
The Rangers are now looking to get to their third straight World Series and win their first, and they're in a position once again to make a blockbuster deal for a big-name starting pitcher as Zack Greinke and Cole Hamels are both perceived to be on the market from the Milwaukee Brewers and Philadelphia Phillies, their respective teams.
Nolan Ryan, the Rangers part-owner/president said on Monday, speaking on his show on ESPN 103.3 FM, that he doesn't expect the team to make a blockbuster deal like the Lee one back in 2010.
"I don't anticipate that but you never know what somebody might propose to you or through conversations what may come up, so we'll certainly be exploring any opportunities we have," Ryan said. "But do I really look for us to make a trade of the magnitude of the Cliff Lee deal two years ago? I'd be rather surprised if we did."
After all, the Rangers have plenty of pitchers who have all spent time on the disabled list. Derek Holland came off the DL just before the break and looked good in his start on Saturday. Colby Lewis is set to return from the DL after the break and Neftali Feliz should return soon after that, as should key reliever Alexi Ogando.
When Mike Napoli, Michael Young and Nelson Cruz all get into a groove that we all know they're capable of, the Rangers should be back to being the best team in baseball, trade or no trade.
