Rangers Looking to Trade for left-hander Zach Duke
With the July 31st trading deadline approaching, the Rangers will be buyers in this market as they try to make a push in their division.
The Rangers were among four teams to send scouts to see Zach Duke of the Pittsburgh Pirates pitch the week before the All-Star break. Duke, with an 8-8 record and a 3.28 ERA, is having his best season since his rookie year when he went 8-2. Duke is originally from Clifton, Texas and went to Waco Midway High School.
The Rangers have also shown interest in left-hander Paul Maholm who has a record of 6-4 with a 4.60 ERA, but seem to prefer Duke if they can work out a deal.
Duke's value may never be higher and many insiders around the league believe the Pirates will take advantage of that and actively shop Duke prior to the July 31st dealine. Adding to the value is the fact that Duke was part of the National League All-Star team, although he didn't have a chance to get into the game.
The two Ranger prospects that the Pirates covet are Derek Holland and Martin Perez. That would be a high price to pay, but the Rangers do have enough talent in their farm system to negotiate with the Pirates.
Duke would be a very nice pick-up for the Rangers as they try to outlast Anaheim and Seattle in the division.
