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Krusty · 05-26-2005, 08:56 AM

Rangers interested in Graves

Texas discussing trade for banished Cincinnati closer

11:49 PM CDT on Wednesday, May 25, 2005

By EVAN GRANT and TODD WILLS / The Dallas Morning News

ARLINGTON – The Rangers keep looking to add to their bullpen, even if it means taking another team's castoff.

The Rangers had a second round of discussions with the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday about trading for reliever Danny Graves. The closer was designated for assignment Monday after struggling this season and making an obscene gesture to a fan over the weekend.

Rangers assistant general manager Jon Daniels said the club had "kicked the tires" Wednesday but that several other clubs were also interested in Graves. Among them: Boston and the Chicago Cubs.

Even though the Reds are likely to have to eat most of the remaining $4 million of Graves' salary, they'd like to get something in return rather than simply placing him on waivers or releasing him.

Daniels indicated the Rangers would be unwilling to take on the bulk of the salary but would explore trade talks. Last week the Rangers added Steve Karsay after the New York Yankees released him.

The Reds would probably have to settle for a player not on the 40-man roster for Graves. A pitcher such as John Hudgins could be attractive to them. The Rangers, however, are unsure how much they'd be willing to part with for Graves, who has struggled over the last two seasons.

Nix mum on ejection: The latest Ranger to get fired up is center field Laynce Nix, who was ejected in the fifth inning for arguing balls and strikes. Nix was called out twice on strikes, and after the second one in the fifth, he offered a few words and held up two fingers for home plate umpire Paul Emmel. Nix didn't have anything further to say after the game.

"It happens," Nix said. "I've got nothing."

Nix is the first player to be ejected this season. Manager Buck Showalter and third base coach Steve Smith were ejected earlier this season.

Blalock ties Bell's errorless streak: Hank Blalock tied Buddy Bell's 53-game errorless streak at third base, fielding two chances flawlessly, one in the eighth inning and the final one to end the game. Bell is regarded as the best defensive third baseman in Rangers history.

Blalock has 145 total chances since a throwing error in the second inning Sept. 25 vs. Seattle. Bell's streak lasted from June 13 until Aug. 17, 1979.

Briefly: RHP R.A. Dickey has been optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma, where he is expected to join the RedHawks' rotation. Dickey, who has been on the disabled list since April 13 with right triceps inflammation, left Arizona on Wednesday and was expected to meet the team in Memphis on Friday. ... The Rangers used the same batting order for the fourth day in a row Wednesday. It's the first time since May 25-29, 2003, they've used the same lineup four days in a row. They used 33 different lineups in their first 41 games.

E-mail egrant@dallasnews.com or twills@dallasnews.com

05-26-2005, 08:56 AM	#5
Krusty Member Join Date: May 2000 Location: Williamsport, PA Posts: 12,311	Rangers Looking To Acquire Graves Rangers interested in Graves Texas discussing trade for banished Cincinnati closer 11:49 PM CDT on Wednesday, May 25, 2005 By EVAN GRANT and TODD WILLS / The Dallas Morning News ARLINGTON – The Rangers keep looking to add to their bullpen, even if it means taking another team's castoff. The Rangers had a second round of discussions with the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday about trading for reliever Danny Graves. The closer was designated for assignment Monday after struggling this season and making an obscene gesture to a fan over the weekend. Rangers assistant general manager Jon Daniels said the club had "kicked the tires" Wednesday but that several other clubs were also interested in Graves. Among them: Boston and the Chicago Cubs. Even though the Reds are likely to have to eat most of the remaining $4 million of Graves' salary, they'd like to get something in return rather than simply placing him on waivers or releasing him. Daniels indicated the Rangers would be unwilling to take on the bulk of the salary but would explore trade talks. Last week the Rangers added Steve Karsay after the New York Yankees released him. The Reds would probably have to settle for a player not on the 40-man roster for Graves. A pitcher such as John Hudgins could be attractive to them. The Rangers, however, are unsure how much they'd be willing to part with for Graves, who has struggled over the last two seasons. Nix mum on ejection: The latest Ranger to get fired up is center field Laynce Nix, who was ejected in the fifth inning for arguing balls and strikes. Nix was called out twice on strikes, and after the second one in the fifth, he offered a few words and held up two fingers for home plate umpire Paul Emmel. Nix didn't have anything further to say after the game. "It happens," Nix said. "I've got nothing." Nix is the first player to be ejected this season. Manager Buck Showalter and third base coach Steve Smith were ejected earlier this season. Blalock ties Bell's errorless streak: Hank Blalock tied Buddy Bell's 53-game errorless streak at third base, fielding two chances flawlessly, one in the eighth inning and the final one to end the game. Bell is regarded as the best defensive third baseman in Rangers history. Blalock has 145 total chances since a throwing error in the second inning Sept. 25 vs. Seattle. Bell's streak lasted from June 13 until Aug. 17, 1979. Briefly: RHP R.A. Dickey has been optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma, where he is expected to join the RedHawks' rotation. Dickey, who has been on the disabled list since April 13 with right triceps inflammation, left Arizona on Wednesday and was expected to meet the team in Memphis on Friday. ... The Rangers used the same batting order for the fourth day in a row Wednesday. It's the first time since May 25-29, 2003, they've used the same lineup four days in a row. They used 33 different lineups in their first 41 games. E-mail egrant@dallasnews.com or twills@dallasnews.com __________________ If you think small, you'll go nowhere in life.