Pirates Trade Rumors: Texas Rangers and Joel Hanrahan, Again.

Ah, the Texas Rangers are back on the Joel Hanrahan train again.   Remember when everyone was scared shitless the Bucs would trade their closer in May of 2011?  The rumor back then was the Pirates were asking a significant price.

According to Ken Rosenthal the Rangers were making some ‘low level’ inquiries.   We aren’t sure what Ken’s definition of low level is, but it didn’t work out back then.

But with some questions in the Texas bullpen, today a Rosenthal hit up another kinda sorta rumor which looks like it might be just connecting dots, but nonetheless here you go:

"Don’t rule the Rangers out of the Joel Hanrahan trade derby. The Pirates continue to listen on Hanrahan, and the Rangers still want to add to their bullpen, sources said.The Dodgers and Tigers are among the other teams that have been linked to Hanrahan, though the interest of both clubs is tempered by the closer’s contract status …The Rangers initially will be without two right-handed relievers who are coming off Tommy John surgery — Joakim Soria, who could return in May, and Neftali Feliz, who is out until at least the end of July.In addition to Hanrahan, the team is exploring other trade and free-agent options.  The Cleveland Indians closer Chris Perez remains available, and free agent market is deep in right handers."

It’s only a matter of time Buccos fans.