The Texas Rangers, at 37-36, are 6 1/2 games back in their division. After a day off, the team is preparing for 6 games in 5 days against Kansas City and California, with both teams sitting above them in the division standings. Executive manager Riley Payton offered the following perspectives on the opportunity to content for a division title:

"I'm feeling pretty good about our offensive capabilities. We do have a few guys that are struggling at the plate, but I'm confident...

Seeking another young right-hand hitter that can get on base, the Rangers acquired first baseman/outfielder Joe Lis from the Phillies for lefty reliever Jim Shellenbach, reserve firstbaseman Danny Walton and minor league pitching prospect Mike Thompson.

The Rangers are currently 35-34 and are six games behind division leader Kansas City.

Despite a surprising 26-24 record, the Rangers have received no awards thus far, and executive manager Riley Payton came forward with a few sarcastic comments on the topic:

"We win our share of games and we've got a pitcher Bosman who is 9-1 and gives up nary a run. We'd be toast without him and we know that. He doesn't need to have an award for us to feel good about him."

"Frankly, I don't get into all these awards they give out. This isn't horse...

The month of May saw the Rangers struggle and fall closer to the .500 mark. Veteran OF Frank Howard and SS Maury Wills went on cold streaks, depriving the team of clutch hitting. Execute manager Riley Payton also cited the busy schedule at the end of May and the starters struggling a bit more as factors to the decline.

Still, the team is in a solid position to stay above .500. The team is hoping CF Cleo James, reportedly 100% now coming off a knee injury, will provide a spark for...

Seeking a left-handed starter, Rangers executive manager Riley Payton finalized a trade with the Red Sox. The deal sends Rangers OF Elliot Maddox, RP Al Fitzmorris and 2B Len Randle to the Red Sox for OF Ben Oglivie and SP John Curtis.

Says Payton of the deal, "We were reluctant to give up on Maddox because of his speed and defensive capabilities in center field, but we felt the time was right for this deal. We'll also miss Fitz and Randle. Unfortunately, you have to give...