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Sunday, July 27, 1997

Failed Pudge deal, Palmer trade may signal Rangers' intentions

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) - The Rangers seem to be acknowledging that the Mariners are slipping further through their mitts and into unbeatable position in the AL West.

President Tom Schieffer announced Friday afternoon that six-time All-Star catcher Ivan Rodriguez has rejected the highest contract offer ever made by the team. The Rangers now say they have no choice but to try to trade him by Thursday's major league deadline.

Then minutes after Friday night's 8-5 victory over the Chicago White Sox, the Rangers swapped struggling Dean Palmer and his $4.8 million salary to the Kansas City Royals for outfielder Tom Goodwin, who earned $1.2 million this season.

"You could see this coming, with the way we've been playing lately," Rangers first baseman Will Clark said. "All this did was unload a salary. That's all it was. This wouldn't have happened if we were closer in the hunt."

Going into Saturday's game against the White Sox, Texas was third in the AL West, 9-1/2 games behind the Mariners and eight games behind Anaheim.

Meanwhile, Rodriguez's rejection of a five-year, $38.2 million offer means he's likely to become one of next season's hottest free agents. The Rangers said they now have to explore all options, including a possible trade before next week's deadline, rather than receive only draft-choice compensation if he leaves.

"If we can trade him and feel like we can improve the ballclub for this year or next year, or a combination of those, then we'll have to consider that," Schieffer said.

But manager Johnny Oates said Friday's developments don't mean the team has abandoned all hopes of defending its first AL West title.

"This isn't a sign we're not going to try and win ballgames this year," Oates said. "What we're trying to do is win ballgames over the next few years. This gives us an opportunity to start making long-range plans."

To that end, Goodwin allows the Rangers to be more certain in their planning. The center fielder is three years removed from free agency.

Goodwin, who turns 29 Sunday, is hitting .272 with two homers and 22 RBIs in 97 games. He has stolen 34 bases. He was rated the American League's fastest baserunner and second-best bunter in a survey of league managers by "Baseball America."

"We're trading a player who has power and a good work ethic for a guy who has speed and good work ethic. But it's tough. None of this is exciting when you lose a guy like Dean Palmer," Rangers general manager Doug Melvin said.

And Melvin was due to meet with Alan Nero, right-handed pitcher Bobby Witt's agent, on Saturday in Chicago to discuss the future of the potential free agent. Send a Letter to the Editor about This Story | Start or Join A Discussion about This Story
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