At first glance, the Rangers sit 2 games behind the Oakland A's in the NL West. Speculation was being made on whether or not the Rangers were buyers or sellers at the trading deadline. The same could be said about the Brewers. In one move, both teams defined the direction their seasons are going. The Rangers traded Kevin Mench, Fransisco Cordero, Lance Nix, and a minor-league pitcher to Milwaukee for Carlos Lee, uber-prospect Nelson Cruz, and a player to be named later. Mench (.284/.338/.459) had not achieved what the Rangers had hoped he would be, which was a 35 home run, 100 RBI, .380 OBP guy. His numbers have been around 20-25 home runs, 70-80 RBI?s, and .330 OBP. Despite being a fan favorite and setting a major league record this season for consecutive games for a righthander hitting a home run, Mench had become expendable with the emergence of Gary Matthews Jr. and Mark DeRosa. Fransisco Cordero lost his closing job after blowing 6 saves in April, and has been decent in his setup role. The 96 mph fastball is still there, but questions have been raised about his command and confidence. The Rangers had a $6 million team option on Cordero and by trading him, absolve any pressure on that decision. Nix, who was the opening day center-fielder, struggled at the major league level this season (hitting a meager .094 in 32 AB?s). He will most likely go to the Brewer?s AAA team and fight for a roster spot. For the Brewers, they get a player they get two players they can control for a few years (Mench, Nix) and a replacement closer for the rest of the season (Derrick Turnbow has a 27.00 ERA in 9 July games). If they want, they can exercise the option on Cordero. Grade for the Brewers: B The Rangers get Carlos Lee, who immediately becomes the Rangers' leader in home runs, RBI?s, steals, and OPS. Lee is a career .343 hitter at Ameriquest field, and after the Rangers were swept by the Yankees, questions were raised about the offense in the clutch. Lee gives the Rangers a cleanup hitter, and more importantly, a sense of confidence in the clubhouse. The Rangers also acquired prospect Nelson Cruz, whom Buck Showalter said on DFW?s 1310 The Ticket that Cruz would be the Rangers' starting right fielder for their Saturday night game against the Royals. In 102 games at AAA Nashville, Cruz was hitting .302 and slugging .525 with 20 home runs and 17 steals. Even though it may only be a two month rental of Lee, the Rangers would get a premium draft choice if he leaves for free agency. This trade leaves a hole at the setup pitcher spot, so more deals for the Rangers may be yet to come. Grade for the Rangers: A- Michael can be reached at [email protected]