July 2012 - Texas Rangers Wiretap

Neftali Feliz will undergo Tommy John surgery to repair a tear in his ulnar collateral ligament. Feliz was diagnosed with a sprained ligament in May and began a rehab assignment in Double-A in mid-July. Feliz experienced elbow soreness after three rehab starts. Feliz has been both a reliever and starter during his tenure with the Rangers. The typical recovery time for Tommy John surgery is 12-15 months.

The Rangers have acquired Ryan Dempster to improve their starting rotation. Texas and Chicago agreed to the deal just before Tuesday afternoon's deadline. The Braves and Dodgers were favored at points. Dempster approved the last-minute deal. The Rangers originally selected Dempster in the third round of the 1995 First-Year Player Draft. The Cubs will acquire to Class A players in the deal.

The Blue Jays and Rangers had scouts watching Matt Garza throw a side session on Monday. Garza has a triceps injury that has hurt his trade value. The Cubs were shopping Garza before he suffered the injury.

The Rangers acquired catcher Geovany Soto and cash considerations from the Cubs on Monday for minor league pitcher Jake Brigham, a source confirmed Monday night. Soto is hitting .199 with six homers and 14 RBIs in 51 games this season.

The Rangers are rumored to pursuing Cliff Lee ahead of Tuesday's non-waiver trade deadline, but a source said the deal is "not going to happen." The Phillies are believed to be looking for a large package of players in return for Lee. Lee helped lead the Rangers to the 2010 World Series.

The Red Sox are rumored to be shopping Josh Beckett, but a source contends a deal won't involve the Rangers. News broke on Monday afternoon that Texas has begun targeting Philadelphia's Cliff Lee.

Cliff Lee is in play on the trade market and the Rangers are considered the favorite to land the left-hander, according to a source. The source told Buster Olney of ESPN.com that Philadelphia is looking for a significant package for Lee. "It's not going to be cheap," the source said.

Initially looking for a starter, the Rangers may have shifted their focus to the bullpen ahead of the non-waiver trade deadline. Texas had been looking at Cole Hamels, Cliff Lee and Zack Greinke. Philadelphia extended Hamels and Greinke was dealt to the Angels. The Phillies insist that Lee won't be moved. A deal for one of the top remaining starters, James Shields or Josh Johnson, "isn't likely."

The Rangers continue to scout Josh Johnson, but the asking price for the Marlins right-hander remains high. After Johnson's start against the Padres on Sunday, baseball people have pegged the odds at "98 percent" that he will remain with Miami. The Marlins have told the Rangers that they won't engage in serious talks about Johnson unless third-base prospect Mike Olt is on the table.

The Rangers are now showing some interest in Indians outfielder Shin-Soo Choo, according to sources. Texas has expanded their search to another hitter and a reliever ahead of Tuesday's non-waiver trade deadline.