The Rangers' interest in Sidney Ponson has increased dramatically, MLB.com's Gary Washburn reports, and a trade with the Orioles could be consummated by the July 31 deadline to make deals without going through the waiver process. The Rangers would like to add a starting pitcher, but club officials are not interested in paying the entire $10 million Ponson is owed next season, so the Orioles likely would have to be responsible for a chunk of his 2006 salary. The Rangers have two players they could move before the deadline: prospect outfielder Adrian Gonzalez and veteran right fielder Richard Hidalgo. Gonzalez would be more to the Orioles' liking, but that would mean they probably would have to pay more of Ponson's salary to get Gonzalez and he likely would not help the team in their playoff run this season.