This probably isn't too shocking, especially since the Rangers made a play on Josh Johnson at the trade deadline, but according to Jon Heyman, the Royals are "probably" going to trade Zack Greinke and the Rangers are one of the teams interested.
↵Greinke voiced his displeasure with how the Royals are progressing, fearing that the Royals won't be competitive until after his contract expires. Greinke's contract expires following the 2012 season, so he's under contract for two more years. He's set to make $13.5 million in each of the next two seasons, which is pretty affordable for somebody of his caliber.
↵Despite the perceived poor numbers from the 2009 AL Cy Young winner (10-14 record, 4.17 ERA), Greinke was extremely valuable this past year for another miserable Royals team. He posted a 5.2 WAR for the year - better than CC Sabathia. The 5.2 mark rates as seventh best in the American League, so Greinke was still an elite pitcher this year.
↵If the Royals are serious about trading Greinke, the Rangers should make as big of a play for them as they reasonably can regardless if they re-sign Cliff Lee. Any opportunity to add an elite pitcher has to be explored, especially a young one signed at an affordable rate for two seasons.
↵It's nice to dream about a Lee/Greinke 1-2 punch for next year, huh?