As the non-waiver trading deadline approaches in the MLB, the trade rumors are, of course, heating up. It's no secret that the Rangers have been looking for relief help, and once again Texas is rumored to be after a different reliever. Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun has heard that the Rangers are among the potential suitors for Orioles reliever Koji Uehara.
There is a lot of action on Uehara right now. The Texas Rangers, Pittsburgh Pirates and Detroit Tigers are among the potential suitors that I have heard, but I'd have a hard time believing that any of the contending clubs couldn't find a spot for the right-handed reliever. I think there is some concern industry-wide about Uehara's durability and his age (36), and that's understandable
Uehara has been excellent for Baltimore this year, with a microscopic .70 WHIP to go along with a 1.84 ERA while holding opponents to a .150 batting average. Uehara has also struck out 58 while walking just eight in 44 innings.
Uehara is making three million dollars this year, and he has a four million dollar vesting option for next season. That option kicks in if Uehara appears in 55 games, or finishes 25 games. With 40 appearances so far on the season, it's almost a lock that Uehara's option will kick in for 2012.