Even though it looks like Cole Hamels is going to stay in Philadelphia and sign a monster contract, which would potentially make Cliff Lee available, it doesn't mean that the Phillies won't at least do their due diligence and listen to offers for the impending free agent.
ESPN's Jim Bowden suggests that the Texas Rangers could use Neftali Feliz as bait in a trade for Hamels.
They might have to include right-hander Tanner Scheppers or lefty Robbie Ross in the deal to get it done, but it's package that is probably the most tempting of any of the clubs that would have interest in a rental. There are also some whispers that they might be willing to substitute Neftali Feliz if the Phillies wanted to take the health risk on him.
Bowden is known for suggesting wacky trade rumors, like the Cardinals trading Shelby Miller, Jon Jay and Zack Cox for Adam Jones, but this one could make sense.
As the Rangers are currently constructed, when healthy, the rotation features Yu Darvish, Matt Harrison, Colby Lewis, Derek Holland and Roy Oswalt. Joe Nathan is Texas' closer, with some very capable setup men in Mike Adams, Koji Uehara, Alexi Ogando and Robbie Ross.
Back in early June, I said that Feliz' sprained UCL is cause for concern -- and the Rangers proved that by signing Nathan over the winter, and by signing Oswalt as soon as Feliz was hurt.
Now, Feliz has no role on the 2012 Rangers, except to serve potentially as trade bait.