If the Rangers trade, say, outfielder Marlon Byrd or infielder Hank Blalock, they could replace that player internally, promoting Class AAA outfielder Julio Borbon, Class AAA catcher Max Ramirez or Class AA first baseman Justin Smoak.

The Rangers, operators of the game's top-ranked farm system according to Baseball America, also will consider pursuing a starting pitcher such as the Mariners' Erik Bedard or Indians' Cliff Lee.

The M's eventually could move Bedard and lefty Jarrod Washburn, among others. But at the moment, they trail the Rangers by 5 1/2 games in the American League West and lead the AL with a 3.88 ERA.

"I think right now we are still in it," Zduriencik says. "I'm a realist. But I also think there are some things that can happen here. We're showing signs of swinging the bat better. And we're going to get healthy."

Ryan Rowland-Smith, a left-handed reliever, is expected to return next week, while Shawn Kelley, a right-handed reliever, should be back by the end of June, Zduriencik says.

The Cardinals have no spot for Glaus other than third. But if Glaus can play first — Albert Pujols' position in St. Louis — he could make sense for teams such as the Mets and Giants. He also could fit in the AL as a DH.