Rangers tempted by Manny Ramirez, not by Brad Hawpe

Rangers officials told MLB.com’s T.R. Sullivan that the team is looking at making a run at Manny Ramirez, but that the team isn’t interested in the recently released Brad Hawpe. Hawpe has been mentioned as a possible fit for Texas and San Diego since being let go by Colorado, but the Padres appear to be out of the mix and the Rangers would prefer a right-handed bat. Boston and Tampa Bay appear to be more likely suitors at the moment. Ramirez to Texas would be awfully interesting, but it’s not going to happen if the rumors about the White Sox putting in a claim are true. Unless he clears waivers, Ramirez can only be traded to the team that wins the claim on him, and because of their inferior record, the White Sox have a higher priority than the Rangers. As a result, the Rangers will probably have to settle for a lesser bat or go with what they have now. They’re 8 1/2-game lead in the AL West is very comfortable, so there’s no sense going after anyone they don’t believe would fit on the postseason roster.