Tearing it Up
SHAKING OFF THE RUST ... Anyone worried about the slow start Rusty Greer has had since returning from the disabled list can file those concerns in the same place as the early-season question "Can Pudge have another year like last year’s MVP season?" Greer broke a long-standing Ranger team record on Sunday by recording his eighth consecutive multi-hit game, and is hitting .459 (17 for 37) during that stretch. The only concern for fantasy owners may be that Rusty has a grand total of two RBI over that same time, but that's been more a function of who’s (not) been on base in front of him.

Slumping
CELLAR DWELLERS ... Even with a come-from-behind win Sunday against Tampa Bay, the Rangers have dropped 13 of 17 games and are just 7-14 in June. Starting this week leading up to the All-Star Break Texas plays nine of its next 12 at home, including nine tilts with AL West leaders Oakland and Seattle. The fate of the 2000 season is likely to be decided in that timeframe, and owners of expendable Rangers (John Wetteland, David Segui, Esteban Loiaza, Darren Oliver, Dave Martinez) should keep an eye on the transaction wire. Anything less than 8-4 in that stretch probably means a series of deals.

At the Plate
QUESTIONS, QUESTIONS ... The #1 question in my e-mail bag continues to be "Why isn’t Frank Catalanotto playing more?" Even Johnny Oates can't figure that one out, as he recently explained, "[Cat] can flat-dab hit ... we're trying to pick spots for other guys, but we're trying to find at-bats for him. With our lineup, though, it's hard." Although Luis Alicea has had an arguably All-Star season and Mike Lamb has been better than expected, Cat is hitting .435, so let's hope Johnny figures it out pretty soon ... Royce Clayton has 26 HR in his last 162 games, but continues around the .230 mark.

Probable Starters June 27, M. Perisho @OAK June 28, R. Helling @OAK June 29, K. Rogers @OAK June 30, R. Glynn vs. SEA July 1, E. Loiaza vs. SEA

From the Rubber
WHAT TO DO? ... The Rangers are considering a drastic change in the pitching staff in which only Kenny Rogers and Rick Helling would remain from the Opening Day rotation, joined by Matt Perisho, Ryan Glynn, and Doug Davis. Even Rogers has been spotty, though he recently won his seventh game of the year, while Little Ricky Helling has dropped six straight decisions after starting 7-1, reinforcing his reputation as the ultimate streak pitcher. Esteban Loiaza could move to the bullpen -- he had a two-inning save on Sunday -- while Darren Oliver could be traded for a couple of fungo bats.

On the Mend
THE 1,000-DAY DL ... The Rangers are on pace to lose more than 1,000 player days to the DL, something they've done only twice in team history. With five players out for the season, that total is a near lock ... Glynn made his second start of the season and gave up two ER in 5.2 IP before leaving with a blister on his right index finger. While that broke a string of six straight starts of at least six IP by Rangers’ starters, Glynn should be fine for his next start against Seattle ... OF Jason McDonald, returned to Oklahoma two weeks ago, had arthroscopic knee surgery and will miss 2-4 weeks.