Tearing it Up
NOT MUCH TO OFFER ... Even with Pudge and Gabe Kapler healthy, there are only four Rangers currently worth starting: Kapler (.330/7/18, 5 SB), Pudge (.284/6/18), Alex Rodriguez (.333/17/49) and Raffy Palmeiro (.250/11/39); Rusty Greer (.287/6/25) may be borderline. If you're desperate for saves, you might pick up Jeff Zimmerman (four saves, 1.00 WHIP, 3.31 ERA), but remember, there have only been two ninth-inning save opportunities for the Rangers the entire month of May. If you're one of those AL-only owners who's helped bump Ruben Sierra (.350/1/5) up the "Most Added" list -- don’t expect much.

Slumping
BIG CAT, LITTLE CAT ... Andres Galarraga (.216/7/23) is rising on the ESPN "Most Dropped" board, and The Dallas Morning News reports that the Big Cat, who has started 32 games at DH and 12 at 1B, will be starting more on the bench. What's wrong with Andres, the only AL player in the league's top five in both strikeouts and GIDP? Well, he's 40 years old and having trouble adjusting to a new league. The Big Cat's struggles coupled with Velarde's injury should mean more at-bats for The Little Cat, Frank Catalonotto (.282/3/12), but keep in mind that his numbers tend to fall as his playing time increases.

At the Plate
NOT-SO-HOT CORNER ... Across the diamond, Ken Caminiti (.227/6/18) is trying to save his own job, but a series of roster bonus incentives might lead the struggling Rangers to move him. Some combination of Catalonotto, Scooter Sheldon (.364/0/4) and 2000 starter Mike Lamb (5 HR at AAA) could hold the fort until Hank Blalock (.365 in A ball) or possible 2001 draft pick Mark Texeira is ready ... If you haven't given up on Ruben Mateo yet, you're more patient than most. The supposed star-in-waiting is in a 6-for-35 slump to drop his season totals to .248 with just one homer and 13 RBI in 129 AB.

Probable Starters May 28, Rogers @ BAL (Towers) May 29, Helling vs. KC (Reichert) May 30, Mahomes vs. KC (Stein) May 31, Myette vs. KC (Meadows) Jun 1, Glynn vs. MIN (Radke)

From the Rubber
IS LITTLE RICKY BACK? ... Rick Helling (2-6, 6.72) managed his second straight quality start, inspiring optimism in Arlington. Watch his Tuesday start against the Royals carefully to see how he bounces back from the 120+ pitch effort Jerry Narron subjected him to in Tampa Thursday. Actually, Ryan Glynn has been Texas' top starter of late, posting a 1-1 record and a 2.29 ERA in five starts since returning to the rotation May 5, and dropping his season ERA from 11.09 to 6.17. Deposed closer Tim Crabtree threw 2.2 terrific scoreless innings Friday, which at best increases his trade value.

On the Mend
NOT JUST VELARDE ... Darren Oliver (4-1, 8.16) made his first rehab start this weekend, and will make another Thursday ... Ricky Ledee had a strength test on Friday which indicated continuing weakness in his leg ... Bill Haselman hopes to resume rehab activities next week and return before the All-Star break ... Chad Curtis (.318/3/9, 5 SB) is the only Ranger on the DL traveling with the team, but no timeframe for his return has been announced ... Surprise! Justin Thompson's rehab stalled for a week after several sessions of long-toss led to soreness in his left (pitching) shoulder.