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Battle of futility as worst teams in each league match up

Jun 15, 2007 - 2:38 PM Texas (24-42) at Cincinnati (26-41) 7:10 pm EDT

CINCINNATI (Ticker) -- When the Texas Rangers visit the Cincinnati Reds on Friday for the start of a three-game series, the most interest will come from scouts of opposing teams who are hoping the fire sales start soon.

With each team owning the worst record in its respective division, rumors have already begun that some big names are going to be on the trading block come deadline time.

On the Rangers side, Mark Teixeira - who is currently on the disabled list - Kenny Lofton, Brad Wilkerson and Eric Gagne are all on the wish lists of several teams.

The Reds boasts sluggers Ken Griffey Jr. and Adam Dunn, both of whom would provide a powerful middle-of-the-order bat to a team looking to get into the playoff.

Hoping to keep those big bats down for Texas will be veteran Vicente Padilla (2-8, 6.28 ERA). The righthander has been one of many disappointments for the Rangers this season, struggling to find consistency after signing a three-year, $33.75 million extension in the offseason.

Padilla, who spent seven years in the National League with Arizona and Philadelphia, owns a career 3-2 mark with a 3.43 ERA in 13 games - five starts - against Cincinnati.

Countering for the Reds will be Matt Belisle (5-4, 4.48). The 27-year-old righthander has not earned a decision in his last two starts, allowing eight earned runs in 12 2/3 combined innings against Colorado and Cleveland.