MLB.com’s T.R. Sullivan:

The Rangers are also expected to talk to teams about infielder Hank Blalock. The Giants and the Mariners have shown some interest in him.

It’s very vague, but that’s what the rumor mill is all about. 

Blalock has been a Mariner killer in the past and is a great power hitter from the left side of the plate.  Obviously his rise to stardom was interrupted by a myriad of injuries, and he hasn’t had a healthy season in at least four or five seasons.  He is also in the final year of his contract ($6.2 M).

If he can remain healthy he could potentially give Seattle exactly what they need.  As mentioned, he’s a left handed power hitter that could help fill the void left by Raul Ibanez, as well as filling the vacancy at first base.  Beyond giving you 20+ homers, he’ll put up a decent average and walks a bit, too.

The Rangers would want starting pitching.  The park Texas plays in hinders their ability to snag big names in free agency, making trade their best bet.  Unfortunately, Seattle doesn’t match up all that well with Texas.  Jarrod Washburn certainly won’t get their attention as a fly ball pitcher, but there is one potential deal that makes a little bit of sense to me.

Hank Blalock for Erik Bedard.

Both are one season away from free agency, both are likely to spend time on the DL, and both are among the best when they’re healthy.  It’s kind of like a bad contract swap, but instead of trading ridiculous salaries you’re essentially trading injuries.  Both teams enter into the agreement knowing that there is a decent chance that one or both guys miss significant time.  It’s a gamble, but if you end up with the guy that stays on the field you win big time.

I’m not endorsing this and I don’t know if the Rangers would ever go for it, but I find it a very interesting and fun to think about.  I’d like to hear what you think.