The Rangers easily clinched the AL West with a 97-65 record and a 10-game lead over the 2nd place Royals. Texas, leading the division by 10 or more games for all of August and September, were able to put the team into cruise control and get extra playing time for some of their younger players and minor league vets.

The AL East was not so easily decided however, and resulted in a 3-way tie between Detroit, New York, and Milwaukee. Milwaukee won the 3-way playoff and will take on the...

With a commanding lead and wishing to solidify their switch hitting ability, the Rangers acquired 35-year old 1B Wes "Mr. Steady" Parker and CL Monty Montgomery for promising young 1B Tommy Bianco and MR Ken Tatum.

Says Riley Payton, "We admire Wes for his consistency and skills. He swings a great bat for a switch hitter and can help us at 1B and a little bit at other position. He really gives us the ability to matchup and create more clever lineups."

The Rangers have pushed their record to 72-33 and are currently 16 games ahead of second place Oakland in the AL West.

The resounding success has come because of remarkable contributions turned in by the pitching staff. Nolan Ryan (10-10, 2.65 ERA), all-star Jon Matlack (16-3, 1.96 ERA), Bill Stoneman (12-5, 2.97 ERA) and Randy Jones (14-7, 2.98 ERA) have all turned in convincing performances this year to pace the Rangers. Potential MVP OF Ben Oglivie has powered the Texas offense...

The Rangers traded 20-year old OF prodigy Claudell Washington, veteran C Dick Billings and MR Jim Panther to the Mets for 25-year old lefty starter Jon Matlack, 22-year old catcher John Wockenfuss and MR Francisco Barrios.

Said Execute Manager Riley Payton of the trade, "Washington has looked great in the minor leagues and was tearing it up last year. But we have so much depth in the outfield we don't really have an open spot for him."

"Despite his vast...

Rangers 3B Toby Harrah tore his MCL while running out a double in Texas' third spring training game and has been ruled out for the season. The Rangers quickly signed free agent 3B Sonny Jackson to take Harrah's spot on the roster.

"It hurts to lose our speedy leadoff man," said manager Riley Payton. "He was near the top of the league in walks last year and stole a lot of bases. Toby is a good all-around player and a fringe all-star. We're going to be looking into...