Texas Rangers Rumors: Murphy, Cespedes, DeRosa

The Texas Rangers are poking around into some deals these days, but it appears that they don't want to shake up their outfield situation too much for 2012. They currently have Josh Hamilton, Nelson Cruz, David Murphy, Julio Borbon and Craig Gentry slotted into the outfield, as well as Leonys Martin in Triple-A, which is one of the more impressive units in the league.

The Minnesota Twins recently inquired on Murphy, according to ESPN's Jayson Stark, but Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports writes that the Rangers were reportedly reluctant to discuss breaking up their outfield depth. They could view Murphy as a starter if they believe that Hamilton can handle playing center field every day.

And adding to the satisfaction that Texas has with its current outfielders, T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com writes that the Rangers are unlikely to pursue Cuban defector Yoenis Cespedes this winter. The $15 million commitment that they made to Martin this year likely factors into that decision, as they've already invested significant money into a Latin center fielder in 2011.

Texas has shown some interest in acquiring Mark DeRosa, according to Rosenthal, but he presumably wouldn't get more than a bench role with the Rangers.

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