Some things were pretty obvious after the dust from 52 trades in the final 48 hours before the deadline: The Rangers worked to strengthen a strength, largely because it’s what they could do. They didn’t have the capital to fix all the issues with the offense; either guys will get hot for a bit or the playoff hopes will shrivel.

A ndrew Chafin, a left-handed relief pitcher now in his 12th MLB season, offered a quick jab upon learning of a trade from the Detroit Tigers to the Texas Rangers last July. "At least it's not California," Chafin said before leaving Detroit's clubhouse en route for Arlington. Chafin might regret that remark one year later.