The right-hander has seen the market cool after CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett signed lucrative deals with the Yankees. Sheets, though, fell behind Derek Lowe and is possibly behind Oliver Perez among remaining free agents. The injury Sheets suffered at the end of last season isn't helping his cause, but Lowe's contract from Atlanta -- four years, $60 million -- might push Sheets' price tag higher. His agent, Casey Close, said the lines of communication remain open with the Rangers. Sheets lives in Highland Park, is close to pitching coach Mike Maddux and is very good when healthy.

RHP Jason Jennings

Both sides have interest in reuniting after an injury-shortened 2008 campaign, but a deal hasn't been reached. Conveniently, Jennings is represented by Casey Close, so general manager Jon Daniels can discuss Jennings and Ben Sheets in one phone call. Jennings, who lives in Mesquite, has resumed pitching off a mound after having surgery in May to repair a flexor tendon. The Rangers are his No. 1 destination, and he said he is willing to go to the minor leagues to make sure his right arm is 100 percent. But other clubs have interest, and a return to the National League West with Arizona is a possibility.

LHP Eddie Guardado

The veteran left-hander is another pitcher who has a Rangers reunion on his mind. They traded the former All-Star closer in August after falling out of playoff contention, but both sides were open to discussing 2009. Arizona and Colorado have found their situational lefties, and Guardado has a desire to play west of the Mississippi River. His agent, Kevin Kohler, said Guardado ranked his time with the Rangers among the most enjoyable of his long career. "We've talked to JD [Jon Daniels] a lot," Kohler said. "JD's told him he wants him back if he can afford it. And Eddie wants to be back."

RHP Chad Cordero

The right-handed reliever, also a former All-Star closer, had shoulder surgery in May, and the Rangers haven't been scared away by the medical reports they've seen. They were one of several teams to watch Cordero throw -- literally, long toss -- last week. Cordero hopes to be pitching by the middle of next month, and Jon Daniels said the Rangers will stay in touch. He fits the Rangers' recent trend pursuing low-risk, high-reward free agents. Milton Bradley fit that category last season, and so did Eddie Guardado and Jason Jennings.

3B Joe Crede

He becomes more of a target with Michael Young's future with the club somewhat uncertain. If Young accepts a move to third base, Crede won't find employment in Arlington. He could, though, if a Young trade produces quality starting pitching instead of a third-base solution. Crede, who is represented by Scott Boras, has been hampered by a balky back, but he was an All-Star last season who kept prospect Josh Fields at Triple A early on. Crede is a right-handed power hitter and is good defensively when healthy.

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