Correspondent Patrick from Haltom City has a problem with the Texas Rangers' batting order, specifically why Ian Kinsler continues to hold down the leadoff spot.

Patrick wants David Murphy up there, and supplied stats to back up his point.

"At what point does Ron Washington have no choice but to take Kinsler out of the leadoff spot?" Patrick asks. "I know he always says, 'I don't have a better option,' but unless he's just totally blind, then that's a lie.

"Surely, Washington has access to this information. I know that stats aren't everything, but I didn't come up with this question based on stats. The stats basically backed up what my eyes (and everybody's eyes) have been telling me for a couple of months now. Murphy has been hitting and getting on base, Kinsler has not really been doing either with any consistency.

"Does Washington really think this team can sustain anything with a leadoff hitter who doesn't get on base and doesn't hit for any kind of average?"

There's no doubt that Murphy makes opposing pitchers work harder more consistently than any Rangers hitter. He has recovered very nicely from a hitless first three weeks to start the season, and he probably deserves more playing time.

But what Patrick didn't include is his proposed lineup and a way to replace Kinsler's terrific base running.

How far does Kinsler fall? To sixth?

What happens to Nelson Cruz? Does the All-Star become a full-time bench player?

Does the rest of the lineup suddenly start hitting just because there's a new leadoff hitter?

The problem with the lineup extends behind the leadoff spot. No one has been immune to a slump, though some have lingered longer than others.

Washington is right: There aren't any better options. Kinsler's the guy, at least for the rest of this season and possibly to start 2010 unless Julio Borbon wins the job in spring training.

But thanks for the assist, Patrick.

Q: The silence has been deafening about Ben Sheets, or am I just hard of hearing? Do the Rangers still covet his services, will he be available for the second half, and do you think he will be effective and healthy?

Don, Dallas

WILSON: The last dispatch from agent Casey Close said that Sheets is taking a cautious approach to his rehab so that he is absolutely ready for 2010. A return this season hasn't been ruled out, but the Rangers aren't counting on him for this year.

Q: How about trading for Nick Johnson? He's a free agent at the end of the year, and the cost can't be that much in prospects. Money, I'm sure, is an issue, but his salary shouldn't be too bad for the rest of the season.

Michael, Fayetteville, Ark.

WILSON: A few problems with trading for Johnson. He bats left-handed, and the Rangers have enough of those. If the Rangers trade for Johnson, do Hank Blalock, Andruw Jones, David Murphy and Nelson Cruz become platoon players? Does Chris Davis spend the rest of the season at Triple-A? Where does Johnson hit in the lineup? Not sure there's a fit there.

Q: Would the Rangers be interested in working out a deal with the Cubs to bring back Milton Bradley? And are the Cubs willing to pick a portion of his salary just to get rid of him? Bradley seemed to fit in fairly well here, and the offense sure could use a patient bat like his.

Tom, Hillsboro

WILSON: There's no doubt Bradley made a huge difference in the middle of the lineup last year, but there is virtually no way he's coming back at the trade deadline. Not after he admitted that he didn't play at times last year to preserve his numbers. Not with the way he's playing now. Maybe if the Cubs picked up all of the remaining money on his contract, but that's not going to happen.

Q: I have been hearing rumblings lately that the Mariners may or may not be both buyers and sellers at the trade deadline. Talk has been that they may be looking to flip either future free agents Erik Bedard or Jarrod Washburn for a bat and a young pitcher. Should Seattle fall out of the race and decide to trade one of them, do you think the Rangers may be a possible trade partner?

Doug, Seattle

WILSON: The Mariners should not trade either left-hander because they can win the West. That's a pretty good club because of its pitching. Whatever Washburn is doing is working, and a Felix Hernandez-Bedard-Washburn threesome is better right now than any other in the division. But that's an outsider's point of view. If first-year general manager Jack Zduriencik sees a need to trade, he won't look to the Rangers. Those intradivisional trades are dicey for both sides.

Q: I would start Doug Mathis before Dustin Nippert. You?

Lynvol, Granbury

WILSON: Tough call there, with a lean toward Nippert. Mathis seems to have found a niche as a big-league long man, even though he has been effective as a starter in the minor leagues. Nippert is more stretched out than Mathis and has been pretty good since being activated from the 60-day disabled list earlier this month. His effort Wednesday clearly was the best, but he deserved better the day before the All-Star break at Seattle.

Q: Any word from the Rangers on the status of Matt Purke or Tanner Scheppers, their top two draft choices? Also, I thought that the Rangers drafted third-rounder Robert Erlin and fifth-rounder Nicholas McBride because of their "signability," although to my knowledge neither has signed. Any news on them? I was also wondering what the pool of international free agents looks like now that a few weeks have passed since the July 2 date when they could sign. Are the Rangers still scouting?

Aaron, Dallas

WILSON: General manager Jon Daniels said this week that little progress has been made on Purke and Scheppers, but he expects Erlin and McBride to sign before the Aug. 17 deadline. Erlin has signed with Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo.

Plenty of international prospects remain unsigned, and the Rangers reportedly have interest in shortstop Miguel Sano and catcher Jacob Beltre. The Rangers, though, spent handsomely at the July 2 deadline and might be finished doing any serious shopping.

Q: I understand the reason that Purke and Scheppers have not been signed is because they are asking for above slot money, so they will most likely be signed right before the Aug. 17 deadline. But is there any cause for concern with the two of them not being signed yet? Do the Rangers have the financial capability to meet their demands?

With Scheppers' advanced experience level compared to other drafted players, could he potentially start his season in Frisco next season and be on a fast track to Arlington by 2011?

Patrick, Plano

WILSON: Purke wants to be paid about the same as Rick Porcello, and that's a lot of money. Detroit inked Porcello for four years at more than $7 million. Purke, though, said last month that he is willing to sign for a little less with the Rangers, sort of a home-state discount.

Scheppers will want more than slot money, too, but the state of ownership's finances shouldn't be a factor. MLB is encouraging teams with high draft choices not to be deterred by potential contract demands.

Scheppers spent three years in college and part of this year pitching for an independent-league team. He could come quickly, but the longer his contract negotiations drag out, the longer it will take him to arrive in Arlington.

Q: When a Ranger hits a home run, the Ballpark staff plays the theme from The Natural and launches fireworks. Is there any other team that has a cooler celebration or are the Rangers No. 1 in this department?

Chip, Houston

WILSON: My memory has come up empty on the homer celebrations, maybe because all others fall short. I haven't been to Milwaukee, where Bernie Brewer goes down a big slide in left field as an explosion of water goes off. He used to land in a beer mug, and some fans are angry the mug is gone. Miller Park might have Rangers Ballpark beat.