Brewers Scout Mike Olt

[Mr. Baseball]

There's no telling just how serious the Rangers are about trying to pry pitcher Zack Greinke from the Milwaukee Brewers at MLB's July 31 trade deadline, but evidence is mounting that the team is at least interested.

Fox Sports' Jon Paul Morosi tweeted Tuesday that the Brewers had sent a "special scout" to watch the Frisco RoughRiders, the Rangers' double-A affiliate which currently some of the organization's top prospects playing for it. Among the biggest names are shortstop Jurickson Profar, third baseman Mike Olt and pitchers Cody Buckel and Neil Ramirez.

Morosi, who wrote last week that the Rangers had been scouting both Greinke and Phillies pitcher Cole Hamels, said the Brewers' scout was "further evidence of Texas' interest in Greinke." He also followed up with a second tweet clarifying that the Brewers' scout was there for special reasons.

"To be clear, the Brewers have a special assignment scout watching Frisco," Morosi wrote. "I'm told this is not routine coverage."

Greinke, 28, is 9-2 with a 2.82 ERA and 102 strikeouts in 102 innings this year for the Brewers this year. He's due to become a free agent at the end of the season, meaning the Rangers would risk losing him as they did with Cliff Lee in 2010 should they trade for him.

Mike Olt would be a huge pickup, although I'd prefer the Brewers went after starting pitching (Julio Teheran). That's going to be our greatest need once Greinke leaves Milwaukee anyway.

Mike Olt on the season: .300 AVG, .406 OBP, 22 HR, 62 RBI, 75 Games

[HebrewHammer]

Olt is absolutely raking! But if the Brewers really do want pitching in exchange, I'd ask for Martin Perez and hold tight.

[Mr. Baseball]

Olt is absolutely raking! But if the Brewers really do want pitching in exchange, I'd ask for Martin Perez and hold tight.

The Brewers had all the offense from 2006-2010, and generally didn't get very far. It's not a myth that pitching wins championships. Without Sabathia in 08', we would not have made the playoffs. Without Greinke in 11', we wouldn't have won the division. You need guys you can rely on in the rotation.

Gallardo is okay, but incredibly inconsistent. I don't have a lot of confidence in him as a staff ace.

[The Edge]

Mike Olt would be a huge pickup, although I'd prefer the Brewers went after starting pitching (Julio Teheran). That's going to be our greatest need once Greinke leaves Milwaukee anyway.

Mike Olt on the season: .300 AVG, .406 OBP, 22 HR, 62 RBI, 75 Games

I don't think Teheran is happening for the Brewers. I think of our prospects Teheran and Simmons are likely completely off the table but I think the Braves would be willing to deal any of Delgado, Gilmartin, Minor, and more.

[Mr. Baseball]

I don't think Teheran is happening for the Brewers. I think of our prospects Teheran and Simmons are likely completely off the table but I think the Braves would be willing to deal any of Delgado, Gilmartin, Minor, and more.

Teheran has been getting beat up lately in Triple-A. I think for a player of Greinke's caliber, they'd be willing to listen. Especially considering the Braves are one of those teams that are borderline playoff threats (it could go either way).

[The Edge]

Teheran has been getting beat up lately in Triple-A. I think for a player of Greinke's caliber, they'd be willing to listen. Especially considering the Braves are one of those teams that are borderline playoff threats (it could go either way).

He's been playing with a banged up back and the Braves have been trying to progress him a little too quickly. He's lacking a number of pitches. I don't see Greinke signing an extension for 15-17M to play with us so this is all moot. No way Wren makes the trade without an extension.

[Mr. Baseball]

He's been playing with a banged up back and the Braves have been trying to progress him a little too quickly. He's lacking a number of pitches. I don't see Greinke signing an extension for 15-17M to play with us so this is all moot. No way Wren makes the trade without an extension.

It could be a package deal. Kottaras is a serviceable catcher, and his name could get thrown in. Maybe Francisco Rodriguez...who knows? I'm willing to bet Doug Melvin has contacted the Braves about him.

[The Edge]

It could be a package deal. Kottaras is a serviceable catcher, and his name could get thrown in. Maybe Francisco Rodriguez...who knows? I'm willing to bet Doug Melvin has contacted the Braves about him.

Why would we want Kottaras? We have McCann who has been the best offensive catcher since 2005, granted he's in a down year, and the best backup catcher in MLB. We have McCann under control with an option and doubt he's probably going to get away from Atlanta unless he struggles again next year. Why would we want a pitcher that makes what 8Million a year who pitches rather averagely, that we can get out of almost anyone?

[Mr. Baseball]

Why would we want Kottaras? We have McCann who has been the best offensive catcher since 2005, granted he's in a down year, and the best backup catcher in MLB. We have McCann under control with an option and doubt he's probably going to get away from Atlanta unless he struggles again next year. Why would we want a pitcher that makes what 8Million a year who pitches rather averagely, that we can get out of almost anyone?

I'm just throwing names out there. The Braves likely won't trade Teheran, but I wouldn't rule it out entirely.

Maybe I just want him badly enough that I'm imagining non-existent scenarios.