The Rangers have checked in with the Marlins about their pitching but no names have been exchanged, major-league sources say.

The talks are “not far along,” one source said, but there is a good fit between the clubs. Texas has one of the richest farm systems in baseball, and the Marlins’ pattern of dealing arbitration-eligible veterans for prospects is well-established.

Marlins starter Anibal Sanchez and closer Leo Nuñez will receive substantial raises through salary arbitration in 2012, after which they are scheduled to enter free agency. Since the right-handers are enjoying good seasons, this might be the optimal time for Florida to move one or both.

Starter Ricky Nolasco is another trade candidate. But he signed a three-year, $26.5 million contract extension before this season, so the Marlins have control of him for longer than Sanchez or Nuñez.

It’s worth noting that the Marlins and Rangers engaged in more serious trade discussions – about pitching – during last December’s winter meetings.

The Rangers’ need for pitching may not be as intense as it was earlier in the season. They have won eight in a row, following a complete-game shutout by 24-year-old lefty Derek Holland on Thursday night.

-- Jon Paul Morosi