The 1998 Texas Rangers season involved the Rangers finishing 1st in the American League west with a record of 88 wins and 74 losses. It would be the team's second post-season appearance, but the team would be swept 3-0 by the New York Yankees. Offseason November 6, 1997: Jim Leyritz and Damon Buford were traded by the Rangers to the Boston Red Sox for Mark Brandenburg, Bill Haselman, and Aaron Sele. November 20, 1997: Scott Sheldon was signed as a free agent by the Rangers. December 7, 1997: Scott Bailes was signed as a free agent with the Texas Rangers. December 8, 1997: Kevin Elster was signed as a free agent with the Texas Rangers. December 9, 1997: Roberto Kelly was signed as a free agent by the Rangers. December 15, 1997: Scott Podsednik was drafted by the Rangers from the Florida Marlins in the 1997 rule 5 draft. December 23, 1997: Scott Cooper was signed as a free agent by the Rangers. March 14, 1998: Kevin Brown was traded by the Rangers to the Toronto Blue Jays for Tim Crabtree. Regular season During the season, Rick Helling would be the last pitcher to win at least 20 games in one season for the Rangers in the decade. Season standings Record vs. opponents Notable transactions July 17, 1998: Todd Van Poppel and Warren Morris were traded by the Rangers to the Pittsburgh Pirates for Esteban Loaiza. July 31, 1998: Kevin Elster was released by the Texas Rangers. August 26, 1998: Greg Cadaret was selected off waivers by the Rangers from the Anaheim Angels. Roster Player stats Batting Starters by position Note: Pos= Position; G = Games played; AB = At bats; R = Runs; H = Hits; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in; Avg. = Batting average; Slg. = Slugging Average; SB = Stolen bases Other batters Note: G = Games played; AB = At bats; H = Hits; Avg. = Batting average; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in Pitching Starting pitchers Note: G = Games pitched; IP = Innings pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts Relief pitchers Note: G = Games pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; SV = Saves; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts New York Yankees vs. Texas Rangers Game 1 September 29 at Yankee Stadium (New York