That didn't take long. Earlier Wednesday, we heard that the Rangers and Giants were making progress in negotiations with the Mets about outfielder Carlos Beltran. Now Ken Rosenthal throws some water on half of that flame:

Source: Beltran NOT going to #Rangers. #SFGiants presumed front-runner.

Adds Jon Heyman:

#sfgiants in position to land beltran. #phillies not quite giving up. but deal with sf could get done soon.

It makes sense. Though the Rangers have been fond of the potential help, Beltran was never particularly keen on playing in the AL, and he's armed with a no-trade clause. Where Beltran doesn't want to go, Beltran doesn't go, and Beltran doesn't want to switch leagues.

So now this leaves the Giants alone atop the pedestal. They're not guaranteed to be the ones to land Beltran, but they have the best shot, and it certainly looks like a trade could be completed at any moment.

The Phillies and Braves are also said to be sniffing around, and not out of the running just yet.