ARLINGTON – Rangers president Nolan Ryan said he doesn't expect the team to be sold until after the season, at the earliest.

"Just because of the process it takes, I don't expect to see anything happen during the course of the season," Ryan said.

Rangers owner Tom Hicks is trying to sell the club, and Yahoo reported this week that Major League Baseball has loaned him several million dollars.

The signing of two international free agents Thursday was a sign that the team is forging ahead despite financial concerns.

A baseball source said Thursday that the Rangers spent at least $2.5 million to sign the prospects. General manager Jon Daniels said Friday he could not confirm the signings until the players pass physicals.

"It has not affected us, with the exception that we let two baseball office employees go, which is always not a pleasant deal," Daniels said of the team's finances. "Outside of that, it has not changed how we do business, it did not affect how we approached the draft and it did not affect how we approach international free agency.

"I think it'll be the same thing for the trade deadline. ... If something comes up to improve the club and requires additional money, we'll present it to Tom and make a case for it."

Left-hander C.J. Wilson, the team's union representative, said he talked with union officials about the potential sale in June when the team was in New York. But Wilson said he has not heard of any new information.

"Obviously, Tom is trying to bring in another owner, and I think that can only be good for us in the long run," Wilson said. "But we've got to take care of business on the field and let the guys in the suits deal with that. We get informed after the fact."

■ Holland has Washington's support: Left-hander Derek Holland has struggled in his first six big league starts, going 0-4 with a 6.27 ERA. Holland, who starts today against Tampa Bay, said he needs to mix his pitches better.

Manager Ron Washington said this start would not dictate how Holland would be used in the second half of the season, as a reliever or a starter.

"It won't dictate anything," Washington said of Holland. "He is going to be in the fifth or sixth inning, I just know it. He doesn't back off and he's not afraid. He's just learning. If he can get some of his secondary stuff over, it'll make a difference."

■ Briefly: Left-hander Matt Harrison, on the disabled list with left shoulder inflammation, is scheduled to play catch today and visit a neurologist on Monday. ... Outfielder Nelson Cruz, who left Wednesday's game with a stiff lower back, started on Friday. ... With the arrival of triple-digit temperatures, Washington said backup catcher Taylor Teagarden would start playing two days a week.IN THE KNOW

The Rangers have a number of special events planned to celebrate Independence Day:

■ The national anthem will be performed by the U.S. Air Force Band of the West and Band of the Gulf Coast.

■ There will be a flyover of four F-16s from the 301st Fighter Squadron of NASJRB Fort Worth.

■ The Rangers will wear special "Stars and Stripes" red caps to honor veterans.

■ A fireworks show will follow the game.