The Rangers Report – Offseason Edition

Rangers Acquire Chris Shelton

First base seems to have been filled, for now.

The Rangers have acquired Chris Shelton from the Tigers, in exchange for Fast Freddy Guzman.

Shelton likely will figure into the first base/dh equation, though I think he'll more than likely be the Opening Day first baseman.  It makes no sense to sign Sean Casey for $3 million when you can instead pay Shelton more or less the major league minimum for better production.

All in all, it's a solid pickup, and Shelton will be much more useful than whatever Guzman would have provided.

Rule 5 Shennanigans

I'm a little disappointed that Texas didn't participate in the Major League Phase of the Rule 5 draft, especially considering that Brian Barton was there to be had.  On the bright side, the Rangers didn't lose anyone, so there's some good news.  Texas was active in the minor league phases of the draft, nabbing several pitchers  

Overall, here's who Texas acquired:

• Levi Romero (RHP) - Not a damn thing can be found right now.
• Dustin Majewski (OF) - A former Longhorn and I believe one of Oakland's moneyball draft guys, Majewski likely is just organizational filler at this point.
• Clayton Hamilton (RHP) - Hamilton has good size and could be a solid bullpen arm in the future.  A lot of his stats from this past year must be taken with a grain of salt, as he was pitching for most of the year with a broken rib, thanks to a misdiagnosis from the Pirates.
• Jaime Trejo (3B) - Potential backup.
• Francisco Cordova.(RHP) - Ick.  Next...

Quick Hits

• Kevin Mench is likely going to be non-tendered by the Brewers.  If the Rangers are interested, they could try and bring back him back.  Mench still has fans here and for the most part would be happy to come back, but salary concerns may get in the way.  Another thing, who would he replace on the 40?

• Texas actually was in on the Andruw Jones deal, but was thwarted when Scott Boras gave Texas the runaround.  Specifically, he told Texas that it would take a longer term deal, seeing as how Jones would be switching leagues and all.  You remember, that kind of ####

• Texas has a one year contract offer with a club option out to LaTroy Hawkins, who is still looking for a two year deal from the Rockies.  Hopefully, something can get resolved soon, though I would prefer to go itnernal on the pen.  Usually, that ends up being a lot more cost effective and allows you to protect yourself in terms of being screwed over in terms of long term deals.

• Eric Gagné is still out there and apparently wouldn't mind coming back to Texas.  I'd do it, as he was a lot of fun to watch and he has his fans here.  He would also be flipped again at the deadline for more prospects, which is always nice.  Knowing the Rangers' luck, Boras will push for a full no-trade clause this time. 

• The acqustion of Andruw Jones means that Andre Ethier and potentially Juan Pierre are available.  Ethier I'm all about, as I think he'd be an above average option in left field.  Pierre is interesting, but the Dodgers would have to eat a lot of the salary for me to consider it.  Pierre isn't a great outfielder and is one of the most overrated players in the sport. 

• Apparently, the Rangers are hot and heavy after...Mark Prior?  Okay, I know that when Prior is healthy, he can easily be one of the best pitchers in baseball.  The problem is, when was the last time we could say that?

• There are some other trade options I'd be looking at, with the Astros being one of the teams I'd look at.  The Rangers need a legitiamate utilityman and Chris Burke is there for the taking.  He's a better option that Ramon Vasquez and can play any position except for catcher.  I'd ask if they'd be interested in a straight up swap for Scott Feldman.

• And, on a side note, the Rangers are debating about moving Chris Davis to right field, where his bat would not only be a good fit, but he has a strong enough arm to handle the change.  My only question about that is whether or not Davis is athletic enough to handle right field.

Top 15 Mariners Prospects up tomorrow!!!