Sunday, January 27, 2013
Big move unlikely for Rangers
By Jason Catania
At various times, the Texas Rangers have been linked to the two biggest free agents still on the market -- centerfielder Michael Bourn and right-handed starter Kyle Lohse -- but the club may not make any major moves for the rest of the offseason.
GM Jon Daniels told Jim Bowden and Jim Duquette of the "Front Office" show on SiriusXM's MLB Network Radio that he doesn't expect to make any significant moves between now and spring training. Daniels, however, did leave the door slightly ajar by claiming he'd never say never.
After the interview, Duquette posted a pair of tweets that clarified Daniels was talking specifically about the Rangers not being involved on either Bourn or Lohse.
The Rangers, though, did make one small move over the weekend, bringing in veteran infielder Jeff Baker on a minor league deal, per Gerry Fraley of the Dallas Morning News. It's likely that Baker will be in the mix to be Texas' utility infielder this spring, as that is one of the few positions at which the club expects a competition. Along with Baker, the Rangers will be considering prospect Leury Garcia for the job.
Top prospect Jurickson Profar would also be a candidate, however, the club would prefer the 19-year-old phenom to play every day, so he may begin the season at Triple-A.
