In spite of the deal with Oakland that brought Gregorio Petit to Texas, MLB.com's T.R. Sullivan reports that Petit will probably end up in Triple-A rather than fill the Rangers' need for a utility infielder on their big league roster. Texas has been looking to fill their backup infield void for weeks, and a few new options have appeared on the Rangers' radar for a possible deal.
Augie Ojeda (who we know the D'Backs are shopping) is one option that the Rangers have an interest in, Sullivan says. Sullivan proposes that right-hander Luis Mendoza might be a good fit to be dealt for Ojeda since Arizona wants pitching and Mendoza is out of options. Willie Bloomquist and Kevin Frandsen are also possible options, Sullivan reports. Frandsen is another player known to be on the trade market, and that same MLBTR piece also cites the Giants as a team that could be interested in a player of Ojeda's type.
Former Ranger Ramon Vazquez has been mentioned in trade talks this winter and we know the Pirates want to move him. But Sullivan says Texas doesn't want to acquire Vazquez at the cost of Mendoza, and you have to figure that the Rangers might just pick Vazquez up if Pittsburgh is forced to release him.
Are the Rangers trying to make a 25-Man Roster our of Utility players?
Augie Ojeda would be the best fit. Maybe for Brandon McCarthy?
Seriously who do they want?
That is just a perfect thing to say. Honestly.
there is some Ransom fever in philly for some reason, if that be the case Juan Castro?
Julio Lugo, anybody?
The Cardinals have a surplus of infielders now that Brendan Ryan is healthy. Julio Lugo seems like an option, given his cheap cost (Boston is paying for all but the league min) and ability to (kind of) play multiple positions. Most of the names mentioned above are younger players though, so I guess Texas’ interest would depend on if they are looking for a more veteran player or not.
i got it!
derrek holland, wilmer font, max ramirez, ian kinsler, and nelson cruz for julio lugo!
though the rangers might have to throw in some cash considerations
How many times have you made a personal proposal involving at least 2 all-stars and 1 rising star?
twice?
how about jed lowrie? Can play 2nd, SS, and third.
how about jed lowrie? Can play 2nd, SS, and third.
they should have kept Vizquel around, he was a good fit playing behind Andrus
Vizquel wanted the real possibility of starting… not just a back up. I think he liked his sting with the Rangers, but I think there was mention from him on moving on to a team that was more likely to be in contention…
Vizquel wanted the real possibility of starting… not just a back up. I think he liked his sting with the Rangers, but I think there was mention from him on moving on to a team that was more likely to be in contention…
they should have kept Vizquel around, he was a good fit playing behind Andrus
Can’t imagine the Pirates would want a player back that is out of options…they are mostly trying to get rid of Vazquez to free up a roster spot.
I’d really like for the Pirates to somehow get McCarthy or Nippert, but I don’t think they have the player to make it work. Vazquez wouldn’t come close, and while Delwyn Young is a very good bench player/spot starter, he’s inexperienced at shortstop which would ruin that idea.
Maybe the Dodgers trade Hu for one of those many extra pitchers the Rangers have lying around.
Andres Blanco is out of options and could be had for a song…and not a very good song at that. He may not make people get googly-eyed but he plays good defense at 2b and SS…and he wouldn’t cost a team anything useful. Since the Cubs have worked hard this spring to convince themselves that Fontenot can actually play SS, Blanco is available for nothing more than a fringe prospect…and by that I mean someone outside a teams’s top 30 list. If other teams are asking too much for their utility guys, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to inquire on Blanco.
Andres Blanco is out of options and could be had for a song…and not a very good song at that. He may not make people get googly-eyed but he plays good defense at 2b and SS…and he wouldn’t cost a team anything useful. Since the Cubs have worked hard this spring to convince themselves that Fontenot can actually play SS, Blanco is available for nothing more than a fringe prospect…and by that I mean someone outside a teams’s top 30 list. If other teams are asking too much for their utility guys, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to inquire on Blanco.