The Texas Rangers added two players this weekend, signing free agent outfielder Vladimir Guerrero to a one-year, $5M deal and agreeing with infielder Khalil Greene one a one-year, $750K deal. Guerrero will become the Rangers designated hitter, while Greene will serve as a utility infielder.
Guerrero is a 14-year major league veteran who has been one of the most feared hitters in all of baseball since breaking out in 1998. He has battled injuries lately, but still had a productive season with Anaheim in 2009. If he’s able to stay healthy, the Rangers will benefit from his run producing ability at the DH spot. At this point in his career, he’s not able to play the field for any extended period of time.
Greene on the other hand has fallen off considerably since becoming the Padres starting shortstop in 2004. His batting average and on-base percentage have fallen in each year since 2007 to the point where he hit only .200 for the Cardinals last year, losing his starting job to Brendan Ryan. He’s still a very good defensive player though, so he should work out in a utility role as planned.
This was the Rangers plan when they dealt starter Kevin Millwood to save money. I think they did well to add Guerrero to a lineup that already includes Michael Young, Nelson Cruz, Ian Kinsler, and Josh Hamilton. The fact that they took him away from their division rival only makes the move better.
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