The Texas Rangers just signed Lance Berkman to a one-year contract to serve as their designated hitter, but the team might not be done yet. MLB.com reported on Jan. 8 that the Rangers are still considering signing pitcher Kyle Lohse and outfielder Michael Bourn.
Texas has some questions heading into the 2013 MLB season. With the loss of Josh Hamilton, Michael Young and Mike Napoli, they need to find some veterans just in case the young prospects on the team don’t come through this year. Mike Olt, Jurickson Profar, Leonys Martin, Robbie Ross and Martin Perez have all the talent in the world, but they might not be ready.
Signing Kyle Lohse could give the Rangers their fifth starter to take the role until Colby Lewis returns from his surgery. That would give Texas more time to work with Ross and Perez, allowing them to develop.
Lohse played for the St. Louis Cardinals when they beat Texas in the World Series two years ago, and would join his former teammate Berkman in Texas. Lohse has a career 4.45 ERA and finished 2012 with a 16-3 record and a nice 2.86 ERA.
The only problem with Lohse is he wants a multiple year contract, but is 34 and might be a risk if he demands multiple years.
Michael Bourn is a burner, with 276 stolen bases in his six year MLB career. He has broke 60 steals in two of the past four seasons and nabbed 42 in 2012. He also gets on base a lot, with a career high 70 walks in 2012.
Right now, Martin is the centerfielder, with a chance of Ian Kinsler moving out there as well. Bourn would give Texas another option, but might not be the best fit for the team.
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