Apparently, the Texas Rangers aren’t taking any chances when it comes to making the playoffs this year. It’s been over a decade since the team has qualified for the post-season and after landing Cliff Lee, one of the most coveted players on this year’s trading block, the Rangers added to an already potent lineup today when they acquired Cristian Guzman from the Washington Nationals.
Up until 24 hours ago, the trade was still hinging on the consent of Guzman himself. League rules state that a player with at least 10 years of major league experience, including five consecutive years with their current team, cannot be traded to another team without the player’s consent.
Today, the 32-year-old Guzman officially okayed the trade. A solid middle infielder and a good contact hitter, Guzman provides another decent bat to the Rangers lineup, as well as provide the club with some flexibility on defense. With over ten years of major league experience split between the Minnesota Twins and Washington Nationals, Guzman has to be ecstatic about the prospect of finally competing in a pennate race. He is currently hitting .282 with two homers and 25 RBIs and will undoubtedly see some time at second base with the recent injury to Ian Kinsler.
Texas gave up two solid Double-A pitchers in Ryan Tatusko and Tanner Roark. But clearly, the Rangers have their sights set on 2010. This deal will only make their club better, just like the ingenious move to bring veteran catcher Benjie Molina on board already has.
photo credit: Brian L. Romig
You Might Also Be Interested In These Similar Posts:
- Hamilton Has Surgery
- Texas Rangers Win 11th Game in a Row
- Texas Rangers Win Yu Darvish Sweepstakes
- Hamilton, Cruz Expected to Return to Rangers’ Lineup
- So Now Dirk Nowitzki is Throwing out the First Pitch at a World Series Game
