The biggest of the last few days came tonight while I was at church at my discipleship class. Frank Catalanotto has returned to the Rangers pending a physical. The deal is for three years, $13 million (similar money that DeRosa got from the Cubs). The Rangers hold a team option fourth year. This is probably a hedge against GMJ going elsewhere, which unfortunately looks pretty likely. Most Ranger fans were sorry to see Little Cat go, I know my wife was. I enjoyed him myself during his time here, so that will be a nice return. So we still do have something from the Juan Gonzalez trade! (Granted, its’ via free agency, but still… :) )
A few days back, we signed Miguel Ojeda to a contract for 2007, virtually assuring that Rod Barajas will not be back. I didn’t see enough of Ojeda to have any real comments on him, but it’s probably the signing we had to make for a backup (although I admit I was hoping they’d sign Gregg Zaun).
The Texas Rangers also signed RHP Franklyn German and INF Ramon Vazquez to minor league contracts with invites to spring training. I admittedly do not know much about these two. There was more on them in a recent Newberg report.
We also signed LHP Matt Merricks and INF David Matranga to minor league contracts. I know a little about Matranga, having driven down to Round Rock a few times and seeing him play there for the Express. Neither of these strike me as much else besides roster filler. If they do get to the bigs, I can’t imagine it will be for much more than a cup of coffee.
There was also word this past week that Jon Daniels is hopeful that we can resign Vicente Padilla. I wonder if the change in managers will make a difference in his surly behavior. Maybe not, but as long as he pitches well, I guess it doesn’t really matter, eh?