[外電] Rangers take step to fill leadoff spot
這一篇的大意是說，找來了 Frank Catalanotto，去填補Gary Matthews Jr
的那一個洞～～然後把 Catalanotto的之前表現給說一遍～～基本上他是個不錯的選手～
基本上都是之前提過的事情～重點似乎在後面的投手預測補強計畫～～
如何呢？目標現在有很多（每次都是目標，會行動嗎？XD～）
Barry Zito （願意出錢嗎？ 壓制力是不是OK？）
Jason Schmidt（原本不考慮的，因為健康狀況～～但現在也必須要認真思考了？）
Ted Lilly and Randy Wolf （好像洋基對Lilly的興趣很高？）
Miguel Batista
Jeff Suppan and Gil Meche
Jon Garland and Javier Vazquez （用年輕農場來換？？）
只有邊走邊看囉～～～
ARLINGTON -- The Rangers realized that the chances of re-signing center
fielder Gary Matthews Jr. were decreasing as the offseason went along.
They still aren't sure who will play center field for them in 2007, but they
did address the pressing need to replace Matthews at the top of the lineup by
signing free-agent outfielder Frank Catalanotto on Tuesday to a guaranteed
three-year, $13.5 million contract with an option for a fourth year.
The contract calls for Catalanotto to make $11.5 million in salary over three
years with the fourth-year option worth $5 million or a $2 million buyout.
Matthews was the Rangers' leadoff hitter in 2006 and Catalanotto could fill
that spot next season as either a corner outfielder or designated hitter.
"I know for sure now we have somebody who can do it," general manager Jon
Daniels said in announcing the signing on Tuesday. "In making our plans this
offseason, we talked about having a more traditional guy at the top of our
lineup. We'd still like to add one more guy but we know Frank is capable of
it. He adds a different dynamic to the top of our lineup with his energy,
make-up and productivity."
The Rangers also had interest in Juan Pierre but he has agreed to a five-year
contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Dave Roberts, another free agent,
could be their next best option.
Catalanotto will compete for playing time with Brad Wilkerson in left field
and Nelson Cruz in right field, and could also see time at designated hitter.
Manager Ron Washington will have much to say who plays where, but the Rangers
were mainly concerned about getting his offense into the lineup.
"Ron will find a way to get his bat in the lineup," Daniels said. "How it
shakes out will depend on other moves we make."
Catalanotto played with the Rangers in 2000-02 and left four years ago with
the label of a utility player. He returns having established himself as an
everyday outfielder who can be a force at the top of an American League
lineup.
"I think I've become a better outfielder," Catalanotto said. "I've spent a
lot of time in the outfield and I don't think I'm a liability in the
outfield. The first couple of years was a big transition for me but I think
now I know the angles and can play out there."
He welcomed the chance to return to Texas for a number of reasons, including
getting to work with hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo again and getting to hit at
Ameriquest Field in Arlington. He is a career .315 hitter in Arlington and
batted .330 for the Rangers in 2001, the sixth highest average in one season
in club history.
"This has always been my favorite place to hit," Catalanotto said. "When I
was here before, I don't think we played up to expectations, but this a good
young team with an outstanding nucleus. They can score some runs. I'm happy
to be back. My wife and I always loved this city and these fans. I'm looking
forward to helping the Texas Rangers get into the playoffs and winning the
World Series."
Catalanotto, 32, batted .300 with 56 runs scored, 36 doubles, two triples,
seven home runs and 56 RBIs in 437 at-bats for the Toronto Blue Jays last
year. His .368 on-base percentage over the past five years is the 51st
highest among Major League players.
He has a career .376 on-base percentage as a leadoff hitter and .364 in the
No. 2 spot. His .299 average over the past four years is the 17th best in the
American League.
Catalanotto was one of six players acquired by the Rangers from the Detroit
Tigers for outfielder Juan Gonzalez after the 1999 season. He played three
seasons for the Rangers but was non-tendered after the 2002 season when
injuries limited him to 68 games and 212 at-bats.
Catalanotto was a second baseman/utility player for the Rangers but has been
used almost exclusively in the outfield for the Blue Jays over the past four
years. He has played 154 games at second base in his career but none since
2002. He hasn't played third base since 2001 or first base since 2003.
It was former Rangers manager Jerry Narron who first suggested Catalanotto
play the outfield and his .993 fielding percentage over the past four years
is the eighth highest for an outfielder in the American League.
"He wasn't brought in here to be a utility player," Daniels said. "He was
brought in here to play the corner outfield and some DH."
Catalanotto is the first major free-agent signing for the Rangers this
offseason but the club is far from done. Daniels remains hopeful that the
Rangers can still re-sign pitcher Vicente Padilla, a 15-game winner for them
in 2006.
"We're still talking and I think we're one of the places that he'd like to
play," Daniels said.
The Rangers are also looking hard at Barry Zito and may even get involved
with Jason Schmidt, even though there are some internal concerns about his
health and durability. They also have interest in left-handers Ted Lilly and
Randy Wolf and right-hander Miguel Batista. They appear to be cool on the
idea of pursuing right-handers Jeff Suppan and Gil Meche, who have attracted
substantial interest elsewhere.
"We've had pretty good contact with the guys that we have targeted," Daniels
said. "My guess is it will heat up right around the winter meetings."
The Rangers have had significant discussions with the Chicago White Sox about
right-handers Jon Garland and Javier Vazquez but those talks have stalled.
Major League officials said the White Sox are asking for far more than just
one of the Rangers' young pitching prospects.
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2007- Rangers and Spurs GoGoGo
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