Texas Rangers sign five minor league players

The Texas Rangers and this organization are looking to get back to World Series form after they pulled off a blockbuster trade that sent second baseman Ian Kinsler to the Detroit Tigers for Prince Fielder.

Now that we’re only a couple months away from Spring Training, they’re adding some depth to their roster as they signed five minor league players to contracts. A couple of them have had Spring Training invites thrown their way.

First guy up is right handed pitcher Doug Mathis. Mathis is a 30 year old who will be working on his second stint with the Texas Rangers organization. He spent some time with the Rangers between 2008-2010 and hasn’t pitched in the Majors since. He posted an ERA of 4.84 in 45 appearances which included six starts.

Second guy up is Armando Rodriguez. Rodriguez is a 25 year old right hander who was with the New York Mets farm system last year. He posted a 4.81 ERA and 61/33 K/BB ratio in 63 2/3 innings of work between Double-A and Triple-A ball.

Former Miami Marlin Kevin Kouzmanoff was also brought on board. The 32 year old infielder hasn’t played in the Majors for a couple years but did some time with Miami’s Triple-A affiliate.

With the loss of Ian Kinsler, the Rangers have to start adding some depth at the Major and Minor league levels. Josh Wilson is a 32 year old second baseman who received an invitation to Spring Training as he hopes to crack the Major League roster. He hit .200/.262/.300 with one home run and four RBI’s with the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Last but not least is former New York Yankee and Chicago Cubs legend Brent Lillibridge. Lillibridge was said to have some interest from the Seattle Mariners and the Texas Rangers (click here) after having only 20 total games in the Majors between the Cubs and Yankees.

He’ll continue to serve as a utility player.