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MLB Rumors: Free Agent Lance Berkman In Talks With Texas Rangers

By Josh Sanchez

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Mar 11, 2012; Jupiter, FL. USA; St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Lance Berkman (12) takes batting practice before the game against the Washington Nationals at Roger Dean Stadium. The game was postponed due to rain after 4 innings. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 11, 2012; Jupiter, FL. USA; St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Lance Berkman (12) takes batting practice before the game against the Washington Nationals at Roger Dean Stadium. The game was postponed due to rain after 4 innings. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports /

Free agent first baseman Lance Berkman is contemplating retirement, but that hasn’t stopped him from getting in to talks with potential suitors.

Per Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports, Berkman has engaged in talks with the Texas Rangers.

Rosenthal wrote:

"Berkman’s hometown team, the Houston Astros, remains open to bringing him back, even after signing free-agent first baseman Carlos Pena. But the Rangers stand a much better chance than the Astros of competing in the AL West next season.Either team could use Berkman as a designated hitter, the role that suits him best at this stage of his career. Berkman, 36, injured his left calf and underwent two surgeries on his right knee last season, appearing in only 32 games for the St. Louis Cardinals.The season before, he played in 145 games, his most since 2008, batting .301 with 31 homers, 94 RBI and a .959 OPS, and helping the Cardinals win the World Series."

If Berkman were to have one final hoorah in Major League Baseball, the appeal of competing with a playoff contender could be enough to influence his decision.

The Rangers need to add bats to the line-up and Berkman is one of the options they will consider. If the two sides can agree to a deal, it will be a win-win for everyone involved.

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