 Frank Catalanotto is a far better bet than Andruw Jones to perform well this season. Yet, the Rangers had their reasons Wednesday when they released Catalanotto to clear a spot for Jones: Jones hits right-handed; Catalanotto bats left. The Rangers lack right-handed power, and their starters at Catalanotto's three positions — left fielder David Murphy, first baseman Chris Davis and designated hitter Hank Blalock — all hit from the left side.Catalanotto's career .289 batting average as a pinch-hitter would have gone largely to waste in Texas; shortstop Elvis Andrus is the only Rangers position player who might be removed for a pinch-hitter regularly.Jones, one Rangers executive says, is "clearly better" than he was the past two seasons with the Braves and Dodgers, and hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo and manager Ron Washington believe he has upside.The Rangers' financial commitment to Jones is minimal — they will pay him the minimum $400,000 salary, with the Dodgers assuming the rest. If he fails in his part-time role, the team can simply release him. Of course, the Rangers also must pay virtually all of Catalanotto's remaining $6 million obligation. They tried to trade him to the Marlins, offering to pay his entire salary while receiving only a marginal prospect in return. The Marlins instead obtained Ross Gload from the Royals to fill a similar role. Catalanotto, who turns 35 on April 27, had a good spring, and his pinch-hitting proficiency would make him a useful National League player. The Marlins were kicking around the possibility of signing him for the minimum salary even after acquiring Gload. FOX Fantasy Baseball game: Advice:- Draft guide: Find out rankings, positional previews, sleepers, flops and more!
The Yankees are not wavering from their plan to use Cody Ransom at third base until Alex Rodriguez returns from hip surgery. According to a rival executive, the Giants could pursue McPherson, who was released by the Marlins on Tuesday. McPherson hit 42 homers for Class AAA Albuquerque last season, and the Giants have liked him in the past. However, the Giants appear set with Travis Ishikawa at first, Pablo Sandoval at third and Rich Aurilia and Juan Uribe as their backups. And Melky?The Yankees have fielded a number of recent trade inquiries on outfielder Melky Cabrera, with rival clubs viewing him as a more inexpensive option than Xavier Nady or Nick Swisher. Cabrera, however, is "playing as well as he ever has," according to one Yankees official, and the team will only move him for the right price. The Yankees will need Cabrera in center if Brett Gardner fails to hit adequately enough to remain a regular. Play FOX Fantasy Baseball today
Author:Fox Sports
Author's Website:http://www.foxsports.com
Added: April 2, 2009
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