Golson, 23, was the 21st pick in the 2004 draft.

"It's a change of scenery for both guys," Rangers general manager Jon Daniels said. "We've always liked (Golson's) athleticism, his makeup. He's a classic five-tool guy. Obviously, he's had high strikeout totals in the minor leagues, but we feel like he's made some adjustments and is improving there, and he's aware of the type of offensive player he's capable of being. He's got power. He's a tremendous defensive center fielder with a plus arm."

Golson, a native of Austin, Texas, struck out 130 times last season at Class AA Reading and had just 34 walks. He hit .282 with a .333 on-base percentage in 106 games.

In 511 minor league games, Golson has 623 strikeouts. He struck out more than 150 times in both 2006 and 2007.

"I'm hoping this can open some doors for me," Golson said.

The Rangers are hoping he'll mature as a hitter and prove capable as a backup as early as the 2009 season. The Rangers would like to find an eventual long-term replacement for center fielder Josh Hamilton because the club would love to move Hamilton to right field, which is less strenuous. For now, Hamilton remains the center fielder with Marlon Byrd also a possibility. The Rangers also have outfielders David Murphy, Nelson Cruz, Brandon Boggs and Frank Catalanotto to fill out the roster.

The Rangers opted to trade Mayberry rather than put him on the 40-man roster. Though the club had high hopes for him as a power-hitting corner outfielder along the lines of Jermaine Dye, his progress has been slow. He has been surpassed by first baseman Chris Davis as a power prospect. The Rangers also have a slew of young, athletic outfielders, including teen sensation Engel Beltre, lower in the farm system,

In a season split between Class AA Frisco and Class AAA Oklahoma, Mayberry hit .264 with 20 homers and 71 RBIs in 135 games.