As expected, the Rangers did thin out some of their depth at catcher at the winter meetings, sending Gerald Laird to Detroit for a pair of pitching prospects.
The Rangers acquired right-handers Guillermo Moscoso, 25, and Carlos Melo, 17, in a trade at the outset of the meetings. It leaves the Rangers with three young catchers -- Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Taylor Teagarden and Max Ramirez -- on the roster. Barring another trade, all three will compete for spots on the roster. The Rangers have talked to Boston about Saltalamacchia or Teagarden but haven't made much progress on a deal for one of the Sox's young pitchers. The Rangers have also talked with Florida about Ramirez. "We talked to clubs about all four catchers," general manager Jon Daniels said. "We wanted to play it out and see what the market was. Gerald is a good player, but the market there was not as strong as reports of it were. We feel like we've got two guys that can make an impact."
Moscoso, 25, didn't pitch in the United States until he was 20, and shoulder surgery in 2005 slowed his progress. He made six starts at Class AA (at the end of last season) and was 3-1 with a 3.12 ERA with 50 strikeouts and eight walks in 34 2/3 innings.
Melo has not yet pitched in the United States but could pitch in the rookie-level Arizona League in 2009.
The move also saved the Rangers some money. Laird, who is arbitration-eligible, was expected to earn about $3 million in 2009. Any combination of the other two catchers will cost the Rangers less than $1 million total.
"I think it clears up the picture a little," Teagarden said. "It gives (the rest) of us a chance to show we can play every day. It should be a fun competition."
