--RHP Doug Mathis, who became a free agent last week when the Rangers didn't tender him a contract, re-signed with Texas on a minor league deal. Mathis made eight appearances (four starts) in the majors this year, going 2-1 with a 6.85 ERA. In September, he underwent surgery to remove a bursa sac from his shoulder, but he should be healthy for spring training.
--The Rangers have made preliminary contact with agent Barry Meister about possibly signing LHP Randy Johnson as a free agent. Johnson, 45, is five wins shy of 300. He was 11-10 with a 3.91 ERA for Arizona last year. Johnson and Rangers president Nolan Ryan have a strong relationship dating back to Johnson's time with Seattle. Ryan, then pitching for the Rangers, had a long talk with Johnson, who blossomed shortly thereafter. --RHP Ben Sheets' agent met with the Rangers. The Rangers are interested in Sheets, who owns a home in Dallas, but would likely have to move some salaries in order to sign him. Both RHP Kevin Millwood and RHP Vicente Padilla could be on the market. Sheets was 13-9 last season for Milwaukee, but it was the first time since 2004 he made at least 30 starts in a season. Sheets hasn't pitched 200 innings since working 237 in 2004.
--SS Michael Young, who has a no-trade contract, was the subject of several inquiries at the winter meetings. Young, 32, is coming off his worst offensive season since 2002. He hit .284 with 12 home runs and 82 RBIs. Much of his problem was due to broken bones in two fingers that hampered him over the course of the season. The Rangers said they are not shopping Young or looking to move him, but club president Nolan Ryan said the team would listen to all clubs' inquiries about all players.
--The Rangers signed RHP Brian Gordon and LHP Joe Torres to minor league contracts and invited them to big-league spring training. Torres, who was 3-1 with a 2.68 ERA in 50 innings at Class AA in the Chicago White Sox organization in 2008, was once the Los Angeles Angels' top prospect. He was the 10th overall pick in the 2000 draft. He will compete with LHP Kason Gabbard for a spot in the bullpen.
--RHP Beau Vaughan, a combined 3-2 with a 2.33 ERA at Class AA and Class AAA in the Boston organization, was obtained as the player to be named to complete the Wes Littleton trade. The Rangers could get another player if Littleton makes the Boston roster.
BY THE NUMBERS: 5.07 -- Combined catchers' ERA of all Rangers catchers other than Gerald Laird since the start of the 2003 season. Laird, who was traded to Detroit, had a 4.81 ERA behind the plate with Texas.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "It's very slow, and that's very disappointing. A lot of time, effort and money have been spent at these meetings, and they don't look that fruitful. That's not my style. I like to go out there and step up. We are trying to do that, but we're not getting the response." -- Club president Nolan Ryan, on the relative lack of activity at the winter meetings in Las Vegas.
