Rangers 1973-1974 Offseason Report
Falling only a few games short of the 1973 AL West division title, the Rangers shifted from rebuilding mode into re-tooling mode this off-season. Some of the Rangers primary goals were to shore up the center fielder position and improve their infield defense. Being a small-market team with sound investments, the Rangers did not lose any key pieces to free agency.
The Rangers first move was their first round pick (20th overall) in the draft and a long-term investment. They opted for high school outfielder Claudell Washington, the most talented 5-tool prospect left on the board. Claudell will have the benefit of spending time in the minors to build upon his skills as the Rangers already have plenty of talent and options in their outfield.
The Rangers first trade was an exchange of lefty relievers. They sent 28-year old Jan Dukes to the Dodgers for 36-year old Jim Brewer. Management is hoping for a good year or two from the veteran Brewer, who is popular with the fans and commands a larger salary due to his pitching skill. Scouts say that his control is still outstanding for a left-handed reliever.
Rangers right-handed starter Bill Stoneman left the Rangers as a free agent, but soon opted to rejoin the team for less money after not getting the big offer on the free-agent market he was looking for. The Rangers signed the 29-year old to a 3-year deal worth $292,000 total.
Similar to Stoneman, outfielder Dave "Splash" May sought to test the free agent market but got an offer from Texas he couldn't pass up. The clutch left-hander signed a $706,991 deal over 3 years and the Rangers brass is excited to have him back as he carried the offense for almost an entire month last season and showed great leadership.
The Rangers lost CF Jorge Roque to the Phillies during the Rule 5 draft. The Rangers have acknowledged he was a minor-league only guy and didn't have the skills they wanted to fill the center fielder vacancy for the big league squad.
The Rangers coaching staff is really enthusiastic about the free-agent addition acquisition of Mike Lum and the depth he adds to the team. Signed to a 2-year $214,000 deal, Lum possesses a great outfield glove and can play all three spots and is also a competent first baseman. He is also a steady offensive player in all areas and a solid left-handed hitter.
Many hours went into the negotiation between the Rangers and the Orioles on a blockbuster deal, and an agreement was reached. The Rangers traded 26-year-old power-hitting catcher Cliff Johnson, 35-year-old first baseman Don Mincher and 30-year-old second baseman Sandy Alomar to the Baltimore Orioles, getting 24-year-old right fielder Don Baylor, 24-year-old first baseman Enos Cabell, 30-year-old second baseman Davey Johnson and 23-year-old reliever Doyle Alexander in return. Says Executive Manager Riley Payton of the trade, "This was a major deal, but one we felt helped us. Don Baylor is a true speedster with good power and will help shore up our center field vacancy. We also like the solid bat and speed that Enos Cabell can provide at first base. Davey Johnson is a sure-handed second baseman and a fan-favorite. But the key to the deal was Doyle Alexander. He's young and talented and will probably start for us in a year or two. Or sooner if need be. Admittedly, we lost some power and hitting prowess in this trade, but we now have a faster, younger and deeper squad to work with."
To help fill the void left by Johnson, the team signed free-agent catcher Andy Etchebarren to 1-year contract worth a total of $34,200. He has a robust glove and arm behind the plate.
In another move spurred by the blockbuster trade, the Rangers traded 24-year-old minor league rookie Herb Hutson to the Montreal Expos, getting 26-year-old first baseman Pat Bourque in return. The Rangers view Bourque as a younger version of Don Mincher, though Bourque may need a bit of time as he has hit only .150 in spring games.
Looking for good defense at shortstop, the Rangers elected to sign free agent SS Bud Harrelson to a 3-year contract worth a total of $167,500. He will fill the void left by 2B/SS Sandy Alomar.
Outfielder Ollie "Downtown" Brown signed a 1-year $36,400 deal with the team. The Rangers are mainly looking for him to come off the bench as a defensive replacement, as he has a cannon arm as a right-fielder.
To provide additional outfield depth in case of injuries, the Rangers also signed CF Ivan Murrell to a 2-year contract worth a total of $67,000.
The Rangers concluded their offseason activity by signing veteran defensive free agents at affordable rates: SS Mark Belanger, 2B Dick Green and C Bob Barton (who played with the Rangers in '73). These players could see significant playing time if injury problems strike.
"This is the deepest team we've had," remarked Riley Payton. "We have many contigency plans in place for this year and we're prepared for a long, grueling season. We also hired a renowned trainer, Randy Sydnor, to lead our medical staff and take great care of our players. Our minor league affiliates are deep and well-coaches and should do good things as well. Everyone is expecting us to finish above .500 again at the major league level and contend. We're looking for even greater things. If we get the pitching we need from our staff, this year could be incredible for us and our fans."
The Rangers first move was their first round pick (20th overall) in the draft and a long-term investment. They opted for high school outfielder Claudell Washington, the most talented 5-tool prospect left on the board. Claudell will have the benefit of spending time in the minors to build upon his skills as the Rangers already have plenty of talent and options in their outfield.
The Rangers first trade was an exchange of lefty relievers. They sent 28-year old Jan Dukes to the Dodgers for 36-year old Jim Brewer. Management is hoping for a good year or two from the veteran Brewer, who is popular with the fans and commands a larger salary due to his pitching skill. Scouts say that his control is still outstanding for a left-handed reliever.
Rangers right-handed starter Bill Stoneman left the Rangers as a free agent, but soon opted to rejoin the team for less money after not getting the big offer on the free-agent market he was looking for. The Rangers signed the 29-year old to a 3-year deal worth $292,000 total.
Similar to Stoneman, outfielder Dave "Splash" May sought to test the free agent market but got an offer from Texas he couldn't pass up. The clutch left-hander signed a $706,991 deal over 3 years and the Rangers brass is excited to have him back as he carried the offense for almost an entire month last season and showed great leadership.
The Rangers lost CF Jorge Roque to the Phillies during the Rule 5 draft. The Rangers have acknowledged he was a minor-league only guy and didn't have the skills they wanted to fill the center fielder vacancy for the big league squad.
The Rangers coaching staff is really enthusiastic about the free-agent addition acquisition of Mike Lum and the depth he adds to the team. Signed to a 2-year $214,000 deal, Lum possesses a great outfield glove and can play all three spots and is also a competent first baseman. He is also a steady offensive player in all areas and a solid left-handed hitter.
Many hours went into the negotiation between the Rangers and the Orioles on a blockbuster deal, and an agreement was reached. The Rangers traded 26-year-old power-hitting catcher Cliff Johnson, 35-year-old first baseman Don Mincher and 30-year-old second baseman Sandy Alomar to the Baltimore Orioles, getting 24-year-old right fielder Don Baylor, 24-year-old first baseman Enos Cabell, 30-year-old second baseman Davey Johnson and 23-year-old reliever Doyle Alexander in return. Says Executive Manager Riley Payton of the trade, "This was a major deal, but one we felt helped us. Don Baylor is a true speedster with good power and will help shore up our center field vacancy. We also like the solid bat and speed that Enos Cabell can provide at first base. Davey Johnson is a sure-handed second baseman and a fan-favorite. But the key to the deal was Doyle Alexander. He's young and talented and will probably start for us in a year or two. Or sooner if need be. Admittedly, we lost some power and hitting prowess in this trade, but we now have a faster, younger and deeper squad to work with."
To help fill the void left by Johnson, the team signed free-agent catcher Andy Etchebarren to 1-year contract worth a total of $34,200. He has a robust glove and arm behind the plate.
In another move spurred by the blockbuster trade, the Rangers traded 24-year-old minor league rookie Herb Hutson to the Montreal Expos, getting 26-year-old first baseman Pat Bourque in return. The Rangers view Bourque as a younger version of Don Mincher, though Bourque may need a bit of time as he has hit only .150 in spring games.
Looking for good defense at shortstop, the Rangers elected to sign free agent SS Bud Harrelson to a 3-year contract worth a total of $167,500. He will fill the void left by 2B/SS Sandy Alomar.
Outfielder Ollie "Downtown" Brown signed a 1-year $36,400 deal with the team. The Rangers are mainly looking for him to come off the bench as a defensive replacement, as he has a cannon arm as a right-fielder.
To provide additional outfield depth in case of injuries, the Rangers also signed CF Ivan Murrell to a 2-year contract worth a total of $67,000.
The Rangers concluded their offseason activity by signing veteran defensive free agents at affordable rates: SS Mark Belanger, 2B Dick Green and C Bob Barton (who played with the Rangers in '73). These players could see significant playing time if injury problems strike.
"This is the deepest team we've had," remarked Riley Payton. "We have many contigency plans in place for this year and we're prepared for a long, grueling season. We also hired a renowned trainer, Randy Sydnor, to lead our medical staff and take great care of our players. Our minor league affiliates are deep and well-coaches and should do good things as well. Everyone is expecting us to finish above .500 again at the major league level and contend. We're looking for even greater things. If we get the pitching we need from our staff, this year could be incredible for us and our fans."
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