There was a concern in Arlington that the Texas Rangers would give up too much to acquire Alex Rios from the Chicago White Sox after claiming the outfielder on waivers Thursday, but the AL West leaders made out like bandits, giving up a player to be named later or cash considerations in exchange for a new right-handed bat. In addition, Chicago will send $1 million to Texas to go toward Rios’ salary.
Jon Daniels got a bat after all. RT @ESPNChiSox: Rios and cash considerations ($1 million) to the Rangers.
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) August 9, 2013
Texas now has a viable veteran replacement for Nelson Cruz, who was suspended for 50 games for his involvement with the Biogenesis clinic. Rios will now join the Rangers’ new outfield rotation of David Murphy, Leonys Martin, Craig Gentry and possibly Engel Beltre, who was recalled from Triple-A Round Rock when Cruz’s suspension was announced. It’s likely that Beltre will be optioned back to Round Rock to prevent crowding the Rangers’ lineup, but the work still isn’t done.
Cruz is going to be a free agent at the end of the year, so the Rangers have more to decide than just whether or not he’ll be allowed to play in the postseason once his suspension is served. Murphy also needs a new deal this winter, but things will get interesting if he, Martin, Gentry and Rios all play well for the rest of the season.
For now, Texas has a consistent veteran in right field to go along with the youngsters and a little time to decide who to keep and who to show the door. Either way, basically not giving up anything to acquire a player like Rios was a solid move by Rangers general manager Jon Daniels.
Jeric Griffin is the Director of Content for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @JericGriffin, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google
