Target: Tommy Hanson, RHP
2013 stats: 4-3, 5.42 ERA, 56 strikeouts, 30 walks in 73 innings with Los Angeles Angels
You always have to be careful about signing National League pitchers to pitch in the American League, because more times than not, it doesn't go too well with a few exceptions. It's not fair to call Hanson one of those guys that can't handle American League lineups, as he's battled injuries through most of his career and struggled in limited action in his first year in the AL last season.
Now, he's a free agent and several reports indicate the Rangers and Hanson are working to agree to a deal. Hanson had several good years in Atlanta before going to Anaheim last year, including finishing third in the NL Rookie of the Year voting in 2009 when he went 11-4 with a 2.89 ERA. In 2010 and 2011, respectively, he put up 3.33 and 3.60 ERAs.
He would be good addition at the right price (cheap!) to hold the rope until Derek Holland's return from injury, if nothing else.
