The Texas Rangers starting pitcher carousel just added another arm as the Rangers signed free agent Tommy Hanson to a minor-league deal with an invite to big-league spring training on Monday, addressing, in terms of numbers anyway, the Rangers issue with starting rotation depth. The deal was reported by MLB.com.
Hanson joins a long list of names who will be competing for the fifth starter job in Texas after Derek Holland's knee surgery put him on the shelf until at least the all-star break in July. And that might even not be the extent of the competition with various questions about the Rangers No.2-No.4 starters, as well.
Hanson had a couple of really good years with the Atlanta Braves, posting good seasons in 2009, 2010 and 2011, and he was voted third in the NL Rookie of the Year in 2009 when he went 11-4 with a 2.89 ERA. He had some injury troubles and was dealt to the Los Angeles Angels, where he struggled to a 4-3 record and a 5.42 ERA in 73 innings in 2013.
Hanson gave up 27 home runs with the Braves in 2012, and that is a bit concerning given the nature of Rangers Ballpark, now known as Globe Life Park in Arlington.
