The Texas Rangers have signed Brent Lillibridge, Kevin Kouzmanoff, Josh Wilson, Armando Rodriguez and Doug Mathis to minor league deals today. All except Mathis will have invites to spring training.
Lillibridge, Kouzmanoff and Wilson will likely be in AAA Round Rock for depth purposes. The Rangers don't have any top prospects who are expected to be in the infield for the Express, so these additions give Texas players who can be options this year should something happen to one of their major league infielders. Lillibridge and Kouzmanoff were well regarded young players at one point -- Lillibridge cracked the BA top 100 prospect list prior to 2007 -- but each followed a similar career path, having one very good season early and then sliding into AAAA status. Lillibridge is more of a true utility player, while Kouzmanoff is a third baseman who could fight for a spot as a righthanded bench bat.
Josh Wilson debuted in the majors in 2005. He turns 33 in March, and has bounced around between the majors and minors in a utility role.
Armando Rodriguez, 25, is a righthanded pitcher who has spent his career with the Mets organization, and has no major league experience. He has split the past two seasons between AA and AAA.
Doug Mathis, of course, Rangers fans likely remember...he was a 2005 13th round draft pick who appeared in 45 games from 2008-10 with the Rangers, primarily in relief, putting up a 4.84 ERA.