The Texas Rangers have acquired outfielder Josh Hamilton from the Reds in return for 24-year old starting pitcher Edinson Volquez and 23 year old lefty reliever Daniel Herrera. The 26-year old lefty swinging Hamilton has had many issues with drugs and injuries in the past but the Rangers are willing to roll the dice with him. He was outstanding when he got a chance to play last season for the Reds. He played in 90 games for the Reds last season and he was 87 for 298 (.292 avg, .922 OPS) with 52 runs scored, 19 homers and 47 RBIs. The Rangers think they have a steal in Hamilton and they could be right as long as he behaves and stays healthy.

The Rangers have signed infielder Edgardo Alfonzo to a minor-league contract. Alfonzo last played in the majors during the 2006 season with the Angels. He has now played in 1,506 games in his major league career and he is 1,532 for 5,385 (.284 avg, .782 OPS) with 777 runs scored, 146 homers and 744 RBIs. The Rangers have had success lately with players like Alfonzo so it would be no surprise if he did a good job for them.

The Rangers have signed 31-year old righty reliever Kazuo Fukumori to a 2-year contract with an option for 2010. He pitched in 34 games in Japan last season and he was 4-2 with 17 saves, a 4.75 ERA and a 1.69 WHIP. He pitched in 377 games in his career in Japan and he compiled a 34-42 record with 73 saves, a 3.68 ERA and a 1.38 WHIP. Fukumori has as good a chance as anyone in the Rangers bullpen to win the closer’s job.

The Rangers have acquired 31-year old lefty swinging Ben Broussard from the Mariners for minor league infielder Tim Hulett. Broussard played in 99 games last season for the Mariners and he was 66 for 240 (.275 avg, .734 OPS) with 27 runs scored, 7 homers and 29 RBIs. Broussard has now played in 679 games in his major league career and he is 548 for 2,054 (.267 avg, .786 OPS) with 267 runs scored, 84 homers and 306 RBIs. Broussard will likely platoon at first base with Chris Shelton and the results should be impressive as both of these guys are good hitters.

The Rangers have non tendered righty reliever Akinori Otsuka and outfielder Nick Gorneault making them unrestricted free agents. Otsuka was only let go because he’s recovering from surgery because he is a outstanding pitcher. Otsuka pitched in 34 games last season for the Rangers and he was 2-1 with 4 saves, a 2.51 ERA and a 1.08 WHIP. He has now pitched in 236 games in his major league career and he is 13-15 with 39 saves, a 2.44 ERA and a 1.16 WHIP. Nick Gorneault was also let go. He played in 2 games last season for the Angels and he was 0 for 4 with 1 run scored.