Texas Rangers Trade Catcher Matt Treanor to Kansas City

The Texas Rangers, in a surprising move, dealt catcher Matt Treanor to the Kansas City Royals on Monday for cash considerations.

With Treanor gone, it means the catching duties will be split between Yorvit Torrealba and new addition Mike Napoli, though Napoli can also fill in at first base when needed.

"It's tough to leave that group of guys," Treanor told the media on Monday. "We had a good group and did some great things last year. I should probably stop saying 'We,' now that I'm a Royal."

The move will allow the Rangers to bring in an eight-man bullpen into Opening Day. They can keep three of Mason Tobin, Brett Tomko, Mark Lowe and Pedro Strop.

The Rangers have still to make a decision as to who they're going to replace Tommy Hunter, who will miss the first six weeks of the season, with in the rotation.

Treanor hit .211 in 237 at bats for the Rangers in 2010 and hit .273 through 11 games during spring training games.


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Texas Rangers Have Their Catching Duo in Place

Charles Rex Arbogast - AP

If Cliff Lee is going to sign with the Texas Rangers at least he'll know who he's going to be throwing to.

The Rangers had signed Yorvit Torrealbato a two-year $6.25 million deal a few weeks ago and, according to MLB.com's T.R. Sullivan, have re-signed Matt Treanor to a one-year $850,000 contract.

To make room for Treanor, the Rangers outrighted Ryan Tucker to Round Rock.

Last season, Treanor hit .211 with five home runs and 27 RBI through 82 games for Texas.