Jeff Baker joined the Texas Rangers' competition for a bench spot, signing a minor-league deal with an invitation to big-league camp Saturday.
The 31-year-old Baker has played in parts of eight big-league seasons, and will be looked at as a right-handed bat off the bench when spring training starts next month in Surprise, Ariz. He has played every infield position but shortstop, and can also play left or right field. Other utility players expected to compete for spots on the 25-man roster include Leury Garcia, Yangervis Solarte and Brandon Snyder.Baker had stints last season with the Cubs, Tigers and Braves, batting .239 with four home runs and 25 RBIs. He started his big-league career with the Rockies in 2005, and was traded to the Cubs in 2009. Baker has a career .266 average with 37 home runs and 178 RBIs in 543 games.The most intriguing part about Baker might be his history of success against left-handed pitchers. He has a .296 average against lefties, and 25 of his 37 career home runs have come against them. Last year, though, he batted only .240 against left-handers.Along with the signing of Baker, the Rangers officially announced their minor-league deal with left-hander Nate Robertson, which was reported early last week. Robertson, 35, hasn't pitched in the big leagues since 2010 but will compete for a bullpen spot. He has a career 5.01 ERA over parts of nine seasons.Affiliate exhibitionTriple A Round Rock and Double A Frisco have scheduled an exhibition game for April 2 at Dr Pepper Ballpark in Frisco.The Rangers' top two farm teams will square off in what's being billed as the "Future Rangers Showcase 2013," reviving an event that was held in 2011.Tickets can be purchased by calling the RoughRiders box office at 972-731-9200.Drew Davison, 817-390-7760Twitter: @drewdavison
Hunter Pence comes home to speak at UT Arlington's First Pitch Banquet
Have more to add? News tip? Tell us
