Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Texas Rangers sign Kevin Mench to minor league contract
Photo not provided by the Texas Rangers
Mench, a favorite with the fans and sports talk radio shows, brings some much-needed muscle to the clubhouse
ARLINGTON — The Texas Rangers announced that they have signed outfielder Kevin Mench to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training. Mench will be competing with youngsters Jason Botts, Nelson Cruz and David Murphy for a backup outfield spot.
At the moment, the starting outfield appears to be set set with Marlon Byrd in left field, Josh Hamilton in center and Milton Bradley in right.
Mench was the Rangers fourth-round pick in the 1999 draft and played for them from 2002-2006. The 30 year-old outfielder hit .284 with 12 home runs and 50 RBI in 87 games for the Rangers in 2006, before being traded to the Milwaukee Brewers for outfielder Carlos Lee and Cruz.
In a part-time role for the Brewers last season, Mench batted .267 with eight home runs, 37 RBIs, a .305 on-base percentage and a .441 slugging percentage. Mench is a career .271 hitter with 89 home runs and 320 RBI in 651 games.
Source: Texas Rangers
