Rangers sign veteran infielder Alex Cora to provide depth

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Veteran Alex Cora and the Rangers agreed Tuesday to a minor league contract as the American League West leaders made yet another move to help their infield depth.

The move came a day after Joaquin Arias committed two fielding blunders in the eighth inning that fueled a four-run rally for Tampa Bay en route to a 6-4 victory.

Cora, who was released by the New York Mets and became a free agent last week, is expected to join Triple-A Oklahoma City today. With Ian Kinsler and Cristian Guzman on the disabled list and faith dwindling in Arias, Cora could join the Rangers within a week.

"Our guys have liked Cora for some time," general manager Jon Daniels said. "He's sure-handed, has been there in the past and has an impeccable reputation as a teammate."

Cora is a 13-year veteran who was hitting .207 in 169 at-bats when the Mets cut him loose. He has made the postseason four times and won a World Series ring in 2007 with Boston.

The Rangers could add him to the 40-man and 25-man rosters by simply parting ways with Arias, who misplayed a popup in the eighth inning and tried to turn a double play on a slow ground ball with speedy runners.

Outs on those two plays would have resulted in a scoreless inning and a potential victory for left-hander Cliff Lee.\



(dallasnews.com)