The GM's Almanac...Nov. 4th

An almost, not quite daily check of the Hot Stove League

Frank Catalanotto hit .330 for the Rangers in 2001. Not sure many people realize this but that's the sixth highest average for a Ranger in club history. His .391 on-base percentage was the 19th best in club history.

So what happened? In 2001, he played mostly in left field but also some at second and third. That was the year that Randy Velarde played second base, then got hurt and Michael Young took over.

In 2002, the Rangers sign Juan Gonzalez and trade for Carl Everett. Suddenly there's no need for Catalanotto in the outfield. There is strong sentiment within the organization to make him a full-time second baseman but John Hart, despite pressure from others, leaves the decision up to Jerry Narron and he stays with Young.

Catalanotto twice goes on the disabled list anyway, once for a groin injury and the other for a broken hand. He gets just 212 at-bats, finishes with a career batting average of .269 and gets non-tendered in December, making him a free agent.

Remember the Rangers are committed to Everett, Gonzalez, Young and Kevin Mench with plenty of great young hitters like Hank Blalock, Mark Teixeira, Travis Hafner and others coming up behind them. So the Rangers just don't have room for Catalanotto.

Yep.

So he goes to Toronto, where he has batted .299 with a .361 on-base percentage over the past four years. Against lefties he batted just .221 but with just 181 at-bats. Now he is 32 and a free agent.

The Blue Jays used him exclusively in the outfield, except for five games at first base in 2003. He hasn't played second or third since he was with the Rangers.

But he can bat leadoff if the Rangers can't re-sign Gary Matthews Jr. and are looking for somebody.