Despite efforts to trade him over the past few weeks, the hammer finally dropped on Frank Catalanotto today as he was given his outright release. It was thought that Texas has a deal to send him to Florida before the Marlins made a trade with Kansas City for left-handed-hitting Ross Gload. Unless Cat is claimed by another team (which won't happen), Texas will be on the hook for all $4 million of his salary for this season as well as a $2 million buyout for next season. Catalanotto will become a free agent on Opening Day, meaning he can sign with anyone requiring his services. After hitting .317 this spring, there's no doubt he's proven he can still bring something to a team in need of a left-handed hitter to come off their bench. He won't have to wait long for work.
With Cat getting his release, that means Texas has decided to take a chance with Andruw Jones. Jones put together a nice spring, hitting a homerun in the 9th inning of the final spring game and showing more confidence in his swing over the past month. While it's doubtful Jones can be counted on for anything more than a reserve role, choosing him over Catalanotto (a known quantity) has to mean that Texas is hoping to see him return to something similar to his All-Star form of 3 seasons ago. Also, with Hank Blalock finally healthy, having Jones gives Texas a right-handed power bat on their bench to go with Blalock's left-handed power.
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