According to MLB.com's T.R. Sullivan, the Royals claimed third baseman Travis Metcalf off waivers from the Rangers today. The Rangers signed infielder Esteban German, formerly of the Cubs and Royals, to replace Metcalf.
Metcalf, 26, has a career line of .249/.300/.475 in 242 plate appearances. He has not had success in a couple of Triple A stints. Back in their '06 Handbook, Baseball America said Metcalf profiled as "as average hitter with potentially above-average power." They considered him a "solid defender" at the time. Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star notes that Metcalf starred at the University of Kansas back in the day.
German, 31, hit .245/.303/.338 in 242 plate appearances last year, spending time at multiple positions. He played for the Rangers back in '05 before he was traded to the Royals for Fabio Castro.
