How The Rangers Acquired Their Newest Additions

The Rangers have advanced to the American League Championship Series for the second consecutive October, yet their roster is considerably different in 2011. There are similarities, to be sure, but you don’t have to be Jon Daniels to point to the differences between last year’s team and the one that just eliminated the Rays.

Back in early January, for example, the Rangers signed Adrian Beltre, who hit three homers today. Game 3 hero Mike Napoli arrived in a trade three weeks later. MLBTR’s Transaction Tracker offers a chronological look at the players Texas acquired since losing to the Giants in last year’s World Series. Though the Rangers have acquired dozens of players since them, we’re limiting our focus to those who made the ALDS roster:

• Esteban German, minor league deal, November 2010
• Yorvit Torrealba, two-year, $6.25MM signing, November 2010
• Endy Chavez, minor league signing, December 2010
• Adrian Beltre, five-year, $80MM signing January, 2011
• Mike Napoli, acquired from Blue Jays for Frank Francisco January 2011
• Koji Uehara, acquired from Orioles for Chris Davis and Tommy Hunter, July 2011
• Mike Adams, acquired from Padres for Joseph Wieland and Robert Erlin, July 2011
• Mike Gonzalez, acquired from Orioles for Pedro Strop, August 2011 
• Matt Treanor, acquired from Royals, August 2011

In total, the Rangers obtained nine of the 25 players on their ALDS roster (36%) since last year (though German and Treanor also appeared on the 2010 team). The Rangers' new players include their All-Star third baseman, their three catchers, three relievers, a backup infielder and a backup outfielder. It may not be enough to out-do the 2010 team, but after 96 victories, an AL West title and a second consecutive trip to the ALCS, the Rangers’ post-pennant moves are looking good.