Lance Berkman Talking With Rangers

Free agent Lance Berkman still hasn't decided on playing in 2013, but he is talking about a possible return with the Rangers and other clubs, major league sources tell Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports.  The Astros remain open to bringing him back, even after signing free-agent first baseman Carlos Pena, but the Rangers would obviously give the veteran a better chance to win. 

Berkman is one of many options that the Rangers are considering, sources say.  Texas lost outfielder Josh Hamilton to the Angels, traded third baseman Michael Young to the Phillies, and lost catcher/first baseman Mike Napoli to the Red Sox, assuming the deal is completed.  Even if that deal falls through, the odds of a reunion are slim as they already added free agent catchers A.J. Pierzynski and Geovany Soto.

The 36-year-old has said that he wants to spend more time with his family but also admitted that the lure of playing one more season at a lucrative rate might be too hard to ignore.  Last night we learned that the Red Sox are no longer believed to be in on Berkman even though they expressed some interest earlier in the winter.