Lefty reliever Clay Rapada, who was designated for assignment along with Max Ramirez to clear roster space for Arthur Rhodes and Brandon Webb, has been put on release waivers by the team.
Rapada became expendable when the Rangers brought in Rhodes to team up with Darren Oliver as left-handed relievers for the 2011 bullpen. Derek Holland, Matt Harrison, and Michael Kirkman could also factor in to the bullpen mix from the left side, and they are all higher on the depth chart than Rapada.
Rapada should not have much trouble finding an employer for 2011, even if it's just on a minor league deal to start with. He put up great numbers in AAA for the Rangers, then pitched well enough for the big club in September to earn a roster spot in the playoffs. He's best against left-handed batters, but struggled in his few at-bats versus right-handed competition, at least that was the case in his short stint with Texas.
As a side note, Ramirez, who was claimed by the Red Sox after the Rangers DFA'd him, did not last on the team long. Boston also tried to get Ramirez through waivers unsuccessfully, as he was claimed by the Cubs. Ramirez is out of options, which means he has to remain with the Major League team or be exposed to league wide waivers again if he is sent down. He has a good shot to stick as a back-up catcher for the Cubs to start 2011.
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