Former Texas Rangers Tommy Hanson signs with the Chicago White Sox

Mar 22, 2014; Surprise, AZ, USA; Texas Rangers pitcher Tommy Hanson (19) pitches against the Kansas City Royals at Surprise Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

The Tommy Hanson experiment has moved on.  The Texas Rangers signed him during spring training and gave him a chance to make the team.  He didn’t pitch well and posted an ERA of 6.43, 11 strike outs and 4 walks over 4 games/14.0 innings.  Hanson was once great back in his days with the Atlanta Braves, but after a couple of injuries and the death of his younger brother, he hasn’t been able to capture what he did in 2010, 2011 and 2012.

Why was he released: The Texas Rangers released him on March 26, mainly due to a contractual deadline that would have given him guaranteed money.

"“Texas can cut ties with the former Braves phenom by Wednesday and it will cost them a mere $125,000.  If he sticks beyond that, his $500,000 salary becomes guaranteed this year.  In addition, if he makes the Major League roster, he will get a cool $1.5 million dollar bonus.  That’s not chump change.” (Donny Hunt – Nolan Writin.com)"

Moving on: I honestly figured there was enough gas in the tank for him to be with the Atlanta Braves again, but he is now with the Chicago White Sox.  They have signed him to a minor-league deal.

Career numbers: Tommy Hanson has a career ERA of 3.80 with a record of 49-35.  Back during his days with the Braves he was very good and posted 4 seasons in a row with more than 10 wins.  He played last year with the Los Angeles Angels and had an less the average year posting an ERA of 5.42 with a record of 4-3, 56 strike outs and 30 walks.   Hanson will have to get several starts in the minors to prove he’s able to pitch in the majors.  While with the Rangers everything looked promising, but nothing ever materialized.  If the Rangers didn’t have $1.5 million on the line to keep him, he might still be within the Rangers organization in the minors right now.

Best of luck to him: Maybe the White Sox will see something out of him, I know all of the Atlanta Braves fans are wishing him the best.  He gave them several good years.  I’m sure I’m not alone hoping he’s able to make the roster.  He has worked hard to over come the passing of his brother and the injuries.  It didn’t work out in Texas, here’s wishing him the best of luck with Chicago.