Going with Gonzalez to Detroit were pitcher Danny Patterson and catcher Gregg Zaun. The Rangers received pitchers Justin Thompson, Alan Webb and Francisco Cordero, outfielder Gabe Kapler, catcher Bill Haselman and infielder Frank Catalanotto. We had talked about it at length. Randy Smith has been on vacation in Hawaii, so it was a long-distance call trying to get the deal done.
Most players have to experience Detroit to see how good it is to play here.
The Tigers hope for a fresh start next season when they move into new Comerica Park under newly hired manager Phil Garner. Melvin said Thompson is highly regarded, although the left-hander underwent arthroscopic surgery on his pitching shoulder Aug. 26. He was pitching hurt, and that was affecting his last few performances. He was an All-Star during his first full season in 1997, but has been slowed by injuries. Gonzalez played in 49 games combined for the Rangers in 1989 and 1990 before spending his first full season in the majors in 1991.