Rangers release three.

So the off-season is in full swing and the Rangers continue to make moves. The latest ones clear up three more roster spots on the 40-man.

Today Texas out-righted Doug Mathis, Esteban German, and Brandon McCarthy off the 40-man roster. This makes each of the players free agents. Can't help but say that these were pretty much forgone moves and are the right thing to do.

Doug Mathis, shown here on a 2008 Dr. Pepper card, has been with the Rangers his entire pro career after signing with them in 2005. He hasn't ever been able to get established at the Major League level though. His high ERA and WHIP are the big culprits. Doesn't seem to matter if he is starting or relieving.

Esteban German served for part of the past season as a utility player. He was overshadowed though by Andres Blanco. German may well end up sticking with another team but his use was limited with Texas.

Brandon McCarthy is finally gone. I am sure that Jon Daniels is breathing a sigh of relief as it seemed that folks loved to throw the McCarthy/Danks trade up in his face. McCarthy missed his chance at a rotation spot this season and spent the entire year at Triple A. Although he seems like a nice enough guy, he is extremely frustrating. Brandon can sometimes display pitching brilliance but is so injury-prone that he never makes an impact. Perhaps it is fitting that he ends his career with Texas on the Disabled List.

So there you have it, three guys who may be moving on to other organizations or retiring. With the thin starting pitching in the free agent market this year, I am guessing that the chances of all three landing somewhere are good. Utility players are always in demand. Best of luck guys.