Report: Tigers acquire C Laird from Rangers

Dec 8, 2008 - 6:31 AM LOS ANGELES (Ticker) -- The Detroit Tigers have solved their catching problem, according to a report on Foxsports.com

The Tigers late Sunday night acquired catcher Gerald Laird from the Texas Rangers in exchange for Class AA pitcher Guillermo Moscoso and a second prospect, a major league source told the web site.

Laird was one of four catchers the Rangers have been dangling this offseason in hopes of upgrading their pitching.

The 29-year-old will be in his second arbitration season in 2009 after making 1.6 million last season. A solid defender, Laird hit .276 with six homers and 41 RBI in 96 games in 2008.

Moscoso, 25, was 2-3 with a 2.42 ERA at Class A Lakeland last season and 3-1 with a 3.12 ERA at Class AA Erie, striking out 122 and walking only 21 in 86 2/3 innings.