Khalil Greene, Vladimir Guerrero agree to become Texas Rangers

Khalil Greene is close to becoming a utility infielder for the Texas Rangers.

Greene has agreed to a one-year deal to fill a utility role for Texas, two people familiar with the deal told The Associated Press. The people spoke on condition of anonymity because the contract hadn't been finalized, and one of them said Monday that a physical was pending.

The Rangers were looking for a utility infielder who could play shortstop after the departure of free agent Omar Vizquel, who agreed to a $1.4 million deal with the Chicago White Sox in November. Greene has played 678 games at shortstop in his career, and his only 16 games at third base came last season with St. Louis.

Rangers reach 1-year deal with Guerrero

Vladimir Guerrero will now be hitting in the middle of the lineup for the Texas Rangers instead of doing damage against them.

Guerrero and the Rangers finalized a $5.5 million, one-year contract Monday that includes a mutual option for 2011 after the eight-time All-Star and former AL MVP passed a physical.

"I feel good that I've had a lot of success hitting here and I'm hoping to help the team win and stay healthy and do the same things I've done in the past on this field," Guerrero said through an interpreter during his introduction. "I've been well for the last couple of months and I'm just hoping to be healthy in 2010."

Cuban defector signs with Reds

Cuban left-hander Aroldis Chapman agreed Monday to a $30.25 million, six-year contract with the Cincinnati Reds, who view him as an addition to their rotation down the road.

The 21-year-old gained notoriety during the World Baseball Classic in March, when he pitched well against Australia and badly against Japan, throwing his fastball around 100 mph fastball. He's had control problems that will be his biggest obstacle at the outset.

Maddux rejoins Cubs as assistant to GM

Pitching great Greg Maddux has rejoined the Chicago Cubs as an assistant to general manager Jim Hendry.

The 355-game winner, who started his major league career with the Cubs in 1986 and rejoined them from 2004-06, retired as a player after the 2008 season.

Maddux's responsibilities will include assisting the coaching staffs at major league and minor league spring training, evaluating talent and developing minor league players.

-- The Associated Press