ARLINGTON, Texas -- The World Series champion Philadelphia Phillies and Texas Rangers swapped former first-round picks Thursday.
Texas acquired outfielder Greg Golson from the Phillies for outfielder John Mayberry.
In another move, the Rangers designated right-hander Kameron Loe for assignment in anticipation of selling his rights to a team in Japan.
Golson, who is from Texas, was the 21st overall pick by the Phillies in the 2004 draft. He spent last season at Double-A Reading, where he hit .282 with 13 homers and 60 RBI in 106 games. He went 0-for-6 as a September call-up for the Phillies, his only major league action.
Mayberry, drafted 19th overall by the Rangers in 2005, hit .263 with 16 homers and 58 RBI in 114 games for Triple-A Oklahoma City this year.
The 6-foot-7 Loe, who wants to be a starter, made 14 relief appearances during five stints with Texas this season. Loe has been with the Rangers since they selected him in the 20th round of the 2002 draft, and he has appeared in 107 games (47 starts) over the past five seasons.
"We were prepared to have Kam come back and compete for a spot in the bullpen if this hadn't presented itself," general manager Jon Daniels said. "It's a good opportunity for him, not only financially, but for him to start."
Loe, a fan favorite known for his 7-foot pet boa constrictor named Angel, is 19-23 with one save and a 4.77 ERA.
