Pierzynski, Frasor happy to be reunited with Rios

HOUSTON -- Rangers general manager Jon Daniels talked with catcher A.J. Pierzynski before acquiring Alex Rios from the White Sox. Pierzynski gave a strong endorsement, having been teammates with Rios for parts of four seasons before signing with the Rangers in the offseason.

"I love Alex," Pierzynski said. "I've always had a great relationship [with him]. He's a fun guy to have around and obviously very talented. He can do a number of things. Hopefully coming in here will invigorate him and give him a shot of energy.

"He's legitimate, one of those five-tool guys when he's right. I've seen Alex when he's at his best and when he's at his worst, and when he's right, there are not a lot of people better than him."

The Rangers acquired Rios from the White Sox on Friday for a player to be named later. Infielder Leury Garcia is expected to be that player, but he must first either get through waivers or be claimed by the White Sox. Rios also played for the Blue Jays in 2004-09, when he was a teammate with Rangers reliever Jason Frasor.

"He does everything well," Frasor said. "He plays good defense, he's a good hitter, obviously. He's a good player having a great year. If he keeps doing what he has been doing, he'll help us."

Rios is third among active players in most games played in the Majors without having played in postseason.

"I'm kind of happy for him," White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko said. "It's going to be a good shot in the arm for him. It wouldn't surprise me if he goes there and gets real hot."

"More than anything, Alex wasn't just a teammate. He was a part of our family," White Sox infielder Alexei Ramirez said. "For me personally, I learned a lot from him. It's really hard for me to see him leave."