SEATTLE -- The Seattle Mariners Thursday traded designated hitter Willie Horton to the Texas Rangers for infielder Rick Auerbach.
The Horton-Auerbach trade completed the Seattle-Texas deal that last week sent Mariner pitcher Rick Honeycutt, outfielder Leon Roberts, shortstop Mario Mendoza and catcher Larry Cox to Texas for outfielder Richie Zisk and pitchers Jerry Don Gleaton, Ken Clay, Brian Allard and Steve Finch.
Horton, 37, a 16-year major-league veteran, batted .221 with eight home runs and 36 RBI for Seattle in 1980. Plagued by sore hands, he spent much of the last season on the disabled list.
Horton joined the Mariners in 1979 and was voted the club's Most Valuable Player as well as the American League Comeback Player of the Year in his first season with Seattle.
Auerbach, 30, is a utility infielder who first came up to the majors in 1971 with the Milwaukee Brewers. He was originally drafted and signed by the Seattle Pilots in January 1969. He also played for Los Angeles and Cincinnati.
Auerbach spent the 1980 season with the Reds, batting .333 in 24 games. He was traded to Texas July 19, but refused to report to the Rangers.
