Texas Rangers

Rangers add outfielder to spring mix

The Rangers and Kyle Hudson, a speedy outfielder who made his major-league debut in September, have agreed to a minor-league contract with an invitation to spring training.

Hudson comes over from Baltimore, which released him Jan. 19. He rocketed through the Orioles' system last year, opening in High A but making his big-league debut in September. He had the highest composite on-base percentage (.375) in the Orioles' system last year.

A fourth-round pick in 2008, Hudson has stolen 119 bases in his minor-league career. He will join a speed group of Rangers outfielders that includes Julio Borbon, Leonys Martin and Craig Gentry.

-- Jeff Wilson

Fielder reportedly signs with Detroit; Rangers a distant also-ran

Prince Fielder is no longer a free agent. According to reports, the first baseman has signed a nine-year deal worth $214 million with Detroit, the team the Rangers beat in six games in the American League Championship Series in October.

The Tigers won this round in the role of the always-dangerous mystery team. The Rangers, along with Washington and Baltimore, were believed to be the front-runners for Fielder. The Rangers, though, were never close, according to general manager Jon Daniels, as they came up short on both years and money.

Daniels said that the Rangers were informed on Monday that they were out. He said last week that signing Fielder was "very unlikely" as the Rangers needed agent Scott Boras to agree to a creative deal.

Mitch Moreland, it would appear, will be the Rangers' primary first baseman, though Mike Napoli, Michael Young and possibly Brad Hawpe could see time there in 2012. Moreland is coming off surgery on his right wrist and had planned to start swinging a bat for the first time last week.

With Fielder gone as a left-handed power-hitting option, the Rangers could intensify negotiations on a contract extension with Josh Hamilton. Assistant GM Thad Levine has said that signing the 2010 AL MVP is a priority, and Hamilton is willing to negotiate until the start of spring training.

-- Jeff Wilson

 

Yu Darvish wants to be world's best pitcher

More than 10,000 fans headed to the Sapporo Dome in Hokkaido, Japan, on Tuesday as Yu Darvish greeted his fans and explained why he left Nippon Professional Baseball for the Texas Rangers.

He told the crowd that he wants to salvage the reputation of previous Japanese players who have come to the major leagues and struggled, and he wants to be known as the best pitcher on the planet.

"These days the evaluation of the Japanese players are getting lower in the States, and I disagree with it, didn’t like to see that the Japanese players were looked down upon like that,” said Darivsh, who signed a six-year, $60 million contract Wednesday and was introduced Friday at Rangers Ballpark. "I would like all the people in the world to say that the No. 1 pitcher is Darvish.”

Darvish will continue his off-season workouts in Japan before heading to spring training by Feb. 22, when pitchers and catchers must report to Surprise, Ariz. His agent, Don Nomura, said that Darvish hasn't thrown off a mound yet, except for the photo opportunity Friday night at Rangers Ballpark.

He is looking forward to a new challenge after dominating in Japan. He went 93-38 with a 1.99 ERA in seven seasons, and averaged more than 200 innings the past five seasons. In 2011, Darvish went 18-6 with a 1.44 ERA.

"When playing baseball [these days], it was difficult to maintain motivation," he said.

-- Jeff Wilson

 

Monday Night Rangers News

Team president Nolan Ryan and general manager Jon Daniels, along with several members of the front office and co-majority owner Ray Davis, are in the Dominican Republic touring the Rangers' facility there, and, as it turns out, working out some players. One was 18-year-old left-handed Cuban defector Gerardo Concepcion.

Despite all the empty offices at Rangers Ballpark, Monday turned out to be a newsy day. It started with the signings of Mitch Stetter and Sean White to minor-league deals with invitations to spring training, as well as the announcement of if-necessary arbitration hearings -- Feb. 9 for Elvis Andrus, Feb. 15 for Mike Napoli, and Feb. 17 for Nelson Cruz.

The day came to a close with Josh Hamilton saying that he knows of nothing new in talks toward a contract extension that would keep him from becoming a free agent after the season, and also a source confirming that the Rangers have talked to multiple teams about trading Koji Uehara. The righty has six teams that he can refuse to be traded to as part of a limited no-trade clause.

Hamilton reiterated that he will cut off talks for a new deal once he gets to spring training, and he's planning to report early. Assistant general manager Thad Levine, who didn't go to the Dominican, said that Hamilton is a priority the rest of the off-season and that conversations with agent Mike Moye have been ongoing.

“It’s important to have a clear mind and focus on the team,” Hamilton said before a Rangers Caravan stop at the Academy Sports and Outdoors in North Fort Worth. “Honestly, I don’t think about it. We’ve already told the Rangers if it doesn’t happen before the season, they’re the first ones we go to after the season."

Hamilton also said that he expects the Rangers will talk this week to candidates to be his accountability partner.

-- Jeff Wilson

Rangers add two for spring mix; arbitration hearings set

Left-hander Doug Stetter and right-hander Sean Green, who both appeared on the Milwaukee Brewers' Opening Day roster last year, have agreed with the Rangers on minor-league contracts that include invitations to spring training.

Stetter, who has held left-handed hitters to a .194 batting average in his career, suffered left hip labrum irritation in May and missed the rest of the season. Green struggled early and was designated for assignment to Triple A Nashville, where he spent the rest of the season.

The Rangers have handed out 16 non-roster invitations so far this off-season.

Three who will be in spring training might first be in Tampa, Fla., for arbirtation hearings. Elvis Andrus (Feb. 9), Mike Napoli (Feb. 15) and Nelson Cruz (Feb. 17) learned when their cases will be heard if they are unable to work out a contract for 2012.

-- Jeff Wilson

Transcript from media scrum with Rangers owner Bob Simpson

Here is the majority of what Bob Simpson had to say Friday night about the state of the Rangers' finances. He spoke for about 20 minutes to various reporters. My recorder had more than 16 minutes of it. The following transcript omits a few questions but contains what I consider to be the really good stuff, and there's a ton of it.

Were there any tough questions you had to ask about pursuing Yu Darvish?

"Not really. It was an odds assessment. What are the odds that this works so that I can move it from speculation to more of a crude idea? In my business there’s wildcatting and there’s producing. The wildcatters really don’t do well. We specialize in buying producing properties to build our company. I try to find the lowest risk available. Then you say, `Does this fit?' And they had to convince me and Ray [Davis]."

How much faith do you have in the Rangers’ front office?

"I believe them and trust them. They’ve done a lot of work. But it goes back to the theory of are you in a sports organization to try to second-guess them. We don’t do that.

"You’re much better off getting real people that know what they’re doing rather than calling plays behind them. If you think you can improve your management personally as an owner, you need to get somebody else and not try to do it yourself.

That’s where I disagree with the owners that are so proactive and involved technically. It’s like, knock yourself out if that’s fun for you. That’s in hobby area. Here you get the very best people and support them. We were fortunate in that we had such superb staff when we bought the thing that we’re not reinventing anything."

How do you balance spending with generating revenue by, say, increasing ticket prices?

"What I would tell the fans is, yeah, we’re writing checks to make this stuff happen. At some point, it’s got to sustain itself, and we understand that.

"It’s the old chicken-egg question. Winning comes first, and then support comes. We can’t ask fans to come to every game when you’re losing and help you increase your revenues. You’re trying to take it to a new, sustainable level, where it really is a dynasty franchise like the Cowboys achieved. In the off years, and inevitably you’ll have some, the fan base is still strong. That’s never happened, that I believe, and I’ve been a fan since ’72. Some years it got so bad that I didn’t come to a game. Watching people lose is not healthy."

But spending to win isn’t a healthy model, is it?

"The one thing we know for sure is money can’t buy it. Silly guys get in with big egos and a lot of money and just make a mess. I don’t believe that is going on here. You’ve got thoughtful spending behind superb management. That’s a different model."

How much does the new TV contract in 2015 allow the team to be creative with deals now?

"What I would say about the TV contract is the years ’12, ’13 and ’14, we don’t have it. Those are the years that we’re prepared to put in some capital. This will be the most significant year because we’re having to catch up with some unfunded liabilities that we inherited, in the area, as an example, of deferred compensation.

"Everybody thinks that if you go to the World Series, you’re like killing ‘em financially. We’re actually running at a deficit still, but payroll has gone from $57 million to maybe $125 million this year. That’s $70 million. When ticket sales are $70 million, you can’t expect it to be covered quickly. It’ll need further increases in ticket prices, and this TV increment for revenue, and a winning team. Then we’ll have a sustainable model.

"But people who invest in a baseball franchise are, in our case on the financial side, looking for ultimate appreciation of the value of the team. We’re not looking to take money out. We also are putting in money now.

"I want the fans to understand that we’re committed. We’re putting money in it and not taking any money out. If we have to raise ticket prices, we’re all partners in this thing together, and financially we have to get it sustainable. But we’re in the fifth biggest market for baseball. We deserve to be in the top five teams every year. That should be sustainable, and that’s our analysis."

Is the 2012 payroll maxed out after the Darvish signing?

"It depends on what happens. We’re going to have to generate more revenues to push higher. We might, but we’ll see. You’re in a phase now where you’re trying to see what can this market be and what can this sports franchise do, because it’s never been optimized. Call it a grand experiment financially, but we’re in that and we understand that takes capital. The fans are enjoying our investments, but we’re going to grow this thing to where it’s sustainable at a championship level. That’s our goal.

"As you have key players reach free agency, it gets more complicated. You really need to probably take it a little higher over time. But are you going to do that? We’ll find out. Our strategy is to win and bring in the fans and then to drive a sustainable model."

What’s a ballpark figure of what the deficit is?

"I’m not sure that’s as relevant. I’m not sure that’s a discussion point. That has been a deficit, but it’s so intertwined with all the capital expenditures and other stuff — buying out [Chuck] Greenberg, for example. There’s been somewhat of an operational deficit, but revenues when we get to our TV contract will take care of that. Our goal financially, at least, is to have a balanced budget by 2015. But you get back to the philosophy of sometimes you do capital improvements before you have revenues. We’re in that phase, which would include significant personnel. You just have to make sure you don’t have bad capital improvements that are bad assets."

Is Prince Fielder in play or, as Jon Daniels said, is it unlikely?

"I think it is. He is, given our set of cards, too pricey. If that were to change, I guess they would look at it harder. Right now, he’s priced himself out of what we can do.

"The strategy was to get Yu. It’s a complicated strategy, but we did it and now we’re satisfied. If we get something on top of that, great, but not something that wrecks our financial discipline or incrementally is not worth near the dollars. Fielder would have to come into that analysis.

"We’ve got guys, frankly, like Josh Hamilton, that I would love to see re-signed. My personal preference, at this moment, would be to re-sign him instead of having Fielder. But we could all debate that. The organization has its feelings. Everybody dreams about having both. Sometimes you can’t have both at some level. If they came around to something we’d do, we’d look at him. But we don’t think it’s likely."

-- Jeff Wilson

Yu Darvish quotes from news conference

Clearly, Yu Darvish has plenty of experience handling the media. He gave a championship performance Friday night as he was introduced as the newest starting pitcher for the Texas Rangers.

On coming to the major leagues: "I have no worries. What I'm looking forward to is a different environment, a different league, different hitters. It's more fun looking forward to that. I'm full of excitement."

On his expectations for himself and those thrust upon him: "To do the best I can do and make my starts and do the best for the team. Regarding off-the-field things and pressure, it's something to try to not be too tight about. I'll have an open mind and be relaxed."

On adapting to the majors leagues from Japan: "I don't plan on making any drastic changes. I'll go through my training and my preparations that I've always done. I think that's what I should do. I plan on doing that from the start."

On handling the media: "In Japan, I from a place called Osaka. Ever since I was a child, baseball was my life. Every since then, I’ve received a lot of attention. I’m kind of used to it. It comes with my job.”

On the shirt he wore on his flight from Japan that appeared to have a marijuana leaf on it: "Anything that's a t-shirt with English words on it, we just tend to wear it. We don't actually know what it means, until my father just told me what it was. Until then, I really didn't have any clue on that."

On how he would have fared in Game 6 of the World Series when the Rangers needed one last strike: "If it was last year, I think I would have given up a home run and lost the game. This year, I'll make sure that won't happen."

-- Jeff Wilson

Rangers introduce Yu Darvish (video included)

ARLINGTON – Yu Darvish isn’t shy of the spotlight.

He was a star in Japan, and came to the Texas Rangers in impressive fashion. With the majority of the ownership group and front office on hand, Rangers general manager Jon Daniels and manager Ron Washington presented Darvish with a Rangers uniform at his introductory press conference on Friday night at Rangers Ballpark.

“I’m excited,” Darvish said. “That’s all I feel right now, just excitement.”

Darvish spoke on a variety of topics, including pitching in Texas and his expectations. He said he would adjust to the Texas heat throughout the summer, and wasn’t going to place too high of expectations on himself.

“I’m just going to do the best I can do, and make my starts,” Darvish said. “Off the field, the pressure, I’m not going to be too tight about it and be relaxed.”

Here is a video of his introduction: 

 

 

-- Drew Davison

Rangers owner Bob Simpson on club's finances, Prince Fielder

Bob Simpson, who along with Ray Davis is a Rangers principal owner and co-chairman of the board, said that the Rangers are operating at a deficit and will until the new TV contract starts in 2015, but that doesn't automatically mean that Prince Fielder is not an option.

Owners are providing their own capital to finance various expenditures -- like the videoboard, the renovations in center field, buying out former CEO Chuck Greenberg and inheriting debt from the previous owner. This year, said Simpson, will be the toughest financially, but by 2015 the goal is to have a balancee budget.

The long-term goal of the ownership group is to increase the value of the franchise, and winning is a big part of that. Simpson said that Yu Darvish, who was introduced Friday, was the main off-season target. Fielder is not a viable option unless his price goes down and he would accept a backloaded deal.

"If they come around to something we can do, we'll take a look at it," Simpson said.

Simpson said that he had reservations about signing Darvish until a long presentation in Fort Worth by club officials. As an oilman, he wanted to make sure that the Rangers wouldn't be wildcatting with Darvish but instead would get production. The front-office said the investment was sound.

"I've got to support my guys," Simpson said.

-- Jeff Wilson

Brad Hawpe signs minor league deal with hometown Rangers

The Texas Rangers signed a first baseman, and his name isn't Prince Fielder.

Instead, the Rangers reached a minor league deal with Saginaw Boswell product Brad Hawpe on Friday. Hawpe has an invitation to major league spring training, and will compete for a spot on the 25-man roster.

Hawpe, 32, had Tommy John elbow reconstruction surgery in June, but is expected to be fully recovered when spring training begins next month. Before the season-ending surgery, Hawpe hit .231 with four home runs and 19 RBIs in 62 games with San Diego.

Hawpe is best known for his time with the Colorado Rockies from 2004-10. He had 20 or more home runs for four conesecutive seasons with the Rockies from 2006-09, including a career-high 29 in 2007 when the Rockies reached the World Series.

Hawpe grew up in the Fort Worth area, and went to Saginaw Boswell. He helped the Pioneers win the Class 4A state title in 1997. After high school, he played at LSU and was part of the team that won the 2000 College World Series.

-- Drew Davison

 

Yu Darvish contract year-by-year breakdown

Here's how much the Rangers will pay Yu Darvish each season as part of the six-year, $60 million contract they agreed to Wednesday.

Keep in mind that $56 million is guaranteed, and the rest can be earned through roster bonuses. He can opt out after five years if he reaches some high performance thresholds.

Also take note of the 2012 salary. The entire deal is Rangers-friendly if Darvish performs at an elite level.

2012: $5.5 million

2013: $9.5 million

2014: $10 million

2015: $10 million

2016: $10 million

2017: $11 million

-- Jeff Wilson

Prince Fielder not completely off Rangers' radar

The Rangers haven't ruled out signing free-agent first baseman Prince Fielder, according to two major-league sources, but they need agent Scott Boras to yield some from high contract demands and be willing to get creative in structuring a deal.

So far, beginning with a face-to-face meeting last week, Boras has given no indication that Fielder will be had for any less. Even with an influx of cash due in 2015 when a new TV contract kicks in and the ability to backload a deal, the Rangers need the Fielder price tag to come down.

The Rangers believe that Fielder wants to join them, and hope that his desire to play for a winner will lead him to sign for less money. If he is signed, though, it would likely cut into Mike Napoli's at-bats, and could lead to the Rangers dealing Mitch Moreland and being unable to keep Josh Hamilton.

Hamilton can become a free agent after the season and has said that he is open to talking about an extension until spring training begins.

-- Jeff Wilson

With Yu Darvish on team, Prince Fielder looks doubtful

General manager Jon Daniels said on Wednesday that the chances of signing free-agent first baseman Prince Fielder aren't good after the club agreed to terms with right-hander Yu Darvish.

The total package for Darvish deal -- six years, $60 million ($56 million guaranteed) and a $51.7 million posting fee --- will push the Rangers' payroll to an all-time high. With the number of core players the Rangers are hoping to sign to extensions and the spare parts that still need to be added before spring training, Fielder doesn't seem like a fit in the budget.

"I'm intimately aware of our budget because of the process that [we] just went through," Daniels said. "It's very unlikely."

Fielder and Rangers officials met last week in Las Colinas, where the Rangers learned that Fielder and agent Scott Boras were still seeking a package that could top $200 million.

-- Jeff Wilson

Video: Japanese media contingent awaiting Yu Darvish signing

Here's a video of Japanese media members waiting outside the center field offices at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington on Wednesday afternoon. They posted up on Tuesday night, and then again on Wednesday morning, as the deadline for the Rangers to sign Darvish was at 4 p.m. today.

 

 

The Rangers and Darvish reached a six-year deal worth $60 million moments before the deadline. Texas now has to pay the $51.7 million posting fee to Darvish's Japanese team, the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters.

-- Drew Davison

Rangers sign Yu Darvish

The Rangers and Yu Darvish agreed to a multiyear contract Wednesday afternoon only moments before the 4 p.m. deadline to sign the coveted Japanese star. A press conference with team officials is expected this evening, and another introducing the right-hander will likely be held in a couple days.

Darvish will join the reigning American League champions on a six-year deal worth approximately $60 million, a final total that is less than many were expecting when negotiations opened 30 days ago. The Rangers will pay a $51.7 million posting fee to the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters within four business days.

A group of club officials, led by general manager Jon Daniels, negotiated at Rangers Ballpark with agents Arn Tellem and Don Nomura the past two days to bring the process to its conclusion. The contract is only slightly more valuable than the six-year, $52 million deal Daisuke Matsuzaka signed with Boston in February 2007.

That deal included several contract perks, such as flights to Japan paid by the Red Sox and a support group. The Rangers will have a support network, including an interpreter, in place for Darvish.

Most scouts believe that Darvish is a better prospect than Matsuzaka was four years ago. Darvish, who turns 26 in August, went 93-38 with a 1.99 ERA in his career in Japan. At 6-foot-5, he is a power pitcher with a fastball that clocks at 95 mph but also has a wide variety of off-speed pitches that he can command.

"He knows how to manipulate the baseball," Rangers manager Ron Washington said on Tuesday.

Darvish will join a rotation that will include probably Opening Day starter Colby Lewis, Derek Holland and Neftali Feliz. Alexi Ogando and Matt Harrison could land in the bullpen, though Ogando's strong relief showing in the postseason makes him a more likely candidate.

 -- Jeff Wilson

Rangers, Yu Darvish nearing deal

The 4 p.m. deadline to sign Yu Darvish arrives in two hours, and the Rangers and the agents for the right-hander are closing in on a deal that will span five years with a player option for a sixth year.

Major-league sources confirmed the length of the contract, and another said that the financial terms are more friendly to the Rangers than had been anticipated from the outset of the 30-day process to get the Japanese ace signed. The Rangers still have to pay a $51.7 million posting fee to Darvish's team in Japan, the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters.

Club brass and Darvish's agents, Arn Tellem and Don Nomura, resumed negotiations this morning after working past midnight Tuesday. While the principal negotiators are in agreement, some in the Darvish camp aren't satisfied with the final dollar figures.

But the Rangers, according to the sources, are confident that the deal will be finalized before 4 p.m.

-- Jeff Wilson

 

17 hours and counting on Yu Darvish deadline

Rangers officials, the agents for Yu Darvish and some 20 media members from Japan were camped out at Rangers Ballpark well into the night Tuesday as the 4 p.m. Wednesday deadline to sign the right-hander crawled closer.

General manager Jon Daniels led a group of club brass who met throughout the day and night with Arn Tellem and Don Nomura, who represent Darvish. Media from Japan assembled outside the center-field offices but were granted a reprieve when the Rangers welcomed them into the ground-floor lobby and supplied them with pizza and beer.

Team president Nolan Ryan was out of town on business Tuesday but was expected to return to the ballpark Wednesday.

Daniels declined to comment on the process, but a source said that the Rangers are cautiously optimistic that a deal will be completed. The club is confident that Darvish wants to make the jump from Japan to the majors in a Rangers uniform.

But, as has been expected the past few weeks, the negotiations will go down to the deadline.

-- Jeff Wilson

Rangers, four players exchange figures

The Rangers went 3 for 7 on Monday, signing three of their arbitration-eligible players ahead of the deadline to submit figures for 2012 contracts. Below is a look at what the other four submitted and what the Rangers submitted.

Elvis Andrus submits $3.6 million. Rangers submit at $2.65 million.

Nelson Cruz submits $7.5 million. Rangers submit at $5.5 million.

Matt Harrison submits $3.5 million. Rangers submit at $2.45 million.

Mike Napoli submits at $11.5 million. Rangers submit at $8.3 million.

Earlier Tuesday, Mark Lowe ($1.7 million), David Murphy ($3.625 million) and Mike Adams ($4.4 million) avoided arbitration.

-- Jeff Wilson

Tuesday's Rangers notes: Day 1 for Greg Maddux at winter pitching camp

Greg Maddux had his first work day with the Texas Rangers, spending Tuesday at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington for the first day of a three-day winter pitching camp.

Maddux, who is a special assistant with the team, will work in a part-time role to help his brother, Mike Maddux, develop pitchers throughout the organization, including their fielding techniques.

Greg Maddux won 18 Gold Gloves during his playing career, while the Rangers’ pitching staff committed 16 errors last season.

“Fielding is important,” Maddux said. “If you can catch three balls a game, that’s an inning right there. If you pitch seven innings, you get three of them, you’re down to six. It’s important to be able to catch the ball when it’s hit back to you and make accurate throws to all the bases.”

Maddux said he was looking forward to working with all of the 15 pitchers at the mini-camp, but stressed his part-time role. He will try to help out in any way he can, but said the organization has good coaches already on staff.

“The organization, they know what they’re doing,” Maddux said. “I’m just here to come and try to help out any way possible, and try to get to know the players a little bit.”

Here are a few other notes from the workout:

* Ron Washington and Mike Maddux said there is an opening for left-handed relievers to make the big league team. Left-hander Michael Kirkman is on hand at the camp, and seems to have the inside track to get one spot. Another possibility could be highly-touted pitching prospect Martin Perez, who is also at the camp.

* Right-hander Tanner Scheppers said he is 100 percent healthy after he battled through a back injury last season. He spent two months in Venezuela this offseason, and feels good with spring training a little more than a month away. Scheppers will go to spring training as a reliever, although he still hopes to start at some point in the future.

* The Rangers avoided arbitration with the following players, signing them to one-year deals – Mark Lowe ($1.7 million); David Murphy ($3.65 million); Mike Adams ($4.4 million).

-- Drew Davison

Josh Hamilton's father-in-law backs out

Michael Dean Chadwick has reconsidered being the accountability partner to son-in-law Josh Hamilton because of family considerations. Hamilton said over the weekend that Chadwick, who lives in North Carolina, has a daughter who is finishing up high school.

The Rangers and Hamilton are now reconsidering who would be a good candidate to spend time with Hamilton on the road and help him with his daily battle with additions to drugs and alcohol.

Hamilton also said on Saturday that he doesn't believe he needs to have someone with him, and approved Chadwick to help give the Rangers and MLB peace of mind. Hamilton is in a different place than he was four years ago, when the Rangers traded for him and brought aboard Johnny Narron in that role. Narron has left to be the Brewers' hitting coach, and Chadwick was announced as his replacement less than two weeks ago.

General manager Jon Daniels said that the Rangers expect to fill the Narron/Chadwick vacancy.

-- Jeff Wilson

Neftali Feliz at peace with Game 6 loss

Right-hander Neftali Feliz said that he was upset after blowing a save in Game 6 of the World Series, when the Rangers were one pitch away from their first world title, but he said that he has moved on because he got beat with his best pitch.

He tries not to think too much about the game, but said that he was ready to pitch the 10th after Josh Hamilton gave the Rangers the lead again in the the top half. Darren Oliver got the call, after manager Ron Washington believed Feliz was too fragile mentally, and St. Louis again rallied from a two-run deficit in a game they eventually won 10-9 in 11 innings.

"It was something that really, really upset me, but I wasn't that mad at myself because I threw my pitch," Feliz said. "We talk about it, and I thought about it. Twice we were one strike away from winning it all. But it didn't happen, and we have to move on. With time, you try not to forget but not to think too much about it."

-- Jeff Wilson

 

Josh Hamilton talks contract, Fielder

Outfielder Josh Hamilton said that the window for the Rangers to negotiate an extension will remain open until spring training, and that his preference is to stay in Texas on a long-term deal. But his contract situation, while a hot topic in the media, is not something that worries him.

"There's nothing to worry about," he said. "I'm focused on this year and doing what I need to do."

Topping the to-do list is staying healthy, and Hamilton said he is on schedule for spring training after having surgery in November for a sports hernia. He started swinging a bat four days ago and will start to see live pitching next month before spring training.

"I've been cleared to do everything," said Hamilton, who was told by his doctor to take an extra week off. "That's exactly what I did, and it hasn't put me behind."

As for his new accountability partner, father-in-law Michael Dean Chadwick, Hamilton said that he doesn't believe he needs someone, but having Chadwick on the road will give peace of mind to the Rangers and MLB.

Hamilton would also welcome Prince Fielder to the club, even though that could lead to the Rangers not having the money to re-sign him next year.

"To imagine him in our lineup, it's pretty ridiculous looking," Hamilton said.

-- Jeff Wilson

Mitch Moreland ready to start swinging bat

First baseman Mitch Moreland said that his right wrist is healthy enough to start swinging a bat after having surgery on it in November. Those anticipated first swings could come Monday.

He had dealt with tendinitis in his wrist from mid-June until the end of the World Series.  He gave the wrist some rest after the season, but it still hurt to swing the bat. Surgery was the next step.

"I'll be picking up a bat this week," he said. "It's not like I'm going to be taking 200 cuts. The only thing that I'm kind of behind on is my workouts. I might be two weeks or three weeks off."

His first swings will come only a few days after the Rangers met with free-agent first baseman Prince Fielder. Moreland is taking the news in stride.

"That's the business side of it," Moreland said. "He's a great player. He can hit. But all I can do is worry about getting healthy and being a part of this team next year."

-- Jeff Wilson

Mike Adams hopes to be ready by start of spring games

Right-hander Mike Adams will start throwing again Monday after having hernia surgery last week, and he hopes to be ready by the time Cactus League games roll around in early March. Adams said that he went to the doctor because of persistent aching in his lower back and groin.

"Once I had the surgery, my back pain went right away," he said.

Adams also spoke about not being given the opportunity to be the Rangers' closer this season. He is disappointed, as he is with his performance after being acquired from San Diego on July 31, but believes Joe Nathan as closer and Neftali Feliz in the rotation are changes that will make the Rangers better.

"I wish I would have been given the opportunity to close, but it’s not going to work out," Adams said. "I’m not going to pout. I still have a job to do and my goal, no matter the role, is to be the best in baseball."

-- Jeff Wilson

 

Nolan Ryan says Prince Fielder talks 'preliminary'

Team president Nolan Ryan, who kicked off Saturday at FanFest with a Q&A, responded thusly to a question about the Rangers' meeting Friday with free-agent first baseman Prince Fielder:

"We met with Prince yesterday, and our mindset is that we're constantly trying to improve the ballclub. We look at any opportunity to do that that we have. We met with Prince yesterday and his agent, Scott Boras, to try to get a true feel for where they are at this point in time in his free agency to try to see if we thought there might be something there that works for the Texas Rangers. It was very preliminary, and it's very early in any type of negotiation process to even say if there's anything that's going to come of that our not. So, it was an initial meeting that we had."

Ryan also reiterated that he expects Yu Darvish to sign a contract by 4 p.m. Wednesday, the deadline to have him signed. The fact that Darvish hasn't yet signed caused Ryan to hold off on his annual prediction of how many games the Rangers will win in the upcoming season. "It's a little early to predict," Ryan said. "The ballclub isn't set yet."

-- Jeff Wilson

Nolan Ryan expects Yu Darvish will sign with Rangers

Team president Nolan Ryan, on a day that started in Phoenix at the owners meetings and ended in Arlington at the Dr Pepper Awards Show, said that he expects the Rangers will sign Japanese right-hander Yu Darvish by the 4 p.m. Wednesday deadline.

"My expectations are that we'll get something done," Ryan said. "It's a process. During the period that we negotiate with someone we really don't talk about it, but I'm optimistic we'll get something done."

Ryan is also anticipating that the negotiations will go down to the wire because "that's the nature of these things," he said. "We'll just have to see how it works."

Ryan had the opportunity to meet Darvish and spend time with him during his visit to the area last week. Darvish made a favorable impression on Ryan, the Hall of Fame pitcher, as has video Ryan has seen.

"He was bigger than I thought," Ryan said. "He's built like a pitcher. He looks good. He understands a lot of English. I just liked his attitude about wanting to compete. He represented what I'd been led to believe, so I felt really good about it.

"He has a feel for the breaking ball and has a good fastball. His feel for being able to do something with the baseball is really encouraging."

One procedure that can slow down negotiations has already been cleared. Darvish submitted to a physical with Rangers doctors and trainers during his visit, according to two baseball sources, and passed the examination.

-- Jeff Wilson

Washington, Lewis believe Darvish can succeed

The Rangers have until 4 p.m. next Wednesday to sign Japanese right-hander Yu Darvish. As is usually the case in baseball situations with a deadline, the negotiations are expected to go up to the last minute.

Darvish visited the Metroplex last week, and manager Ron Washington had the opportunity to meet Darvish. Washington has also watched game video of the 6-foot-5 ace.

"His abilities are just as good as the abilities we have here," Washington said. "The whole key, if we end up signing him, is for him just to be Yu Darvish. We’re not expecting him to put us on his shoulder. We’re not expecting him to do anything special."

Colby Lewis resurrected his career in Japan and pitched against Darvish, winning their only head-to-head matchup. Lewis said that Darvish, a premium strike-thrower with a fastball that hits 95 mph, already possesses the key element for big-league success.

"If you're able to throw strikes, pound the strike zone and get guys out, it doesn't matter what league you play in," Lewis said. "He has overpowering stuff, especially in that league. That was the big thing that stood out to me, his fastball command."

-- Jeff Wilson

Mike Napoli's ankle still not 100 percent

It was thought to be a miracle that Mike Napoli could walk, let alone continue to catch another 15 innings, after he sprained his left ankle in Game 6 of the World Series. Photos of when the injury was suffered are hard to view.

That was Oct. 27. On Wednesday, as the Rangers Winter Caravan kicked off in Arlington, Napoli said that the ankle was sore when he ran on it 10 days ago, but he expects to be at full strength for the start of spring training.

"I've been rehabbing every day," Napoli said. "It's definitely getting stronger. With everything that happened, we kind of lost track of it for a week. It kind of set me back by doing that, but I went into a walking boot and took care of it."

Dr. Keith Meister examined the ankle in early November after an MRI was performed. Napoli said that the injury, which would have put him on the disabled list had it occurred during the regular season, did not require surgery.

-- Jeff Wilson

Fan Fest schedule

The Rangers have announced the schedule for this weekend's Fan Fest at the Arlington Convention Center: 

Friday: Doors to Arlington Convention Center open at 4:00 p.m. Autograph sessions at 5:00, 6:00, 7:00, and 8:00 p.m.

Individuals Signing Autographs: Rusty Greer, Derek Holland, Frank Howard, Colby Lewis, Mike Napoli, Ron Washington, Michael Young.

Individuals Participating in Question and Answer Sessions: Frank Howard, Mike Napoli, Ron Washington.

Saturday: Doors to Arlington Convention Center open at 9:00 a.m. Autograph sessions at 11:00 a.m., 12 noon, 1:00, 2:00, 3:00, and 4:00 p.m.

Individuals Signing Autographs: Mike Adams, Steve Busby, Bert Campaneris, Cody Eppley, Craig Gentry, Josh Hamilton, Ian Kinsler, Kevin Mench, Justin Miller, Mitch Moreland, David Murphy, Joe Nathan, Pete O’Brien, Jurickson Profar, Robbie Ross, Jeff Russell, Nolan Ryan, Jim Sundberg.

Individuals Participating in Question and Answer Sessions: Josh Hamilton, Ian Kinsler, David Murphy, Joe Nathan, Nolan Ryan.

Individual Participating in Clinics: Scott Coolbaugh/Bobby Jones (hitting); Mike Maddux (pitching); Jim Sundberg (catching).

Sunday: Doors to Arlington Convention Center open at noon. Autograph sessions at 1:00, 2:00, 3:00, and 4:00 p.m.

Individuals Signing Autographs: Elvis Andrus, Steve Buechele, Neftali Feliz, Mark Hamburger, Michael Kirkman, Alexi Ogando, Martin Perez, Gaylord Perry. 

Individuals Participating in Question and Answer Sessions: Elvis Andrus, Gaylord Perry.

Individual Participating in Clinics: Steve Buechele (hitting); Andy Hawkins (pitching).

Here are the autograph procedures:  

*Fan Fest autograph schedules will not be announced in advance other than what is listed above.

* Television monitors located at the information booths in the Grand Hall and near the entrance of the Exhibit Hall and the television screens located near the main stage will post who is signing during each session 1 hour prior to the start of that session.

* Entrance to the designated line will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis.  Individuals who use wheelchairs must adhere to the same first-come, first-served process as all other fans.

* When lines are at the designated capacity, an “END OF LINE” sign will be posted and no further guests will be allowed to enter the line.

* There are seven designated autograph sessions throughout the weekend where all fans in attendance 1 hour prior to the start of the autograph session will be eligible to participate. Participants will be selected randomly. More information on players and scheduled times will be available on each day of Fan Fest.

* One autograph per person is allowed, no exceptions.

* Players will sign approximately 225 autographs per session.  Players will not sign beyond their allotted time.

* Prior to the 2012 Fan Fest, Fast Passes were sold online at texasrangers.com.  50 guests will have the opportunity to skip to the front of each autograph session on each day of the event.

Texas Rangers 2012 Fan Fest also includes:

Batting Cage – Life size batting cage with top of the line-pitching machine will pitch safety balls to fans.

Speed Pitch – Fans will get the opportunity to stand on a mound and test their arms. 

Home Run Derby Field – Fans can hit one “out of the park”…literally. This mini Rangers Ballpark will provide fun and entertainment for all ages. Former Ranger players will be pitching all weekend.

Locker Room/ American League Trophy display – This great photo opportunity will allow fans to feel they are in the real Rangers clubhouse and have their pictures taken with the 2011 American League Trophy.        

Ground Ball / Fly Ball catch – Fans will be able to test their skills against a pop-fly or ground ball in this area.          

Team Photo Opportunity  -  Fans will be able to have their picture taken with the 2011 team!  Fan Fest will feature a life-size team photo cut out.

Lil Sluggers – This interactive will be for the young Rangers fans (8 and under). It will be decorated with MLB Mascots – kids can step up and hit the whiffle balls off a tee.

Event Stage – The Event Stage will be a highlight of the event.  Fans will be treated to Q&A sessions with current and former players as well as special interest topics about the Texas Rangers.  The stage will also have giveaways and much more throughout the weekend!

Steal Home Challenge – Fans can race against the clock from third base to home plate and compare their speed with their favorite Rangers.

Autograph Stages will be located in the main Exhibit Hall. 

Photo Stage – Throughout the event, fans will be able to get their photos taken with their favorite Rangers personalities.

Admission for 2012 Fan Fest is $20.00 for adults and $10.00 for children 13 and under for a one-day pass and $50.00 for adults and $25.00 for children 13 and under for a three-day pass.

The Fan Fest Ticket Office located in the Southeast Gallery of the Arlington Convention Center will open two hours prior to the doors opening on each date.

 

Rangers make changes to minor-league staff

Each club loses coaches and personnel from its minor-league and development staff each year, and the Rangers have already dealt with the significant departure of Scott Servais as farm director. He went to Anaheim in November and was replaced later in the month by Tim Purpura.

The changes the Rangers announced Wednesday aren't as significant, but they're notable nonetheless.

Jake Krug has been promoted to Director of Minor League Operations after spending the past two seasons as Assistant Director of Player Development. He will assist Purpura.

Randy Ready, a Dallas resident, has been hired as the minor-league hitting coordinator. Ready, who replaces Mike Boulanger, was dismissed as San Diego's hitting coach after last season. He also interviewed with the Rangers after the 2010 season to be their hitting coach, a search that ended with the hiring of Thad Bosley.

The most significant change on the coaching staffs is hitting coach Brant Brown's move to Triple A Round Rock. He was at Double A Frisco last year. Corey Ragsdale is the only new manager in the system as he takes over the club in the Arizona Rookie League.

Additionally, coaches Vinny Lopez, Justin Mashore and Humberto Miranda are newcomers to the organization. Miranda formally coached at Northwood U in Cedar Hill.

-- Jeff Wilson

Rangers' minor-league award winners announced

Shortstop Jurickson Profar has been named the 2011 Tom Grieve Minor League Player of the Year, and is one of four minor-leaguers who will be honored Thursday at the Dr Pepper Awards Show at the Arlington Convention Center.

Also winning awards are left-hander Robbie Ross, the Nolan Ryan Minor League Pitcher of the Year; right-hander Justin Miller, the Minor League Reliever of the Year; and outfielder Ryan Strausborger, the Minor League Defender of the Year.

Ross and Miller will be in big-league spring training this year for the first time in their careers.

-- Jeff Wilson

Mike Olt, Tanner Scheppers among non-roster invitees to Rangers camp

Third baseman Mike Olt, right-hander Tanner Scheppers and left-hander Robbie Ross are among the eight non-roster players who have been invited to big-league spring training. The most intriguing, though, is Tommy Mendonca, who is now a catcher.

The list includes five pitchers (Scheppers, Ross, Fabio Castillo, Greg Reynolds and Ben Snyder) and three position players (Olt, Mendonca and Greg Miclat). Olt will also be asked to try another position, first base, though third will remain his primary position. Mendonca, however, will be a catcher in 2012 as the Rangers attempt to get left-handed power from the catcher spot.

-- Jeff Wilson

Rangers announce individual ticket prices, game times

Individual tickets for 2012 games at Rangers Ballpark will go on sale at 9 a.m. March 3, and fans will be paying more to watch the two-time American League champions. Once again, a lottery will be held to purchase seats for Opening Day, though beginning Monday fans can purchase 10-game plans that include Opening Day seats.

According to the Rangers, advance ticket prices for non-premier and premier games will remain the same or increase at $2 or less on 49.5 percent of the seats. The other 50.5 percent, though, are going up $4 to $10 for non-premier games and $4 to $11 for Premier games. They are mostly lower-bowl tickets that were already high-priced. So, the Occupy Wall-Streeters ought to be happy.

Most night games will start at 7:05 p.m., 1:05 p.m. for weekday afternoon games and 2:05 p.m. for Sunday afternoon games. The Rangers' first three Sunday games will be part of ESPN Sunday Night Baseball and will start at 7:05 p.m. Five home Saturday games will be shown as part of the Fox Sports package, and the Rangers will play three more road games on Fox.

Cash parking will be $12 for most games, and $10 on Fireworks Fridays.

Rangers ticket prices for 2011 Prices increase $1 to $5 on game days.

Section	2011 price (premier price)	2012 price
Lexus Club Infield	$72 ($81)	$76 ($85)
Lower Infield	$67 ($75)	$71 ($79)
Lower Box	$62 ($69)	$66 ($74)
Club Box	$58 ($65)	$66 ($74)
All You Can Eat Porch	$39 ($45)	$47 ($53)
Corner Box	$43 ($48)	$53 ($59)
Lower Reserved	$32 ($36)	$34 ($38)
Club Terrace	$26 ($29)	$27 ($30)
Upper Box	$19 ($22)	$20 ($23)
Outfield Plaza (replaces bleachers)	NA	$27 ($30)
Upper Reserved	$15 ($17)	$16 ($18)
Grandstand Reserved	$7 ($8)	$7 ($8)

 

-- Jeff Wilson

Lots of Rangers news, including Mike Adams and Josh Hamilton

General manager Jon Daniels held a State of the Off-season conference call with local beat writers and had no shortage of news. Here's a quick rundown:

Right-hander Mike Adams had surgery Wednesday to fix a hernia, an issue that popped up three weeks ago. Had the injury been suffered during the season, he likely would have pitched through it without surgery. Instead, Adams went under the knife. He will be slowed at the start of spring training, but Daniels expects that Adams will be a full-go by Opening Day on April 6.

Josh Hamilton's father-in-law, Michael Dean Chadwick, has been hired by the club as a special assistant and will be Hamilton's accountability partner. Chadwick, father to Katie Hamilton, will travel with the club and fill one of the roles Johnny Narron held before leaving to be Milwaukee's hitting coach. Chadwick won't work with the team and won't be as visible as Narron.

A camp for young Rangers pitchers will be held Jan. 17-20 at Rangers Ballpark. Neftali Feliz will be among the pitchers in attendance as the Rangers check in on him as he prepares for his first season in the majors. He is one of 15 pitchers and nine coaches/front-office members who will participate. Greg Maddux is scheduled to be on hand.

The Rangers continue to work with a select group of players on long-term extensions, but have agreed with Mike Napoli to work on just a 2012 contract for now. Daniels said that the negotiations to this point have been amicable, and they very well could resume at a later time.

Left-hander Michael Gonzalez remains on the radar as a possible bullpen piece. The Rangers have requested the latest medical reports on the free agent, who had surgery on his left knee in November after the World Series. The procedure was considered to be minor.

The Rangers traded first baseman Chad Tracy to Colorado in exchange for right-hander Greg Reynolds, who was assigned to Triple A Round Rock. Tracy's father, Jim, is the Rockies' manager.

-- Jeff Wilson

 

Rangers video: More Ballpark construction

A look at things in center field of Rangers Ballpark from the unsteady and amateur hands of baseball beat writer.

 

 

 

-- Jeff Wilson

Construction at Rangers Ballpark moving at a good clip (with video)

The renovations in the center-field area at Rangers Ballpark are on course to be completed by March 20, and 42-inch safety railing will be in place completely around the front rows of all levels.

The heavy equipment has been removed from the Ballpark, and now workers are pounding away at a good clip. The key has been nice weather, which has kept the project on track.

The indoor two-level restaurant and children's area are also progressing nicely. The a new visitors bullpen has been dug out, and likely would meet the approval of Tony LaRussa. Center field, which will include a restaurant big enough to host functions, has multiple buildings that have sprung up recently.

The railing will be uniform in height and differs from the existing railing in that it is multiple rows of strong wire rather than metal tubing. The Rangers believe the line of sight will improve rather than be adversely affected.

Local media, donning hard hats and goggles and safety jackets, were given a tour this morning. At one point, Ian Kinsler and Craig Gentry took the field and threw. Gentry later said that he is healthy after suffering a minor leg injury during a winter-ball stint in the Dominican Republic.

 

 

 

-- Jeff Wilson

Rangers acquire Brandon Snyder from Orioles

The Texas Rangers acquired infielder Brandon Snyder from the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for cash on Tuesday.

Snyder, 25, has been in the Orioles organization his entire career after being their first round pick (13th overall) in the 2005 MLB First-Year Player Draft.

Snyder has had stints with the Orioles the past two seasons, batting .273 in 16 games.

At Triple A Norfolk last season, he hit .261 with 14 home runs, 21 doubles and 71 RBIs in 114 games.

Snyder has been placed on Texas' 40-man roster, which now has 38 players.

The Rangers also announced they have re-signed infielder/outfielder Brad Nelson, who spent last season with Triple A Round Rock.

-- Drew Davison

Yu Darvish visiting Metroplex

Right-hander Yu Darvish, the Japanese star who is in negotiations for a multiyear contract with Rangers, is in the Metroplex with his father to gain a better understanding of the area and get a first-hand look at the operations of the reigning American League champions.

General manager Jon Daniels confirmed that Darvish is in town after news of a visit surfaced overnight in the Japanese media. Daniels declined to discuss the details of Darvish's trip, but he isn't expected to be in town much longer. Darvish is planning to start his preseason workouts this week in Japan.

Daniels also declined to discuss the state of the contract negotiations, but a source suggested there's still work to do.

"He isn't [there] for a press conference," the baseball source said.

The Rangers bid $51.7 million for the right to negotiate with Darvish, and the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters accepted posting fee Dec. 19. The two sides have until the afternoon of Jan. 18 to reach a deal. The Rangers have been working with agents Arn Tellem and Don Nomora, who represented Darvish in Japan.

-- Jeff Wilson

 

Oliver headed to Toronto

Darren Oliver is headed to the Toronto Blue Jays. The veteran left-hander reached a one-year deal, according to sources.

Oliver, a left-handed specialist with the Texas Rangers the past two seasons, had expressed interest in returning to the team, as he lives in Southlake. But the Rangers never made a formal offer.

-- Drew Davison

Torrealba statement on winter league incident

Texas Rangers catcher Yorvit Torrealba issued the following statement through the team regarding his incident with an umpire during a winter league game on Friday:

"I wanted to express my sincere apologies to all parties for my actions during the Venezuelan Winter League game on Friday.  I have extended an apology to the Rangers organization as well.  I am embarrassed for my conduct, and personally relayed that feeling to the umpire after that night’s game.  On the field, I strive to be an example for children, especially those in my native Venezuela, and I regret my actions. I understand the reactions to the incident and will make every effort to set a positive example in the future."

Venezuelan League president Jose Grasso Vecchio announced on Twitter earlier Monday that the league had suspended Torrealba for 66 games -- which spans the rest of this season and next year.

Torrealba, playing for Leones del Caracas in his native Venezuela, is shown in a video striking out swinging, and then throwing his right hand up in exasperation toward the umpire. The umpire immediately ejects Torrealba, which leads to a face-to-face confrontation. After a few seconds, Torrealba punches the umpire's facemask with an open hand.

Torrealba signed a two-year, $6.25 million deal with the Rangers last off-season. He hit .273 with a career-high 27 doubles and 37 RBIs in 113 regular-season games. Torrealba's playing time diminished late in the season when Mike Napoli became the team's No. 1 catcher.

-- Drew Davison

Rangers aware of Torrealba, umpire incident in winter league

The Texas Rangers are aware and looking into an incident in which catcher Yorvit Torrealba hit an umpire in the face during a winter league game.

A video showing the incident circulated around the Internet on Friday night.

"[We're] aware, but we haven't got much info yet," Rangers general manager Jon Daniels said. “We will look into it.”

Asked if disciplinary action could be taken because it happened in a non-MLB game, Daniels said: “Depends on circumstances.”

The video shows Torrealba, playing for Leones del Caracas in his native Venezuela, striking out swinging, and then throwing his hand up towards the umpire. The umpire immediately ejects Torrealba, which leads to a face-to-face confrontation. After a few seconds, Torrealba is seen -- with an open hand -- pushing the umpire’s facemask.

Torrealba signed a two-year, $6.25 million deal with the Rangers last offseason. He hit .273 with a career-high 27 doubles and 37 RBIs in 113 regular-season games. Torrealba’s playing time diminished in the postseason when a red-hot Mike Napoli became the team’s No. 1 catcher.

-- Drew Davison

Wednesday's Rangers notes: Catcher Luis Martinez acquired from Padres; Signed Matt Kata to minor league deal

Here are a few Rangers notes from today:

* The team announced they have acquired catcher Luis Martinez from the Padres for right-hander Ryan Kelly. Martinez, who has been added to the 40-man roster, played in 22 games with San Diego last season. Kelly, a reliever, was 3-6 with a 3.95 ERA in 40 appearances for Class A Myrtle Beach.

With the addition of Martinez, the Rangers now have 37 players on their major league roster.

* Matt Kata has been signed to a minor league deal. Kata spent the entire 2011 season with the Rangers Triple A affiliate, the Round Rock Express.

* Clayton Kershaw and Frank Howard will be honored at the 2012 Texas Rangers Dr. Pepper Awards Show. Kershaw, last year's NL Cy Young winner, will receive the 2011 Texas Professional Baseball Player of the Year Award for the second time in the last three years as he also won in 2009. Howard, a former major league slugger, will be honored as the 2012 Mark Holtz Alumni Award recepient.

-- Drew Davison

Jon Daniels: 'Very exciting night' to land negotiating rights for Yu Darvish

Yu Darvish is coming to Texas. At least the Rangers are the only MLB team he can play for next season.

MLB announced late Monday night that the Rangers won the negotiating rights for the star Japanese right-hander. Yahoo! Sports reported the bid to be a record $51.7 million.

Now, Texas has a 30-day window to negotiate a contract with the 25-year-old Darvish. If a deal can’t be reached, the Rangers will not pay the posting fee.

“Very exciting night,” Texas general manager Jon Daniels said. “For our organization, our fans, our community, this is the first step in the process, but it’s an important one. We hope that it will end by signing Darvish to a contract.”

Daniels credited the ownership group, led by Bob Simpson, Ray Davis and Nolan Ryan, as critical in supporting the team’s desire to land Darvish.

The Rangers were visibly high on Darvish all of last season, sending several key members of the front office, including Daniels, to watch him in Japan. Daniels said the team has been scouting Darvish for three years, and was well aware of his talent.

“We’ve got a lot of great scouts,” Daniels said. “I did see him pitch [in Japan], but that wasn’t the only thing. I hadn’t been over there before, things of that nature. And we knew this was something we might get involved with.”

Darvish, a 6-foot-5, 215-pounder, throws a 92-95 mph fastball, and went 18-6 with a 1.44 ERA last season. He had 276 strikeouts and issued 36 walks in 232 innings. In Japan, Darvish won three strikeout titles and two ERA titles.

He is the third Japanese-born pitcher on the Rangers, joining relievers Koji Uehara and Yoshinori Tateyama.

Darvish will join a rotation that lost last year’s ace, C.J. Wilson, to the Angels. Closer Neftali Feliz is also set to join the rotation. Colby Lewis, Derek Holland, Matt Harrison and Alexi Ogando are all set to return, although one could be traded or moved to the bullpen.

Daniels wouldn’t speculate on how the Darvish signing affected the current rotation because the team hadn’t signed him yet.

“Obviously we’re hopeful we can sign Darvish,” Daniels said. “At that point, we’ll have a very good problem on our hands. We’ll sort through our options when we need to.”

The Rangers didn’t make a strong effort to sign Wilson this offseason, seeing him land with the Angels for a five-year, $77.5 million contract. That will likely be significantly less than the total package for Darvish.

Asked about why Darvish over Wilson, Daniels reiterated that the club had yet to sign the player. Daniels also declined to give his own scouting report on Darvish.

Daniels and the Rangers will now begin negotiations with Darvish’s representatives, Arn Tellem and Don Nomura.

“We were pleased to learn that the Texas Rangers were the high bidders for Yu Darvish,” Tellem said in a statement. “The Rangers are an extraordinary franchise in an exceptional city with equally exceptional fans. Yu is honored to be prized so highly and recognized as a once-in-a-generation pitcher. We look forward to getting negotiations under way.”

Prior to the Rangers bid, the Boston Red Sox set a record posting bid of $51,111,111 in 2006 to secure the negotiating rights for Daisuke Matsuzaka. Boston then handed Matsuzaka a six-year, $52 million contract to push the total amount to more than $100 million.

-- Drew Davison

Rangers win negotiating rights for Yu Darvish

The Texas Rangers won the negotiating rights for Japanese star right-hander Yu Darvish.

Yahoo! Sports reported that the Rangers submitted a record bid of $51.7 million for the rights.

Texas now has 30 days to negotiate a contract with Darvish.

-- Drew Davison

Rangers news (and no news) for Thursday

News: Derek Holland and the Rangers are in the early stages of working out a five-year contract extension that would take care of 2012, three arbitration years and his first year of free agency, according to a source. The left-hander went 16-5 last season and, at age 25, is part of the core group of players that club brass wants to keep together.

No news: The Rangers have taken the stance that they will not discuss their pursuit of Yu Darvish, the Japanese right-hander who was posted a week ago. Bids were due at 4 p.m. Wednesday, and at least one national report said that they made a bid. This comes only two days after club officials weren't sure they were going to even make a bid.

News, on a smaller scale: The Rangers have signed right-hander Fabio Castillo and catcher Chris Robinson to minor-league deals with invitations to spring training. The Rangers non-tendered Castillo on Monday, a move that removed him from the 40-man roster. Robinson has spent the past few seasons in the Cubs' farm system.

The Rangers also signed five players to minor-league contracts: LHP Kyle Fernandes, RHP Derek Hankins, LHP Zach Jackson, RHP Doug Salinas and OF Orlando Sandoval.  Hankins and Jackson pitched in the Rangers' organization in 2011. 

Darren Oliver, a free agent who spent the past two seasons with the Rangers, will receive the Jim Sundberg Community Achievement Award at the Dr Pepper Awards Show on Jan. 12.

News on a infant-sized scale: Left-hander Matt Harrison is a father. His wife, Meghan, gave birth Wednesday night to a girl, Addie Grace. "It was unbelievable," Harrison said.

-- Jeff Wilson

Rangers still team to beat in AL West

DALLAS – Ron Washington wasted little time dissecting who the favorites in the American League West would be.

“It goes through Texas,” Washington said. “We’re the two-time defending champions.”

Washington, along with several players, acknowledged that the Angels significantly upgraded their team with the signings of free agent first baseman Albert Pujols and starter C.J. Wilson. But those moves didn’t seem to faze anybody associated with the Rangers, who hosted a media lunch on Wednesday afternoon at the Hilton Anatole.

Michael Young could care less what team is projected to win the West, or if a more heated rivalry with the Angels develops because of the signings. In his mind, whoever the opponent is on a given night is the No. 1 rival.

“We have 13 rivals, we’re all playing for the postseason,” Young said. “Every win is big, especially in September. I’d say the same thing if the Angels didn’t acquire Albert and C.J. We know what it takes to win.”

Added David Murphy: “The Angels have gotten better, but I don’t see why they’re the team to beat when we’re the two-time defending AL champions.”

-- Drew Davison

Hamilton: Accountability partner update expected in next few days

Josh Hamilton and the Rangers are getting close to announcing an accountability partner for the 2012 season. Johnny Narron, an assistant hitting coach with the Rangers and Hamilton’s accountability partner, moved on to the Milwaukee Brewers to become their hitting coach this winter.

“We’re working on it,” Hamilton said. “I’m sure you’ll hear more in the next few days.”

Additionally, Hamilton said he continues to make progress following surgery to repair a sports hernia and will be 100 percent by spring training. His rehab has consisted of running and doing pool exercises.

And Hamilton addressed his contract status, as he is set to become a free agent next season. He wasn’t aware of any significant progress being made in terms of signing an extension, saying he lets his agent, Michael Moye, deal with it.

-- Drew Davison

Rangers to celebrate 40th anniversary in 2012

In 1972, the Washington Senators moved to Texas and became the Rangers. Next season marks the 40th anniversary of the Rangers in Arlington, and the team announced several promotions for it.

The team will have four games in which they wear "turn-back-the-clock" uniforms.

The four games are as follows (and the first 30,000 fans at each game will receive a 40th anniversary promotional item): 

Saturday May 12 vs. Los Angeles Angels -- 1974 white home uniform (giveaway is 1974 Rangers ballcap)

Saturday June 16 vs. Houston -- 1986 white home uniform (giveaway is Nolan Ryan retro T-shirt)

Saturday July 7 vs. Minnesota -- 1994 white home uniform (giveaway 40th anniversary mug)

Saturday August 11 vs. Detroit -- 1976 powder blue home uniform (giveaway powder blue T-shirt)

Outside of those four games, the Rangers will wear a 40th anniversary patch on the right sleeve of the team's white, blue, red and grey jerseys throughout the season.

Additonally, the team will be naming a 40th anniversary all-time team selected in fan balloting to be honored on Saturday, August 11.

-- Drew Davison

Rangers sign infielder to minor-league deal

The Rangers continue to stock up on low-risk options to be the utility infielder in 2012. They have signed Alberto Gonzalez to a minor-league deal with an invitation to spring training.

Gonzalez can play all four infield positions, but has spent the majority of his career at second base (138 games) and shortstop (124). He has played in the majors for all or part of the past five seasons for the Mets, Nationals and Padres.

Gonzalez, a Venezuelan who will turn 28 in April, has a career average of .242 in 378 games. The Rangers signed Luis Hernandez and Yangervis Solarte to minor-league deals with invitations last week, and got Greg Miclat from Baltimore on Thursday to complete the Taylor Teagarden trade.

-- Jeff Wilson

New Angels pitcher C.J. Wilson says Rangers `not even close'

C.J. Wilson was surprised that the Rangers never made a serious play for him before he ultimately landed a five-year, $77.5 million contract with the Angels. He said the Rangers discussed only parameters, and those terms were "not even close."

"There was really no comparison between the packages that were offered," said Wilson, who also had a six-year offer from Miami.

Wilson's news is a big story locally, but he is playing second fiddle Thursday to the news that the Angels also signed first baseman Albert Pujols to a 10-year, $250 million contract. Wilson said the balance of power in the American League West has shifted to the Angels.

The Rangers, meanwhile, are staying that they like the club as it's constructed and will continue to get better the rest of the off-season. But they won't stray from their business model to do so, which likely means that Prince Fielder is not on their radar. The biggest focus remains retaining core players like Josh Hamilton, Ian Kinsler and Nelson Cruz and not trading away prospects who the  Ranger sfeel can become impact big leaguers.

"We're not looking to bring in a guy that's going to lead us to break up what we've got," general manager Jon Daniels said.

-- Jeff Wilson