Jon Daniels said the team is still looking for middle infield help, catching help, a left-hander in the bullpen and maybe a right-handed bat. But on a conference call to discuss the Rich Harden signing, Daniels didn't want to talk about a possible Mike Lowell trade. He said both the Rangers and Boston are still looking at other options.
Daniels said the trades for Ben Snyder and Clay Rapada could answer the needs for a left-hander, but also said the team has talked about former Ranger Darren Oliver.
- Anthony Andro
There will be a press conference with Harden Friday morning at 10 a.m. at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. It's a one-year deal with a mutual option for 2011 that includes a $1 million buyout.
Harden, 28, went 9-9 with a 4.09 ERA (64 ER/141.0 IP) in 26 games/starts for the Chicago Cubs in 2009.
- Anthony Andro
American Airlines flight 835 was loaded and ready to take off from Indianapolis at 1:50 p.m. to DFW Airport. Passengers on the flight included Rangers general manager Jon Daniels; assistant GM Thad Levine; baseball ops guys A.J. Preller, Josh Boyd and Jake Krug; and PR man Rich Rice. Even Angels GM Tony Reagins was on the flight.
Then, a nice-enough lady walked on the flight and told everyone that it was canceled because of a mechanical snafu. Thus, American Airlines also have might canceled a news conference tonight at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington to announce the signing of right-hander Rich Harden.
Nothing is official with Harden. As Daniels stood in line trying to get his flight changed and bags rechecked, he said the results of Harden's physical still weren't in. So, if something is to come up, that would cancel the press conference. But Harden is in Arlington, and Daniels won't get there until after 9 p.m. unless he gets on another airline.
The earliest a news conference is likely to happen is Friday morning, assuming Harden is healthy and assuming American comes through with flying colors. Well, flying isn't the right word at the moment.
-- Jeff Wilson
General manager Jon Daniels said earlier today that the Rangers are likely out of the running for outfielder Marlon Byrd. The Rangers learned from Byrd's representatives this week that the terms he's seeking are beyond the Rangers' financial means, even after the trade of Kevin Millwood and $9 million of his $12 million salary. Daniels said he has not yet eliminated Byrd, but the chances of re-signing the free agent are remote.
-- Jeff Wilson
Here's the latest on two pending deals the Rangers have attempted to close:
Rich Harden is in Arlington awaiting an MRI as part of a physical that is the final hurdle to him agreeing to a one-year $6.5 million deal with an $11 million mutual option for 2011 with a $1 million buyout. A news conference could be held this evening at Rangers Ballpark.
The rumored trade for Mike Lowell isn't as far along as the reports indicate, said general manager Jon Daniels. There is a financial component in which Boston would have to take on a considerable amount of the $12 million on Lowell's 2010 contract. The trade, which would include Max Ramirez, has not reached the point where medical records need to be exchanged.
-- Jeff Wilson
Baltimore did indeed ship lefty Ben Snyder, the third overall pick in the Rule 5 draft, to the Rangers to complete the Kevin Millwood trade.
The Rangers passed on its pick in the major league portion of the draft, so it seems more likely that Ben Snyder will be sent from Baltimore to complete Wednesday's trade.
No Rangers player was taken during the big league portion.
Baltimore selected left-hander Ben Snyder, from the San Francisco organization, with the third overall pick in he Rule 5 draft, a pick the Rangers can have if they want it to complete the Kevin Millwood-Chris Ray trade.
The Rangers' pick is coming up. So far, no Rangers player has been selected.
A source has said that the deal Rich Harden has agreed to and will sign after he passes a physical Thursday in Arlington offers $2.5 million in incentives in 2010, not $3.5 million. It's a one-year deal worth $6.5 million, with the chance to grown to $9 million, and there is a mutual option for 2011 at $11 million with a $1 million buyout.
-- Jeff Wilson
An Internet report says that a deal that would send third baseman Mike Lowell to the Rangers is all but done. Boston would receive Max Ramirez and eat such a considerable chunk of Lowell's $12 million salary that it must first get the approval of Red Sox ownership before it can be finalized.
Lowell, who has suffered through injuries the past few seasons, still swings a good right-handed bat and could be a fit in the Rangers' lineup as the designated hitter and backup at first and third base. The Rangers could also set up a platoon at first base between Lowell and the left-handed hitting Chris Davis, who will enter spring training with the chance to play every day.
Can Lowell be the Rangers' cleanup hitter, or give hit behind Josh Hamilton and give the him the protection he needs? The 35-year-old has hit 17 homers each of the past two seasons while hitting .282 with a .337 on-base percentage. He doesn't struck out much, but he is a good candidate to hit into a double play.
What a day for the Rangers, who traded Kevin Millwood to free up $9 million and used it to pull together an agreement with free agent Rich Harden and a trade for Lowell.
Of course, as general manager Jon Daniels said on Tuesday, "Ninety percent of the rumors out there aren't accurate." He did not immediately respond to e-mails about Lowell. In his defense, it is almost 1 a.m. in Indianapolis.
-- Jeff Wilson
Rangers general manager Jon Daniels said he does not expect to have another annoucement tonight about a transaction. Although he wasn't speaking in specifics, it's safe to assume that means the a deal won't be finalized with free agent Rich Harden.
Daniels said that Kevin Millwood wouldn't have been dealt without the Rangers being confident that another starting piece was readily available. Sources have indicated that Harden and the Rangers are close to a deal that would pay the right-hander $7.5 million in 2010 with an $11.5 million option for 2011.
That option is interesting in that it appears to assume that the Rangers will have a new owner who wouldn't mind paying a pitcher $11.5 million.
-- Jeff Wilson
The deal is Kevin Millwood and $3 million to Baltimore for Chris Ray and a player to be named.
-- Jeff Wilson
The only thing holding up a Rangers-Orioles trade is an evaluation of the medical records of Kevin Millwood and Chris Ray. The Rangers, though, appear to be so confident that it's done that they've turned their attention to free agent Rich Harden.
A source said the the Rangers will ship Millwood the majority of his $12 million contract to Baltimore for a once-promising reliever. The Rangers will also give Baltimore $3 million, and will have $9 million more to work with this off-season. They were facing an off-season with only $5 million to spend before the deal.
About $1 million will go to Ray, who is arbitration-eligible but will get only a slight pay increase after posting a 7.27 ERA in 2009.
The Rangers' priorities will shift again, and now starting pitching appears to be the No. 1 target. The Rangers have had interest in Harden and Ben Sheets, though Sheets' demand of $12 million a year cooled their interst significantly.
Harden, who knows Washington from their days together in Oakland, has dealt with injuries throughout his career. But he is very good when healthy, and he could be the Rangers' No. 1 starter if signed. A deal could be completed soon.
A power bat is next, and the Rangers are looking at Jermaine Dye, Vladimir Guerrero, Marlon Byrd and Jim Thome. Milton Bradley isn't out of the mix, though the Cubs would have to take on significantly more salary than they are currently willing to eat.
-- Jeff Wilson
Kevin Millwood's agent, Scott Boras, just said that a proposed Millwood-for-Chris Ray trade with Baltimore isn't finished, though Boras said conversations are ongoing. "Nothing has been completed," Boras said.
Millwood has a limited no-trade cause that could require the Rangers having to get his approval before a trade could be finalized. An industry source is saying that the Orioles believe the deal to be all but done pending a few final steps. One of those is getting commissioner Bud Selig to sign off on the trade of cash from the Rangers, which could be as much as $3 million.
Ray missed all of the 2008 season after having Tommy John elbow ligament replacement surgery in August 2007. He returned in 2009 to post a 7.27 ERA over 43 1/3 innings as he struggled with his mechanics. But he throws hard and could be seen as a suitable right-handed replacement for Neftali Feliz if he finds his way into the starting rotation.
He made $850,000 last season as he was eligible for arbitration for the first time. He has two more seasons before he can become a free agent. The Rangers could walk away from the deal with $8 million more to spend this off-season.
-- Jeff Wilson
The Baltimore Sun is reporting that the Orioles are nearing a deal with the Rangers that would send Kevin Millwood east for reliever Chris Ray. The Star-Telegram reported that the Rangers had been fielding offers on Millwood and had talked to Baltimore about Ray on Tuesday.
The trade, which reportedly includes the Rangers sending some cash to cover part of Millwood's $12 million salary, will give the Rangers some more finaincial flexibility during the off-season. They need a big right-handed bat and would like to sign at catcher, infielder and another reliever. Now, they can look at a starter like Ben Sheets or Rich Harden, who are seen as damaged goods by some and might have to sign contracts low in guaranteed money but rich in incentives.
-- Jeff Wilson
<>The Rangers learned the following during their visit Tuesday with Casey Close, the agent for Ben Sheets:
The right-hander is seeking the same type of salary that he was making before having surgery to fix a torn flexor tendon and missing the entire 2009 season. He made $12 million in 2008.
The Rangers were given some medical information on Sheets, and he is throwing at 60 feet now. Close told the Rangers that Sheets will be ready for spring training.
<>The Rangers have spoken to Arizona about infielder Augie Ojeda, who made just over $700,000 in 2009 in his first year of arbitration. He will probably make about $1 million next season, which is what the Rangers paid Omar Vizquel in 2009. Arizona, though, isn't ready to move Ojeda until they feel comfortable with Tony Abreu at second base along with another infield option who can back up at shortstop.
-- Jeff Wilson
In a perfect world, Jarrod Saltalamacchia will be the Rangers' catcher April 5 when the 2010 season opens. But the uncertainty about the health of his right shoulder after discomfort developed in it last week has general manager Jon Daniels looking for help behind the plate entering spring training.
The Rangers have discussed with Tampa Bay a trade for former All-Star Dioner Navarro and will look at free agents Rod Barajas, Jason Kendall and Jose Molina. Daniels said the Rangers are being very open in discussions with the agents for those players, telling them that the Rangers can't guarantee how much their clients will play.
The desire to bring in a catcher also speaks to the organization's comfort level with Taylor Teagarden and Max Ramirez. They haven't shown they can handle big-league catching over a full season, and that is a concern.
-- Jeff Wilson
A baseball official swears this happened recently. The Rangers, the official insists, offered right-hander Neftali Feliz and first baseman Justin Smoak to Florida for right-hander Josh Johnson. The top two Rangers prospects, arguably, for a young, arbitration-eligible All-Star. The official thought the Rangers should have offered more, but also said that the Feliz-Smoak offer tells him that the Rangers think they can win the next two seasons.
-- Jeff Wilson
Here's some of what Nolan Ryan had to say in a session with the Dallas-Fort Worth media covering the winter meetings.
"We submitted a bid together. I don't know if it was Greenberg-Ryan or Ryan-Greenberg. It was due on [Nov. 20]. The revised proposals were supposed to be submitted yesterday. Whether all groups submitted there's, I don't know. We did submit ours. I think mainly it was proposing different options and how they pertain to Tom on if he wants to stay involved or doesn't want to stay involved. It's always been proposed that he has the option.
"Under the scenario that was presented to me by Tom last week, after thinking about it a couple days, I told Tom that I didn't feel like I would stay with the ballclub if Dennis came in under that scenario. Dennis overseeing the day-to-day operations.
"I sat down with him when they were doing their due diligence about a month ago. I met with him and that group of investors he had out of Chicago. At that time, that was the first time I'd ever met him and really didn't have an understanding in what role he would play.
"I think Tom has hopes of being able to structure a deal where he stays in control of the ballclub. I would [stay], and I've told Tom that. I came here to help Tom and the Rangers. If Tom were to continue to own the club and be in control and my role were to stay the same, yeah, I don't have a problem with that."
Is there any scenario in which Hicks would maintain a majority of the club? "Not in our bid."
-- Jeff Wilson
Nolan Ryan didn't get too specific about the bid he and Chuck Greenberg have submitted to purchase the Rangers from Hicks Sports Group.
Ryan didn't reveal the amount of the bid or who any of his investors are. A source said last week that the bids submitted by Greenberg, Dennis Gilbert and Jim Crane are for more than $500 million. Crane is not believed to be in the running any longer.
Ryan didn't say how much of a stake in the club he would receive as a minority owner.
He isn't sure when Tom Hicks will recommend a bid to Major League Baseball.
-- Jeff Wilson
Team president Nolan Ryan confirmed that he has submitted a big with Pittsburgh attorney Chuck Greenberg and that he will not remain with the club if Dennis Gilbert becomes the owner and assumes control of baseball operations.
Ryan, speaking for the first time on the process that could be concluded within a week, said he and Greenberg resubmitted their bid Monday. A Dec. 15 deadline has been established for Tom Hicks to recommend a bid.
Gilbert, who has been very visible at these winter meetings, said he would hope to talk Ryan into staying if he becomes owner. Gilbert also resubmitted a bid Monday.
Ryan said that Hicks could retain a share of the club, but it would be a small percentage and Hicks would not be able to unilaterally make baseball decisions. The possibility exists that Hicks can form a partnership that would allow him to remain in control of the club. Ryan said he would stay on if Hicks retains control, so long as Gilbert is not invovled in the role Ryan currently maintains.
-- Jeff Wilson
The Rangers have received and continue to receive interest in Kevin Millwood, though the situation with Baltimore has cooled. Arizona could also emerge as a possible match in a trade for the veteran right-hander, who is due $12 million in 2010. The Mets' interest also appears to have waned.
Trading Millwood could clear enough money for the Rangers to pursue free agents Ben Sheets and Rich Harden, both of whom have injury issues. Sheets' agent, Casey Close, isn't making Sheets medical records available and is also balking at letting Sheets throw for teams.
The Rangers and Sheets had reached a tentative agreement on a two-year deal in February, but the All-Star failed a physical and had surgery to fix a torn flexor tendon later in the month. He did not pitch in 2009, but he rehabbed with Rangers physician Keith Meister and continues to have a strong relationship with pitching coach Mike Maddux.
Other veteran starters could be targeted. The Rangers could also use some of the money saved by shipping out Millwood to added a right-handed power bat. The Rangers have been told that Vladimir Guerrero wants a two-year deal, and Jermaine Dye wants to play regularly in the field. The Rangers are interested in both primarily as a designated hitter.
-- Jeff Wilson
The thought here continues to be that the Kevin Millwood-for-Milton Bradley swap doesn't have legs, but the Rangers have discussed trading the right-hander. And not just to Baltimore. Millwood, who led the Rangers in ERA last season, has been discussed with multiple teams.
A Millwood-Bradley trade isn't something the Rangers are considering, even though general manager Jon Daniels didn't deny or confirm it Monday. For one thing, neither Daniels or any other member of the Rangers' brass the past month has put any stock into sending the staff veteran and his $12 million contract to the Cubs for Bradley's $21 million over two years.
Bradley might have had success with the Rangers in 2008, when he was an All-Star, but he also ruffled some feathers in the clubhouse in the second half of the season as he sat out as others played through injury. Bradley later admitted that he didn't play when he could have so that he could protect his stats as he entered free agency.
-- Jeff Wilson
One of the best catchers in baseball history has reportedly agreed to join the worst team in baseball last season, and the Rangers have to shift their focus to another backstop if they believe Jarrod Saltalamacchia's latest setback is more severe than doctors are suggesting.
Ivan Rodriguez has agreed to a two-year deal with Washington, mlb.com is reporting. The 14-time All-Star would serve as a backup and mentor to Jesus Flores, who is coming off surgery on his throwing shoulder and elbow.
A source told the Star-Telegram that the Rangers were told by agent Scott Boras that Rodriguez had a two-year offer for $6 million. Rodriguez declined salary arbitration before the 11 p.m. deadline Monday. The Rangers will receive a supplemental first-round choice if Rodriguez, a Type B free agent, has signed with Washington.
The Rangers are looking at catchers after Saltalamacchia experienced discomfort in his throwing shoulder last week in the Dominican Republic. He was testing out the arm after undergoing surgery to fix thoracic outlet syndrome in September, and Dr. Greg Pearl said the discomfort isn't unusually following the procedure.
Former Rockies catcher Yorvit Torrealba could be someone the Rangers look toward, especially since hitting coach Clint Hurdle worked with him as Colorado's manager, but he might be looking to return to San Francisco. Rod Barajas, Jason Kendall and Jose Molina could also emerge as Rangers targets.
-- Jeff Wilson
That says it all, really, and the Rangers are hardly stunned. If either Type B free agent signs with another club, the Rangers will receive a supplemental first-round draft choice.
Ever since the general managers meetings last month in Chicago, Jon Daniels has said that the Rangers are not interested in trading Kevin Millwood for outfielder Milton Bradley. Media in Chicago seem to think it's a natural fit -- big salary for big salary, Bradley back to the place where he had his career year -- and they are keeping it alive.
So, now, is Daniels, even though the thought here is he has no interest in the deal. But when given the chance to shoot down the Millwood-Bradley rumor, he said that he doesn't want to comment on any rumors floating around at the winter meetings. The change in tact, while normally the way Daniels does business, is giving life to something that the Rangers don't have interest in doing.
Daniels, though, did say that opening 2010 season without a veteran in the rotation "would not be our first choice," and he has not been told that the Rangers have to cut salary before season. Millwood is due to make $12 million in 2010. His value goes beyond what he does on the mound, said Daniels, and replacing the leadership and knowledge he has would be difficult and expensive.
-- Jeff Wilson
The roster could change between now and Opening Day, but as things stand now, Julio Borbon will be the Rangers' starting center fielder and leadoff hitter in 2010. That's according to manager Ron Washington, who also said that Josh Hamilton's likely regular spot will be left field with Nelson Cruz sticking in right. David Murphy stands to swing between outfielder and designated hitter.
Questions remain about Borbon, who got about seven weeks' worth of experience in 2009. He didn't face my left-handed pitchers, and he played most left fielder or DH. But he's playing winter ball now, and Gary Pettis has been overseeing his progress. The Rangers are comfortable going forward with Borbon.
With Borbon hitting first, Ian Kinsler would hit second and be followed by Michael Young and Hamilton. Washington believes Kinsler is better in the top one-third of the lineup.
-- Jeff Wilson
The Rangers have made a splash on the first day of the winter meetings, albeit a small one, by trading with Detroit for left-hander Clay Rapada. He's a sidearm pitcher who has had success against lefties in his limited time in the big leagues. The best news for the Rangers is that Rapada is not eligible for salary arbitration and will pitch for just over $400,000 if he makes the Opening Day roster.
Rapada joins a group of potential lefties in the bullpen that includes C.J. Wilson, Matt Harrison, Derek Holland, Michael Kirkman and Zachary Phillips. Some of them could make the rotation. Some of them could land in the bullpen. Some of them could open in the minors. More relievers could be added as the Rangers try to create competition in spring training.
-- Jeff Wilson
The Rangers' winter meetings team, which spans from general manager Jon Daniels to director of player development Scott Servais, met Sunday night to discuss the state of the club now and will meet shortly to discuss how the club will go forward this off-season. The bullpen might be the No. 1 priority.
Florida reliever Matt Lindstrom is indeed a trade target. The hard-throwing right-hander was the Marlins' closer for much of 2009 but was hit with an injury after the All-Star break. He returned but struggled with his command. The good news on Lindstrom is he's entering his first year of arbitration, so he's someone the Rangers can keep for a few more seasons.
In terms of free agents, J.J. Putz and Brett Myers could develop as targets. Putz is also coming off an injury with the New York Mets but is familiar with the American League after spending time as the closer in Seattle. The Rangers view Myers as a reliever even though he has bounced between the rotation and the bullpen in Philadelphia.
-- Jeff Wilson
Longtime big-league manager Whitey Herzog, who guided the Rangers for most of the 1973 season, has been elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame by the veterans committed.
Herzog found success his time with the Rangers. He replaced Ted Williams after the Rangers first full season in Arlington but didn't last the full campaign, going 47-91 before beind replaced on an interim bases by Del Wilber. Herzog, though, won three straight division titles with Kansas City, beginning in 1976, and won the 1982 World Series with St. Louis and took the Cardinals to the Series in 1985 and 1987.
Umpire Doug Harvey was also voted in.
-- Jeff Wilson
That's according to Dr. Greg Pearl, the Dallas-based surgeon who performed surgery on Rangers catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia in September to correct thoracic outlet syndrome. Saltalamacchia experienced discomfort in his right arm during a winter-league game Wednesday and was examined today. He will be shut down for a month, and the Rangers aren't sure what his status will be for spring training.
The guess here is that the Rangers will try to find a catcher before spring training opens, one who could be a viable option should Saltalamacchia not be ready strong enough for the season opener April 5. The club has offered arbitration to Ivan Rodriguez, and even though he is unlikely to accept it by Monday's deadline, it would seem that he is the No. 1 choice.
-- Jeff Wilson
The Texas Rangers took a step toward finding their utility infielder for 2010 on Friday, when they made a waiver claim on Joe Inglett. The infielder spent part of last season with Toronto, getting only 89 at-bats over 36 games. But he can play shortstop, a trait the Rangers needed from their utility man, though he has mostly played second base since debuting in the majors in 2006 with Toronto.
Most significant, perhaps, is that Inglett is not yet eligible for arbitration and will make about half of the $1 million Omar Vizquel made last year as the utility infielder.
General manager Jon Daniels hasn't ruled out adding another candidate for the utility job. The Rangers for sure have two: Inglett and Joaquin Arias. Esteban German would be a third if he isn't non-tendered next week.
-- Jeff Wilson
One season after making his managerial debut at Bakersfield, former Rangers third baseman Steve Buechele will manage Double A Frisco for the Rangers. Buechele takes over for Mike Micucci, who has been named the organization's field coordinator. Bakersfield made the playoffs for the first time in eight years under Buechele.
- Anthony Andro
A report that Dennis Gilbert has emerged as the front-runner to purchase the Rangers from Hicks Sports Group doesn't necessarily mean that Gilbert has the deal all sewn up. But it's a clear indication that a decision is near and that the power of the dollar could trump the sentiment of having Nolan Ryan involved as a minority owner.
The Sports Illustrated report by Jon Heyman said that Gilbert's bid exceeded $500 million and put him ahead of Chuck Greenberg and Jim Crane. A source, though, told the Star-Telegram that all three bids topped $500 million.
A second source said that work still needs to be done before anything is finalized. That could include Tom Hicks giving the three prospective buyers a chance to increase their bids. Expect Hicks to make a decision this month, possibly as early as next week. The annual winter meetings begin Monday in the baseball mecca of Indianapolis.
Ryan is part of the group of investors put together by Greenberg, a Pittsburgh attorney and the owner of two minor-league franchises. There has been some indication that Gilbert, the former baseball super agent, would keep Ryan on-board as Rangers president if he secured the winning bid.
-- Jeff Wilson
Here's a link to the SI.com story.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/12/02/rangers.gilbert/index.html
The headline says it all: The Rangers have offered arbitration to outfielder Marlon Byrd and catcher Ivan Rodriguez. The club will receive supplemental first-round draft picks if the free agents decline arbitration and sign with another team.
Byrd is almost certain to pass, but Rodriguez might be a different story. He wants to continue playing and wants to retire with the Rangers, who are committed to Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Taylor Teagarden behind the plate. Satlalamacchia, though, is coming off surgery to correct thoracic outlet syndrome, and he is giving his right shoulder a test run this month in the Dominican Republic.
Decisons from the players are due Monday.
-- Jeff Wilson
Shortstop Elvis Andrus, who was the runner-up for American League Rookie of the Year, received a pair of honors this week. He was named to the Topps All-Rookie Team, which selects from both leagues, as the shortstop, and he also won the Larry Doby Award from the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. Andrus batted .272 with six homers and 33 stolen bases. He led all AL rookies in hits, runs, total bases, triples and steals while also overhauling the Rangers' defense with his terrific fielding.
-- Jeff Wilson
Starter Michael Kirkman and reliever Zach Phillips have each been added to the 40-man roster, bringing the total to 37 players. Both Kirkman and Phillips split 2009 between Bakersfield and Frisco.
Texas also announced that Michael Young is the 2009 player of the year. It's the fourth time Young has won the team award. He will be honored next January at the team's mid-winter banquet in Fort Worth.
- Anthony Andro
Here is the release from the team.
Arlington, TX - The Texas Rangers are scheduled to play 31 spring training games in 2010, including contests versus the Kansas City Royals at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington and Dr Pepper Ballpark in Frisco. The club released its complete spring training schedule and pricing on Thursday.
The schedule will include 29 games in Arizona, 16 at Surprise Stadium/Billy Parker Field. The Rangers will be the home team for 14 of those games and will be the visiting club twice against the Royals, who share the Surprise complex with Texas. Those two teams will play three times in Surprise in 2010, opening the spring schedule with the Surprise Sundancers Charity Game on Thursday, March 4 and games on Sunday and Sunday, March 5-6.
In addition, the Rangers will host the Seattle Mariners for two games and will play single home games versus the Arizona Diamondbacks, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Cleveland Indians, Colorado Rockies, Los Angeles Angels, Los Angeles Dodgers, Milwaukee Brewers, Oakland A’s, San Diego Padres, and San Francisco Giants. The Cactus League will have 15 teams in 2010 with the Cincinnati Reds joining the Indians in Goodyear. The Rangers and Reds meet just one time, in Texas’ final game in Arizona on Thursday, April 1 in Goodyear.
Texas will play 6:05 p.m. MT games in Surprise with San Francisco on Monday, March 15 and versus Milwaukee on Thursday, March 18. All other Rangers games in Surprise will be 1:05 p.m. MT starts.
Texas and Kansas City will end the exhibition season with a pair of games in Texas: Friday, April 2 at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington at 7:05 p.m. CT and Saturday, April 3 at Dr Pepper Ballpark in Frisco, home of the Rangers’ Texas League farm team, at 1:05 p.m. CT. The Rangers open the 2010 regular season in Arlington on Monday, April 5 versus the Toronto Blue Jays.
2010 individual ticket prices for Texas Rangers games at Surprise Stadium will remain the same as in 2009: Lower Dugout--$23.00; Upper Dugout--$20.00; Infield--$17.00; Plaza--$13.00; and Lawn--$7.00. Full season and 7-Game ticket packages are also available, and there are group ticket packages that include three Rangers half price group games. Parking is free to all games at Surprise Stadium.
Full season ticket packages go on sale Tuesday, December 1, and information is available by calling 623-222-2222 or by going to www.surprisespringtraining.com. Spring training individual tickets for 2010 will go on sale on Saturday, January 9 and may be purchased in one of three ways:
IN PERSON: At the Surprise Stadium Ticket Office, 15960 N. Bullard Ave. in Surprise
BY PHONE: Through Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000
ON THE INTERNET: At texasrangers.com
A service charge will be applied for all phone and internet orders.
Prior to the start of the exhibition season, the Rangers will hold workouts at the organization’s complex in Surprise. Pitchers and catchers are scheduled to report on Thursday, February 18 and will work out for the first time on Friday, February 19. Infielders and outfielders report on Tuesday, February 23 with the first full squad workout on Wednesday, February 24. All workouts are open to the public free of charge.
The complete 2010 spring training schedule is attached.
2010 TEXAS RANGERS SPRING TRAINING SCHEDULE
(All Times Mountain Except Where Noted)
DATE OPPONENT SITE TIME
Thursday, March 4 Kansas City Royals (Charity Game) Surprise Stadium 1:05 p.m.
Friday, March 5 Kansas City Royals Surprise Stadium 1:05 p.m.
Saturday, March 6 Kansas City Royals Surprise Stadium 1:05 p.m.
Sunday, March 7 Cleveland Indians Goodyear 1:05 p.m.
Monday, March 8 Los Angeles Angels Surprise Stadium 1:05 p.m.
Tuesday, March 9 Oakland A’s Phoenix 1:05 p.m.
Wednesday, March 10 Seattle Mariners Surprise Stadium 1:05 p.m.
Thursday, March 11 Colorado Rockies Tucson 1:05 p.m.
Friday, March 12 San Diego Padres Surprise Stadium 1:05 p.m.
Saturday, March 13 Cleveland Indians Goodyear 1:05 p.m.
Sunday, March 14 Arizona Diamondbacks (SS) Surprise Stadium 1:05 p.m.
Los Angeles Dodgers (SS) Glendale 1:05 p.m.
Monday, March 15 San Francisco Giants Surprise Stadium 6:05 p.m.
Tuesday, March 16 Chicago Cubs Mesa 1:05 p.m.
Wednesday, March 17 Seattle Mariners Peoria 7:05 p.m.
Thursday, March 18 Milwaukee Brewers Surprise Stadium 6:05 p.m.
Friday, March 19 Cleveland Indians Surprise Stadium 1:05 p.m.
Saturday, March 20 Los Angeles Dodgers Surprise Stadium 1:05 p.m.
Sunday, March 21 San Diego Padres Peoria 1:05 p.m.
Monday, March 22 San Francisco Giants Scottsdale 1:05 p.m.
Tuesday, March 23 Off Day
Wednesday, March 24 Chicago Cubs Surprise Stadium 1:05 p.m.
Thursday, March 25 Los Angeles Angels Tempe 1:05 p.m.
Friday, March 26 Oakland A’s Surprise Stadium 1:05 p.m.
Saturday, March 27 Milwaukee Brewers Maryvale 1:05 p.m.
Sunday, March 28 Chicago White Sox Surprise Stadium 1:05 p.m.
Monday, March 29 Colorado Rockies Surprise Stadium 1:05 p.m.
Tuesday, March 30 Arizona Diamondbacks Tucson 1:05 p.m.
Wednesday, March 31 Seattle Mariners Surprise Stadium 1:05 p.m.
Thursday, April 1 Cincinnati Reds Goodyear 1:05 p.m.
Friday, April 2 Kansas City Royals Rangers Ballpark in Arlington 7:05 p.m. (CDT)
Saturday, April 3 Kansas City Royals Dr Pepper Ballpark, Frisco 1:05 p.m. (CDT)
Home Games in Bold
NOTE: Surprise is one hour behind Texas time through March 6 and 2 hours behind beginning March 7
SS-Split Squad
Cactus League Home Games Played at Surprise Stadium/Billy Parker Field, Surprise, AZ
Los Angeles manager Mike Scioscia won the award, receiving 15 first-place votes and 106 points. Also ahead of Washington were Ron Gardenhire and Joe Girardi. Washington and Seattle manager Don Wakamatsu each received 19 points. Wakamatsu drew two first-place votes and Washington received one.
- Anthony Andro
The award comes down in a couple of minutes, and here is the way I votes.
1. Zack Greinke
2. Felix Hernandez
3. Justin Verlander.
I didn't turn my vote in until the final weekend. Hernandez was great, but Greinke dominated for an awful team. Just think what his win-loss total would have been like if he would have played for even a .500 team.
- Anthony Andro
I got the Texas manager on the phone today and when I asked him who he thought won the award, his response was, "a pitcher, right?"
Washington didn't agree with Andrus finishing second to Oakland reliever Andrew Bailey. He said Andrus' ability to play every day was more important than anything a pitcher does for a team. "I thought maybe Elvis had a chance to win it," Washington said. "He played every day. He held our defense together. He got big hits. He did a lot of good things. To finish second to a pitcher? I always believe they should have different awards for pitchers and position player. He did it every day."
- Anthony Andro
The Texas shortstop finished second in voting for American League rookie of the year. Oakland reliever Andrew Bailey won the award. Andrus hit .267 with six homers and 40 RBI. He also stole 33 bases and played well at shortstop, allowing the Rangers to move Michael Young to third base. Bailey received 13 first-place votes and Andrus got six. Bailey finished with 88 points and Andrus 65, one more than Detroit's Rick Porcello. Porcello received the other seven first-place votes.
- Anthony Andro
The guess here is third. I didn't have a rookie vote, but you have to figure he will get at least two first-place votes when the award is announced today at 1 p.m. The Dallas Morning News' Evan Grant already has written that he voted for Andrus and you have to figure the other area writer assigned a ROY vote will vote for him too. But with so many decent candidates and not a frontrunner, the voting will be spread out. My guess is either Detroit's Rick Porcello or Oakland's Andrew Bailey finishes first and the other is second. The last Texas players to finish in the top three in ROY voting were Jeff Zimmerman in 1999 and Rusty Greer in 1994. Both finished third. Greer received three first-place votes. Kansas City's Bob Hamelin won the award that year, receiving the other 25 first-place votes. Future drug user Manny Ramirez finished second and received no first-place votes. Kansas City's Carlos Beltran won the 1999 award.
- Anthony Andro
The Rangers have taken three players off the 60-day disabled list and added them to the 40-man roster. Matt Harrison, Eric Hurley and Brandon Boggs are expected to be ready for spring training. Harrison, who had surgery to correct thoracic outlet syndrome in August, is pitching in the Arizona Fall League and has impressed with a fastball that regularly has been clocked at 94 to 97 mph.
Also, three minor-league free agents have been re-signed: infielder Guilder Rodriguez and right-handers Jose Diaz and Adalberto Flores.
The Rangers must have their 40-man roster set by next Friday and will probably add a couple minor leaguers to avoid the risk of losing them to the Rule 5 draft next month. There are currently 35 players on the 40-man roster.
-- Jeff Wilson
It appears as though the Rangers have more than just a passing interest in bringing back Milton Bradley. The Rangers and Cubs talked Monday about a trade for the outfielder, who has fallen out of favor in Chicago after some late-season comments got him suspended for the rest of the year.
The Rangers like what Bradley did offensively in 2008, but they don't like the contract that will pay him $20 million over the next two years. Any chance of Bradley playing in Arlington again hinges on how much the remaining contract the Cubs will pay. Half would give Bradley to the Rangers at $5 million a year, which is the base salary he was paid in 2008.
That would be a bargain if Bradley returns to the form that saw him blossom into an All-Star in 2008 thanks to a clubhouse atmosphere that made him feel comfortable. Bradley, though, said during spring training that he didn't play as hard as he could have in 2008 as he tried to protect his stats with free agency on the horizon. That didn't sit well with some Rangers decision-makers and even some players, and Bradley might have some PR work to do if he were to land back in Arlington.
Reports say the Cubs' No. 1 off-season priority is to ship Bradley out. This might become the story the Rangers are tied to throughout the off-season.
Others notes so far from the general managers' meetings:
<>The GMs met this morning and talked about instant replay, but only about the existing system. There was no talk about expanding the system despite an outpouring of support for more replays after several calls were missed during the playoffs. Making umpires better was discussed, though improvements would be rooted in training. A restructuring of the draft to include postseason performance was also discussed, as was the possibility of altering the Arizona Fall League so that it could include younger players.
<>Daniels broke from the morning round of meetings with Boston GM Theo Epstein. They seemed deep in talk, but I have a theory: It was a fake conversation designed to avoid being approached by the media throng that was awaiting the GMs.
<>The Rangers are tentatively scheduled to meet at some point today with the agents for free agent Marlon Byrd. The outfielder is represented by Sam and Seth Levinson, who also represents Nelson Cruz and Bradley.
<>The Rangers announced that Scott Feldman has been named their Pitcher of the Year in voting by the Dallas-Fort Worth chapter of the Baseball Writers Association of America. They also announced a series of hires in baseball operations. They are (deep breath): Scott Littlefield, special assistant, scouting; John Booher, professional scout; Greg Smith, major league scout; Matt Vinnola, director of baseball operations; Jake Krug, assistant director of player development; Phil Geisler, East Coast crosschecker; Todd Walther, professional scout; Matt Klotsche, assistant baseball, operations; Richard "Hoggy" Price, equipment and home clubhouse manager.
-- Jeff Wilson
To the surprise of no one, right-hander Scott Feldman has been named the Rangers pitcher of the year. The team also announced several changes in the baseball operations department. For those of you who like to update your media guide, here they are.
- Anthony Andro
Texas first baseman Chris Davis heard the rumors that he had a problem connecting with former hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo. That news came as a surprise to Davis, who said he will miss Jaramillo.
"Rudy and I got along great," Davis said. "I almost feel bad for what I put him through the first half. We were trying every day to figure something out and it was never a lack of effort on his part or my part. It would have taken a small miracle for me to find it at that point because I was so lost. The information he was giving me was the right information. I just wasn't able to take it and run with it."
Davis also heard that he wasn't prepared heading into the 2009 season, but he doesn't believe that was the case either. One thing he's doing differently this year is hitting more. He took a break before the 2009 season, and he thinks that contributed to his slow start. He starting swinging the bat in preparation for 2010 on Monday.
"I'm going to have to be one of those guys that has to swing the bat year round and I'm okay doing that," he said. "It's not physically demanding on my body and it's something that I think will pay off."
- Anthony Andro
Desperate to find a baseball official to speak to, the assembled media's eyes widened when Jon Daniels and Thad Levine made their way to the front desk of the O'Hare Hilton to check in for the general managers' meetings.
In all honesty, the national media has plenty to talk about with Daniels and Levine. But because they were among the first club personnel from around the majors to arrive this afternoon, each was approached by media types immediately after checking in.
Both granted more time to the local media throng of one. Daniels confirmed that, indeed, Scott Littlefield has been hired in baseball ops. The Padres' former national crosschecker, Littlefield will be a special assistant with the Rangers with a heavy concentration on scouting.
Other than that, though, there's not a lot of news on Day 1 here, and there might not be any on Day 2 or Day 2 1/2 (a half-day Wednesday). But Daniels, Levine and several members of the Rangers' front office will meet amongst themselves. That includes John Hart, who is walking around the hotel with his left foot in a boot after suffering an injury to his Achilles' tendon.
-- Jeff Wilson