Yu Darvish and the Texas Rangers made it official on Friday, announcing that the Japanese Phenom will be wearing number 11 on opening day.

Darvish spoke through an interpreter joking about Ranger’s Ballpark,

“I looked at the right-field fence and I thought that was in too close.  I was asking my general manager if they could move it back. I don’t know where they are on that yet.”

Texas General Manager Jon Daniels looked at Texas power hitter Josh Hamilton sitting in the front row and said,

“I don’t think Josh wants us to move them back. I’ll let them arm-wrestle for it.”

Darvish was just brought to Texas from the Nippon Ham Fighters in Japan on a $60 million dollar five year deal (that doesn’t include the $52 million dollar posting fee Texas paid).

Darvish faces a dramatically different playing experience in Texas than he is used to in Japan.  In addition to having to face Major League Baseball hitters, Darvish is used to playing in a dome one a week.  In Texas he will face the hottest weather in Major League Baseball and will be playing on 4 days rest.

Addressing the rest issue Darvish said,

“Last year near the end of the season I went to four days’ rest. I still threw 120 pitches and still threw hard between starts. I didn’t feel any fatigue. I feel confident I can pitch through that again.”

As for the heat, Darvish said, “That comes from experience. I haven’t experienced that yet. Once I do it, it will take some adjustments. It will take time but I’ll get used to it.”

Addressing the weather Darvish said,

“Even in Japan, the label put on me was that I pitched better in the dome or I liked pitching in the dome. But the last few years, if you looked, I had better numbers pitching outside. I like pitching outside better.”

It will be interesting to see how the latest Japanese import fares in the Major Leagues.

Do you think Yu Darvish will live up to his salary and expectations?

Yu Darvish Officially Arrives in Texas is a post from: The Inquisitr

Japanese pitcher Yu Darvish has signed a $60 million, six-year deal with the Texas Rangers. Under a rumor part of the deal Darvish has the right to opt out of the final year of his contract should certain parameters not be met.

Under terms of his agreement $56 million will be paid in guaranteed salary.

Darvish signed his contract just before the 5 p.m. ET deadline on Wednesday after 30 days of negotiations which began after the Texas Rangers submitted a record $51.7 million bid to talk with the player.

The agreed upon payment will be sent to the Nippon-Ham Fighters and Darvish will become a primetime pitcher in the United States.

On his website Darvish posted a note about his new MLB home:

“I will have a press conference first in America and then come back to Japan at which point I will express my gratitude to my fans here in Japan,” he wrote.

When all is said and done and the players contract and posting fees are combined the Texas Rangers paid more than $111 million to sign Yu Darvish, making it the most expensive deal of it’s kind, eclipsing the $103 million the Boston Red Sox negotiated when signing Daisuke Matsuzaka.

Last season with his Japanese team Darvish went 18-6 with a league-best 1.44 ERA, he also amassed 276 strikeouts and walked just 36 batters in 232 innings of play.

Speaking of the teams decision to sign Darvish Texas Rangers general manager Jon Daniels said.:

“We saw a guy that we felt was built to pitch innings and has a classic pitcher’s build,” and  ”He has a real commitment to his conditioning and work ethic. We think he can pitch innings at a high caliber for a large amount of time.”

Do you believe the Texas Rangers made the right decision in shelling out $111 million to secure Yu Darvish for their pitching roster?

Yu Darvish Agrees To Six-Year Texas Rangers Deal Worth $60 Million is a post from: The Inquisitr

The Texas Rangers won the right to negotiate with Darvish with a record breaking $51.7 million dollar bid this past December.  The team has until January 18th at 4:15pm to conclude negotiations or the bid money is returned and Darvish stays in Japan.

According to sources in Japan Darvish wanted to get some “valuable information before negotiations begin in earnest.”

It is expected that the Rangers will have to pay Darvish somewhere in the same ballpark as C.J. Wilson’s 5 year, $77 Million dollar contract.

In the 2011 Campaign, Darvish was 18-6 with a 1.44 ERA and 276 strikeouts in 28 games for the Nippon Ham Fighters. The Japanese phenom recorded 232 innings.  Darvish completed his fifth straight season with an ERA of under 2.00.

The Texas Rangers’ bid beat out other teams who were known to want to win the rights to Darvish including The New York Yankees, The Toronto Blue Jays, The Washington Nationals and the Florida Marlins.  It in unknown how much each team bid because the bids are done blind, with the highest bid being the winner.

Texas has been in the World Series for the last two years, but has yet to bring the title home to Texas.  With the Los Angeles Angels completing some of the biggest off season moves, Texas needs to build up their team in order to combat their AL West rivals.

Do you think Yu Darvish will head to Texas?

Yu Darvish and Father Visit Texas is a post from: The Inquisitr

Earlier today I reported on Texas Rangers backup catcher Yorvit Torrealba and a blow he dealt to the face of an umpire in the Venezuelan league and now officials for that league has announced a 66 game suspension for the Ranger’ backup catcher. The suspension was announced on Twitter by Venezuelan league president Jose Grasso Vecchio.

The blow was dealt after Torrealba struck out during a game on Friday, shortly after the call the men could be seen arguing for upwards of 15 seconds before the catch struck the umpire with an open hand hard enough in the face mask to send him tumbling backwards.

The suspension means Torrealba will sit out the rest of this season and all of the next season. Lucky for the backup catcher penalties in the winter league don’t carry over to Major League Baseball.

After the incident Yorvit apologized to the league and his fans on Monday in a statement that read:

“I wanted to express my sincere apologies to all parties for my actions during the Venezuelan Winter League game on Friday.” while adding,  ”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.”

Vecchio said of the ruling:

“There was a clear act of aggression that violates the statutes of the league,” and “One that, like any such act, is unacceptable.”

“The punishment is meant to serve as an example. The league acted after analyzing all the known details, that’s why the suspension is for close to a year,” Vecchio said of the suspension. “We couldn’t make it for less, since for a while we have been mounting a campaign against violence in stadiums and during games.”

The Caracas Lions player received another acknowledgement of his wrongdoing when his agent Melvin Roman said:

“(Torrealba) is aware that what he did is wrong. He knows he got caught up in the heat of the moment,” Roman said.

Roman and Vecchio both acknowledged that Torrealba had personally apologized to the umpire involved in the incident.

It’s still not clear if the Texas Rangers will take action of their own, general manager Jon Daniels said over the weekend that the incident was being reviewed.

Yorvit Torrealba has one year remaining on his contract with the Texas Rangers.

In case you missed the earlier posted video here it is again:

Do you think the Texas Rangers should punish Torrealba for his actions during Venezuelan league play?

Yorvit Torrealba Suspended From Venezuelan League For 66 Games After Striking Umpire is a post from: The Inquisitr

Texas Rangers catcher Yorvit Torrealba was playing in the Venezuelan League this Friday when he struck out at bat and then proceeded to argue with the home plate umpire. It’s still not clear what was said however Torrealba proceeded to hit the umpire in the face before storming off the field.

The argument goes on for a good 15-20 seconds before the smack to the umps mask is observed and it was hard enough to send him hurtling backwards before removing his mask.

In response to the incident the Rangers manager Jon Daniels says the organization is “looking into it” but “we haven’t got much info yet.”

According to the team possible disciplinary practices will depend on the “circumstances” that led to the shove.

Torrealba is currently in the second year of a $6.25 million contract with the Rangers but has watched his play time cut down drastically thanks to the red-hot Mike Napoli.

Here’s a video of the strike-out, argument and eventual shove to the face mask:

I’m completely flabbergasted that an apology wasn’t forthcoming from the catcher given the severity of the hit to the umpires face mast.

Do you think major league baseball should take action gainst Yorvit Torrealba for his shove in the Venezuelan league?

Texas Rangers Catcher Yorvit Torrealba Hits Umpire In Face [Video] is a post from: The Inquisitr

The Yu Darvish Sweepstakes is over, and it looks like the Japanese Phenom will be heading to the Texas Rangers.  Major League Baseball announced that the Rangers had beaten out the New York Yankees and The Toronto Blue Jays with a winning bid of $51.7 Million Dollars.

The system for acquiring Japanese players is completely different than in the United States, which uses a draft system.  In Japan, players sign with their teams for ten years and only become free agents in their late 20′s.  If a player wishes to go to the US and play in the big leagues his team in Japan has to agree to “Post” him.  The posting process requires any team wishing to negotiating rights with the payer posts a blind bid to the team.  The MLB team with the highest bid earns the exclusive right to negotiate with and sign the player with thirty days of the winning bid. If an agreement isn’t reached the team refunds the money and keeps the player (although this rarely happens).

So while The Texas Rangers have won the bid with $51.7 million dollars, they now have to sign Darvish, which could cost them another $60-$70 million.

The previous high bid for a Japanese player was the Boston Red Sox, who posted a $51 million dollar bid for starting pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka.  It cost them another $52 million dollars to sign the pitcher to a six year contract for a total investment of $103 million dollars.

Yu Darvish will probably wind up costing the Rangers a lot more to sign the pitcher, than any previous Japanese pitcher, but then again no other Japanese pitcher has posted an impressive 18-6 record with a 1.44 ERA and 276 strikeouts in 28 games for the Nippon Ham Fighters last season.

Do you think the Texas Rangers will get a superstar in Yu Darvish?

The Yu Darvish Sweepstakes is Over, The Texas Rangers Win Negotiating Rights is a post from: The Inquisitr

Adrian Beltre was awarded this week with a Rawlings Gold Glove for the 2011 season and the Texas Rangers 3rd baseman says he couldn’t be more proud of the award, the third of his career.

Speaking about the win Beltre noted:

“It means a lot” and “To be chosen as one of the best in the league defensively is a nice accomplishment. It’s part of the game I take a lot of pride in.”

The win also marks the first time a Texas Rangers third baseman player has won a gold glove since 1984 when Buddy Bell claimed the award.

Beltre earned the award after leading all third basemen in the AL with 17 defensive runs saved while also ranking first in ultimate zone rating and second in zone rating. Beltre also ranked second in fielding and third in total chances per nine innings.

The third baseman had a lot to live up to after joining the team in 2011 with a five-year $80 million contract that includes an option for a sixth year worth $16 million.

Do you believe Adrian Beltre was deserving of the gold glove for his performance this year?

Adrian Beltre Takes “Pride” In Winning Third Gold Glove is a post from: The Inquisitr

The Rangers begin the best-of-seven series as narrow favorites, with odds around the -135 mark (so bet $1.35 on them to win an additional $1.00). The Cardinals’ round one dismissal of the Phillies should not be overlooked, however – on its day, this is a team that can take anyone down. Let us know who you’re backing in the comments!

Game 1: Wednesday, October 19 – @ St. Louis Cardinals
Game 2: Thursday, October 20 – @ St. Louis Cardinals
Game 3: Saturday, October 22 – @ Texas Rangers
Game 4: Sunday, October 23 – @ Texas Rangers
Game 5: Monday, October 24 – @ Texas Rangers
Game 6: Wednesday, October 26 – @ St. Louis Cardinals
Game 7: Thursday, October 27 – @ St. Louis Cardinals

The 2011 World Series is set. The American League champion Texas Rangers will take on the National League champion St. Louis Cardinals in the best of seven fall classic.

Last night the Cardinals punched their ticket to the 2011 World Series by thumping the Milwaukee Brewers 12-6  in Game 6 of the NLCS.

So who will win this 2011 fall classic? The Texas Rangers come into this series as a slight favorite at -135 to beat the St. Louis Cardinals (meaning you have to bet $1.35 on Texas to win $1.00) but don’t be so quick to run and bet the farm on Texas. A team like St. Louis is tough to read. Give these guys credit. In round one, they knocked off everyone’s favorite to win the World Series for the next 10 seasons, the Philadelphia Phillies. That was amazing in itself.

Cardinals 1st baseman Albert Pujols is one of this generations best hitters and will surely relish the underdog roll.

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The Rangers are stacked from top to bottom, as they come into the Series with one of the best line-ups in the majors. Led by Josh Hamilton and ALCS MVP Nelson Cruz, these guys can mash with the best of them. This will be a great series.

Here is a look at the 2011 World Series Schedule

Game 1: Wednesday, October 19 – @ St. Louis Cardinals

Game 2: Thursday, October 20 – @ St. Louis Cardinals

Game 3: Saturday, October 22-  @ Texas Rangers

Game 4: Sunday, October 23 – @ Texas Rangers

IF NECESSARY

Game 5: Monday, October 24 – @ Texas Rangers

Game 6: Wednesday, October 26 – @ St. Louis Cardinals

Game 7: Thursday, October 27 – @ St. Louis Cardinals

2011 World Series Schedule: Rangers Start as Narrow Favorites is a post from: The Inquisitr

First and foremost, we have to send out our sympathies to the family affected by the tragedy at the Texas Rangers stadium this past week.  It was horrible, and that is all I can think of to say. The Rangers have a 51-41 record and find themselves in first place in the American League West. They have done well against the teams in their division comprising a 13-9 record there, but went just 9-9 in interleague play. They have spent 81 days in first place, and their largest lead was a full four games. They are not exactly running away with the division.

The Rangers offense has scored 457 runs on 863 hits. The team batting average is .272 and that is the second highest team BA of the 14 AL clubs. With 112 home runs hit already, they are also second in that category. Rangers hitters have struck out an AL least 529 times and drawn 269 walks. Obviously, offense is not an issue with this team.

The pitching staff has given up 404 runs on 784 hits, and the staff ERA is 3.93. That is the eighth best staff ERA in the junior league. All five of their starting pitchers are approaching double digit wins, but two of them have ERA’s over four. Rangers pitchers have struck out 634 hitters, and issued 281 free passes. Two of their relievers also have ERA’s over four, but they have converted 23 saves.

All in all this looks to be a very good team on paper. Of course, things get a little tougher in the hot Texas sun in late summer, but I fully expect this team to make a strong run at the post season.

Related Links:

• Texas Rangers news and notes
• Joshua Lobdell.com

2011 Texas Rangers mid season review is a post from: The Inquisitr

A man who died after an accidental fall at last night’s Oakland-Texas game in Arlington has been identified as 39-year-old firefighter Shannon Stone.

Stone tumbled from a balcony when attempting to catch a foul ball:

Firefighter Shannon Stone attended last night’s Oakland-Texas game with his young son when All-Star outfielder Josh Hamilton tossed a foul ball in his direction. The 39-year-old caught the ball and then tumbled over the outfield railing, falling about 20 feet onto concrete.

A fan sitting next to Stone says he tried to “grab” the firefighter before he fell, but wasn’t able:

“He went straight down,” said Ronnie Hargis, who was sat next to Stone in the stands. “I tried to grab him, but I couldn’t.”

Stone was reportedly conscious, at least briefly, after the fall, telling witnesses his young son was unattended above. He went into cardiac arrest while in transport to the hospital and was pronounced dead.

Baseball Fan in Fatal Fall ID’d as Local Firefighter is a post from: The Inquisitr

What can we say about the 2010 American League Champions? They spent 136 days in first place, won their division after building an 11 game lead through the fall, but really kind of struggled through the season. The key month here is June where they went 21-6; otherwise their, monthly win/loss record was right around .500. They were just 32-25 against the other three teams of the American League West, but had a 14-4 record in inter league play. They won just 90 games, but they have proven just getting to the post season should be the goal, once there anything can happen.

The Texas offense did score 787 runs, and that was the 4th best number among the 14 AL teams. Their team BA was an American League best .276, and they struck out 986 times and drew 511 walks. This means they did not waste a lot of at bats, and when an offense can get on base good things tend to happen. Three of their regular nine starters hit better than .300, and two of those men (Josh Hamilton and Vladimir Guerrero) each drove in more than 100 runs.

Of course this team was helped by the mid season trade for Cliff Lee. However he did go just 4-6 with a 3.98 ERA for the Rangers. As a staff they had the third best staff ERA at 3.93 in the American League. They struck out 1,181 batters, which was the fourth best number in the AL. They issued just 551 walks, and gave up 1,355 hits. Of those only 687 crossed home plate. Their closer, Neftali Feliz, converted 40 saves and had a 2.73 ERA.

While 2010 was a great year, with new ownership in place and a financial up swing due to their deep post season run, the Rangers can spend more money on their payroll. They spent some 86 million in 2010, and that number is sure to go up. If they can spend it in the right way this could be a very good team for a very long time.

Related Links:

• Texas Rangers news and notes
• The Business of Major League Baseball
• Joshua Lobdell.com

2010 Texas Rangers season in review is a post from: The Inquisitr

It seems where ever Cliff Lee lands he will get a five year 120 million dollar deal. How much of that he will get to keep really depends on where he ends up signing. Lee reportedly would like to stay with the Texas Rangers, and Texas does not have a state income tax, meaning more of his income would be his and his alone. Of course Texas does have a jock tax, and that could be a problem. However, given the treatment of his wife at the hands of Yankees fans maybe the tax incentive isn’t the overall deciding factor.

I am not a tax attorney, nor do I do my own taxes. That is what accountants are for, but since I live in the North I know the tax burden is far greater up here than anywhere else in the country. Let us say Lee signed with the Yankees and decide to live in NYC. He would then be subject to the 8.97% state tax as well as the 3.95% city tax. Anyway we slice that that is a heck of a lot of money to give up.

No if he were to stay with the Rangers he would be subject to the jock tax, a should be unconstitutional tax to help fill city coffers from out of state professional athletes. In Texas the jock tax would steal 2.25 million dollars out of the 120 million contract. As with anything tax related it is all very complicated, and I am not the guy that explain outright.

I think in the end this decision for Lee comes down to three things. First the ability to win, second the comfort level, and third as with all of us who are married what his wife thinks. The Rangers should be a pretty good team for years to come and they should be the front runners, but we can never underestimate the power of the Yankees check book.

Related Links:

•The Business of Major League Baseball
•MTR baseball
•Joshua Lobdell.com

Will taxes play a role in where Cliff Lee signs? is a post from: The Inquisitr

I think the two teams that are going to slug it out for the divisional crown in the American League West did a great job at the trade deadline. I speak of course of the Texas Rangers and the Los Angeles Angels. They each added a big time pitcher, and kind of separated themselves from the other teams they will compete against. The Oakland A’s kind of did what they normally do, make a few smart deals here and there and look for the kind of guys General Manger Bill Beane loves to have. The Seattle Mariners on the other hand were pretty quite after dealing Cliff Lee, which is kind of odd since I think we though them to do a big sell off as they are going to have to rebuild.

So here is a quick look at what each AL West team added:

•The Rangers add Lee, and then Jorge Cantu, Christian Guzman, and Bengie Molina
•The Angles add Dan Haren, and somehow keep their top prospect

If we had to break all of this down I think the AL West remains the Rangers division to lose. They have played very well, and added a lot of maybe not exciting players but a lot of depth to help slow down the annual Rangers melt in the hot August sun. It seems kind of odd that a team facing bankruptcy curt can do so much at the trade deadline. However making a deep run into the playoffs is the best way to make money to appease the creditors.

The Angels are pretty far back and probably cannot make a run at it, but if the Rangers falter they might. I also think the Angels are far to behind in the AL Wild Card race to make much of a difference. Haren is still a good pick up and if he stays long term the Angels will be that much better.

Related Links:

•Texas Rangers news and notes
•Los Angeles Angels news and notes
•The Business of Major League Baseball
•MTR Baseball.com

American League West trade deadline moves is a post from: The Inquisitr

This is an object lesson that sports fans do not want the courts, teh government, and maybe even Major League Baseball in its business. The Texas Rangers are in bankruptcy court because their owner Tom Hicks  has not treated his creditors very nice. The creditors want top dollar in the potential sale of the team and that may knock the Nolan Ryan-Chuck Greenberg bid for this team out for the count. While eventually the team will have new owners, this uncertainty in the short term could severely affect how this team retools for the 2011 season.

I use my home town Detroit Pistons as a perfect example. This basketball team is rudderless, the longtime owner died, the team is for sale, and the President quit to work for the main completion and piece together an ownership group to buy the team. The net effect of that is the Pistons have done virtually nothing to improve themselves for the coming NBA season. The unclear future of this team has made general Manager Joe Dumars and players themselves afraid to make any big moves.

For the Rangers the short term cost is coming on their international scouting staffs. Their out of  the country scouts are being poached by other teams since the team cannot make any big financial commitments to anyone at the moment. If a bankruptcy battle erupts, ala the Phoenix Coyotes, a lengthy legal battles could allow star slugger Josh Hamilton to slip from their control.

While the Judge has promised Ryan that the legal battle will not affect the on the field product of this team, or the on the field management, both Ryan and Greenberg testified in court today and manger Ron Washington has been called to testify tomorrow. So this fight will certainly be a distraction. That is too bad as the Rangers are 5 million dollars ahead of 2010 revenue projections, and stand to earn 10 million or so if they can make a deep playoff run.

It is really too bad for the Texas Rangers is a post from: The Inquisitr

Of course the week the Texas Rangers are ending my hometown Detroit Tigers’ season I get to do there mid season review. Hooray for me. The Rangers should be up for sale every year, because more and more it seems like this team is for real. With a 55-39 record they find themselves out in front of the American League West by five full games. That is impressive no matter which way we slice it, sure teh Los Angeles Angels were hit hard in off season free agency, but the Rangers have been playing great baseball.

The good news for the Rangers starts with the offense. They have scored 482 runs, and as a team they are hitting .279 which is second best among the 14 American League teams. The Rangers have collected 908 hits which can be broken down like this; 162 doubles, 15 triples, and 94 home runs. All of those numbers rank in the top five of AL clubs. They have struck out 592 times, and drawn 311 walks.

The pitching staff might be their weakness, but with the addition of Cliff Lee who has gone 0-1, with a 4.00 ERA in two starts with the team should be the answer for them. However things could be a whole lot worse. They have given up a lot of runs in 396, and the staff ERA is only 3.91. They have given up 97 home runs, and struck out 677 batters, while issuing 343 walks. All in all that is not a terrible stat line.

One of the big questions regarding this club in the off season was how much Vladimir Guerrero had left. Since he is hitting .319 with 20 dingers and 76 RBI it appears so far he has enough left. The DH role on this team has been fairly productive and about all anyone was expecting out of him.

Related Links:

•Texas Rangers news and notes
•The Business of Major League Baseball
•MTR Baseball.com

Texas Rangers mid season review is a post from: The Inquisitr

All last night, and for much of today it looked like the New York Yankees had landed the biggest free agent pitcher out there, they still might but they will have to wait until after the season to make there best pitch for him. For now Cliff Lee is a member of the Texas Rangers, and even though it looks like the Rangers may have overpaid for the arm, I think there is a very different way to look at this. For now let us look at the trade details:

•The Texas Rangers get Lee, RP Mark Lowe, and 2.5 million dollars to off set the 4 million owed Lee for the remainder of 2010
•The Seattle Mariners get first baseman Justin Smoak, and three prospects reported to be Pitchers Blake Beavan and Josh Lueke, as well as 2B Matt Lawson

That is a big price to pay for a rental player, since Lee will be a free agent at the end of this season. It seems the Rangers may have gutted their farm system in an attempt to win right now. I think the Rangers are trying to prove to everyone in baseball that these are not your typical Rangers, and they may even get a pennant out of this. Adding Lee makes them the favorite to win the AL west, if they were not already, and makes this a team to watch come the playoffs.

The Rangers also have to turn their club into a free agent destination, and adding Lee, plus a good run in the playoffs could go a long way towards doing just that. Teams that have trouble attracting free agents often overpay for the first one, and then reap big rewards later. We have seen this strategy work in other cities, and it is my guess that is why they were willing to over pay for Lee. Of course they would like to resign him, but that is an argument for another day.

Related Links:

•Texas Rangers news and notes
•Seattle Mariners news and notes
•The Business of Major League Baseball
•MTR Baseball.com

Cliff Lee traded to Texas Rangers is a post from: The Inquisitr

The Texas Ranges would like to be a player in the mid season trade market, but a Federal Judge may have brought those hopes to a sudden and crashing halt. The Federal Court ahs issued a ruling that Rangers current owner Tom Hicks cannot sell the team until he satisfies his creditors. The court likely issued this ruling to get all sides back to the negotiating table, but this is very likely to slow down the transfer of ownership, and limit the ability of the Rangers to add big contracts at teh trade deadline.

The other 29 owners of MLB franchises are probably not going to sit by as the Rangers spend big bucks on contracts while they are on financial life support from the league itself. All of the parties involved do not want this situation to drag on beyond July, but it seems likely that a larger transaction is going to have to occur. This may even force Hicks to sell the Dallas Stars to generate enough revenue to satisfy his creditors and allow a sale of the Rangers.

The good news is the Rangers are in first place, they are four games up in the American League West, and playing well. However we are approaching summer and this team tends to fade in the heat of the Texas summer. They need to add talent to keep the team going or suffer their traditional late summer collapse. This ruling seems to limit their ability to do just that, and least in the short term.

Related Links:

•Texas Rangers news and notes
•The Business of Major League Baseball
•MTR Baseball.com

What’s next for the Texas Rangers? is a post from: The Inquisitr

While the final sale of the Texas Rangers waits to be approved, Nolan Ryan the team’s President and soon to be part owner is wasting no time trying to improve the team. That is pretty impressive considering that the Rangers sit in first place in the American League West, and enjoy a 4.5 game lead over the Los Angeles Angels. It seems Ryan has put hurler Roy Oswalt, who is looking to get away from the Houston Astros, squarely in his gun sights.

This is a significant statement since Oswalt enjoys a full no trade clause and is owed the balance of 15 million dollars for 2010, and 16 million in 2011. There is also a club option for 2012 at the 16 million dollar mark, with a 2 million dollar club buyout clause. That means that Ryan would have to convince Oswalt that the Rangers are for real, and will not suffer their traditional late summer meltdown in the Texas heat. Of course that may be the very reason Ryan is looking to make a move like this.

Many are down on Oswalt, but I have always been a big fan. He may not be an Ace anymore, and he is 32 years old, but I think he could make a major contribution to any team looking to make a run at the playoffs. With the Houston Astros this year he is 5-8 with a 3.12 ERA, 89 strike out to just 24 walks and a WHIP of 1.08. Pretty good numbers on a pretty bad baseball team.

There is little doubt the Rangers rotation could use a front line starter, and a guy like Oswalt. I would expect them to make a big push for him, and if they fail to bag him search for another deal to add a starting arm before the trade deadline.

Related Links:

•Texas Rangers news and notes
•The Business of Major League Baseball
•MTR Baseball.com

Texas Rangers intersted in Roy Oswalt is a post from: The Inquisitr

Look here new ownership is on the horizon, but the command structure will remain in tact. The Rangers will be looking to build on a 2009 winning record. 2009 was the first time since 2004, and just the second time since 1999 that the club finished a season with a winning record. However trouble looms this team was in first place as late as July 10th last season, but wound up 10 games behind American League West Champion LA Angels. The club ‘s success lies with their starting rotation, since they had a down year offensively last season.

To turn around their offense this club will need Josh Hamilton to stay healthy. Hamilton was severely limited by injuries in 2009, and the offense went from the best scoring offense in 2008 to just the 10th best in 2009. While all that is not on Hamilton’s back, this team clearly needs him in the lineup every day.

Is  their starting rotation good enough? Who knows, Team President Nolan Ryan has promised to make the staff tougher, and they improved in 2009, but Kevin Millwood was traded to Baltimore, and the ace will be Scott Feldman. He won 17 games in 2009, but only had 7 MLB wins before that season. He will need to step up big time in 2010. He will need at least a repeat performance of 2009, but the Rangers would like to see him become a 20 game winner. The added Rich harden in the off season but he is not the durable type Ryan prefers. Their rotation will feature two 23 year old is Derek Holland and Tommy Hunter , and, either Colby Lewis who spent the last two years in Japan, or CJ Wilson who may start the season in the bull pen.

The last question is how much does Vladimir Guerrero have left? The Rangers could use his bat at the DH position, but he may be on the far side of his career.

Related LInks:

• Texas Rangers news and notes
• The Buisness of Major League Baseball
• MTR Baseball.com

2010 MLB preview: Texas Rangers is a post from: The Inquisitr

Tom Hicks has reached a final agreement to sell the Texas Rangers to Team President Nolan Ryan, and Pittsburgh attorney Chuck Greenberg. In a separate transaction Hicks sold of a good deal of land surrounding the Rangers ballpark, and will retain a minority stake in the team. There are still a few complications to iron out like approval of Major League Baseball, and Hick’s creditors. There also may be a question about Ryan’s ownership of several minor league clubs who are considered part of the Houston Astros  farm system.

As a baseball fan, I got to say thank god Hicks is gone. This is the same moron that paid more for Alex Rodriguez, than he did for his entire baseball team. He also has a large hand in the steroids era, as a good portion of that era was born in his locker room. The simple fact here is Hicks has been a bad owner. In eight of the 12 years he was the owner they had a losing record, after winning two divisional championships with a team built by the previous regime, Hick’s Rangers never had any post season success, or regular season success for that matter.

Of course through his incompetence Hicks’ looks like he is going to more than double his money on the team. He bought the club in the summer of 1998 for 250 million dollars. It now looks like he will sell them for over 500 million dollars. Man I love it when guys get paid to do a crappy job. While the Rangers may now be on the right track, it seems this is more due to Ryan’s involvement in the club. Now that he will be assuming an ownership role it seems safe to say that the Rangers will be contenders.

More Texas Rangers news and notes

Texas Rangers sale finally finalized is a post from: The Inquisitr