Rangers Transactions Thread

[RickD]

Discuss and Post Rangers Transactions Here

[RickD]

Yorvit Torrealba - 2 years - $6.25M contract with Rangers

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/al/rangers/2010-11-29-torrealba-signs-with-rangers_N.htm

[RickD]

Matt Treanor gets an $850,000, one-year contract from the American League champion Rangers

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/al/2010-12-13-3687580350_x.htm

[yankeebiscuitfan]

Pending a physical, the Texas Rangers signed 41 year old Arthur Rhodes to a one year contract.
Rhodes appeared in 69 games for the Reds and was 4-4 with a 2.29 ERA. In 55 innings, he struck out 50, walked 18 and gave up 38 hits. He also set a Major League record with 33 consecutive scoreless appearances, a stretch that covered 30 innings.

[yankeebiscuitfan]

As expected, the Texas Rangers have signed Brandon Webb to a one year incentive laden conract.

[Mr. Baseball]

I feel Brandon Webb is a huge question mark at this point. The last time he pitched (not counting his start in 2009) he was a Cy Young Winner. However, guys like Zach Greinke and Cliff Lee were the one's stealing all the headlines this off-season. Why? Because Webb hasn't pitched in two years, nobody really knows what he's capable of and it's unlikely he's going to come out of the gate strong.

Webb is 31 years-old, meaning he's just about at his prime. Physically (injuries aside), Webb should be capable of playing the best baseball of his life. I think this is a great move for the Rangers, and if Webb can return to his former glory, I'd take him over Cliff Lee any day.

[yankeebiscuitfan]

I feel Brandon Webb is a huge question mark at this point. The last time he pitched (not counting his start in 2009) he was a Cy Young Winner. However, guys like Zach Greinke and Cliff Lee were the one's stealing all the headlines this off-season. Why? Because Webb hasn't pitched in two years, nobody really knows what he's capable of and it's unlikely he's going to come out of the gate strong.

Webb is 31 years-old, meaning he's just about at his prime. Physically (injuries aside), Webb should be capable of playing the best baseball of his life. I think this is a great move for the Rangers, and if Webb can return to his former glory, I'd take him over Cliff Lee any day.

The Rangers seem to have a nose for pickups like this. They have signed more players at the lowest point of their career and many of those signings turned out to be a good gamble. Josh Hamilton to name one.

[Baseballnum3er0]

I feel Brandon Webb is a huge question mark at this point. The last time he pitched (not counting his start in 2009) he was a Cy Young Winner. However, guys like Zach Greinke and Cliff Lee were the one's stealing all the headlines this off-season. Why? Because Webb hasn't pitched in two years, nobody really knows what he's capable of and it's unlikely he's going to come out of the gate strong.

Webb is 31 years-old, meaning he's just about at his prime. Physically (injuries aside), Webb should be capable of playing the best baseball of his life. I think this is a great move for the Rangers, and if Webb can return to his former glory, I'd take him over Cliff Lee any day.

Haha, you called Dunn(also 31) old today on AIM.

I like the Webb signing though, after missing out on Lee they might as well use some of that cash on a gamble like this.

[CoreyR]

Webb won't stay healthy for more than half of the season. This is a huge gamble. If he can stay healthy then that's great. I just don't see it happening though.

[CoreyR]

Enrique Rojas of ESPN Deportes heard from a source Sunday that the Rangers are nearing an agreement with free agent Adrian Beltre.
"They are still talking and have not completed the details, but an agreement appears imminent", the source told Rojas. Beltre has not drawn a long line of suitors because of his lofty asking price, but the Angels seem likely to make at least one final bid before the deal goes through with Texas. Beltre is thought to be seeking a contract worth around $85 million. This one is far from over, and it wouldn't be surprising to see another team join in. Jan. 3 - 11:09 am et
Source: ESPN Deportes

This would be a great move by the Rangers, I know the two sides have been talking here for the past few days now. I love Beltre ever since his Dodger days, and i'm definitely a fan of the Texas Rangers. I hope they can reach an agreement.

[yankeebiscuitfan]

According to MLB.com there is no agreement between the Rangers and Beltre
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110102&content_id=16380990&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb

It seems that all there is is mutual interest.

[Cathy]

I am totally confused. What happened to "I only want to play in California"?

[yankeebiscuitfan]

I am totally confused. What happened to "I only want to play in California"?

I think this should be the line: I only want to play for the team that pays me most...

[Cathy]

What I meant, was all season long, he emphatically stated that he wanted to be closer to his family in California.

[yankeebiscuitfan]

What I meant, was all season long, he emphatically stated that he wanted to be closer to his family in California.

Maybe he wants to put some pressure on the Angels in this way.

[Mudge]

It seems that all there is is mutual interest.

Sounds like a blind date.

[CoreyR]

Haha yeah. I'm not a fan of an ESPN source hearing from a source that wasn't even named. I hate when those reports surface. ESPN Deportes is reporting from a source, well what source?

[yankeebiscuitfan]

According to MLB.com, Michael Young is willing to move to DH if Beltre is signed. Young already moved for Soriano and Andrus during his career.

[Mudge]

Beltre would be a step up defensively from Young, not that the latter was horrible so much as Beltre is simply well above average at the hot corner -- despite his early woes with the Red Sox last year, he still ended up with a +11.8 rating from FanGraphs (versus Young's -5.7).

[TTMCentral]

Man, I loved beltre with the dodgers. He did this one amazing michael jackson splits to catch the ball in mid air.

[CoreyR]

That was one of his most memorable defensive plays as a Dodger, nice play by Beltre.

Update: Beltre nearing six-year deal worth $96 million with the Rangers.

"According to T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com, Adrian Beltre's deal with the Rangers will be worth $96 million over six years.
That sixth year can be voided if Beltre doesn't reach a certain amount of plate appearances, so it's really a vesting option. The 31-year-old third baseman still has to pass a physical and there are still some language issues in the contract that need to be sorted out, but this thing is almost done. Beltre should do quite well in Arlington, where the dimensions are friendly to hitters and where he'll be sidekicked by a talented young shortstop in Elvis Andrus. Jan. 4 - 1:49 pm et
Source: MLBlogs.com "

[RickD]

Nolan Ryan and the Rangers are on a great curve upwards right now.

[Mudge]

Nolan Ryan and the Rangers are on a great curve upwards right now.
I agree. The Rangers are doing what they need to do.

Now it's Beltre's responsibility to silence the detractors.

[BrewCrewFan]

I think this is a HUGE risk for the Rangers. Paying a guy 96 million for 6 years is a risk, but look at Beltre's stats since 2005, then look at Michael Young's.

Adrian Beltre:

05: 156 G, .255 AVG, .303 OBP, .413 SLG, 19 HR, 87 RBI
06: 156 G, .268 AVG, .328 OBP, .465 SLG, 25 HR, 89 RBI
07: 149 G, .276 AVG, .319 OBP, .482 SLG, 26 HR, 99 RBI
08: 143 G, .266 AVG, .327 OBP, .457 SLG, 25 HR, 77 RBI
09: 111 G, .265 AVG, .304 OBP, .379 SLG, 8 HR, 44 RBI
10: 154 G, .321 AVG, .365 OBP, .553 SLG, 28 HR, 102 RBI

Career: .275 AVG, .328 OBP, .462 SLG

Michael Young:

05: 159 G, .331 AVG, .385 OBP, .513 SLG, 24 HR, 91 RBI
06: 162 G, .314 AVG, .356 OBP, .459 SLG, 14 HR, 103 RBI
07: 156 G, .315 AVG, .366 OBP, .418 SLG, 9 HR, 94 RBI
08: 155 G, .284 AVG, .339 OBP, .402 SLG, 12 HR, 82 RBI
09: 135 G, .322 AVG, .374 OBP, .518 SLG, 22 HR, 68 RBI
10: 157 G, .284 AVG, .330 OBP, .444 SLG, 21 HR, 91 RBI

Career: .300 AVG, .347 OBP, .448 SLG

I know that they are moving Young to DH, but why pay two players who played the same pos. 15+ million per year. Michael Young is a better hitter then Beltre. I realize Beltre is a better defender, but this is a HUGE risk for Texas.

What happens if Beltre struggles in 3-4 seasons and your left paying this guy 15-16 million per year? Beltre had a GREAT season last year, but it was his contract year. Look at what he did in Seattle, after he signed a huge deal with them.

The Rangers have a GREAT lineup, but they are left without an ace since Lee is gone. They would have been better off offering Cliff Lee as much as he wanted (160-170 million) for 6 or 7 years, then they are with Beltre now tied up for the next 5 years.

I don't like this signing at all for them.

[CoreyR]

Good analysis BCF, but I do indeed think he has found his steady prime. He is a solid player and I think he'll love playing in Texas. No risk here for the Rangers in my opinion. I think it'll pan out. Seattle was a long time ago.

[astrosfanatic]

i'm with Brew Crew...they were better off saving their money for pitching...Cliff Lee's decision might or not not have been money-driven, but his flying the coop is water under the bridge at this point....Beltre at 16 million a year for 6 years is too much....Defense doesnt get better with age

[BrewCrewFan]

Seattle was from 2005 to 2009.

Look at what he did with the Angels. He was with the Angels from 98 through 2003. He never had a season with more then 25 HR's, and his AVG/OBP was in the .260-.270 range and his OBP was in the .300-.320 range

Then, comes 2004 his contract year. He hit .334 that year with a .388 OBP. He hit 48 HR's that year to go along with 121 RBI's.

It's the same thing. His biggest #'s come during his contract year. Besides those years, he's average.

[Mudge]

Look at what he did with the Angels. He was with the Angels from 98 through 2003. He never had a season with more then 25 HR's, and his AVG/OBP was in the .260-.270 range and his OBP was in the .300-.320 range I thought I was losing it. I almost had to go check Baseball Reference. Beltre's first set of mostly average stats were with the Dodgers.


Then, comes 2004 his contract year. He hit .334 that year with a .388 OBP. He hit 48 HR's that year to go along with 121 RBI's. It's the same thing. His biggest #'s come during his contract year. Besides those years, he's average.
Hence, my comment above about his responsibility to silence the detractors. Meanwhile it's an expensive gamble for the Rangers.

[BrewCrewFan]

LOL. My bad. I saw the stats on ESPN and I assumed it was the Angels.

Sorry about that. ESPN just has a "LA" next to it. Baseball Reference says LAD.

[CoreyR]

BCF - You mentioned how he was in his contract year, then signed with the Mariners and mentioned what he did in his first year. I know he was with them til 2009, I was referencing your point and his 1st year with the Mariners back in 2005 being a long time ago. ;)

[WilsonC]

Take a look at their road numbers, BrewCrewFan.

Adrian Beltre:

05: 81 G, .248 AVG, .295 OBP, .440 SLG, 12 HR, 44 RBI
06: 80 G, .283 AVG, .343 OBP, .462 SLG, 9 HR, 45 RBI
07: 72 G, .288 AVG, .320 OBP, .538 SLG, 15 HR, 54 RBI
08: 72 G, .292 AVG, .349 OBP, .512 SLG, 15 HR, 42 RBI
09: 57 G, .279 AVG, .324 OBP, .393 SLG, 4 HR, 25 RBI
10: 79 G, .327 AVG, .370 OBP, .583 SLG, 15 HR, 52 RBI

Career: .290 AVG, .341 OBP, .496 SLG

Michael Young:

05: 78 G, .330 AVG, .384 OBP, .500 SLG, 12 HR, 44 RBI
06: 81 G, .290 AVG, .332 OBP, .417 SLG, 6 HR, 42 RBI
07: 78 G, .313 AVG, .365 OBP, .394 SLG, 1 HR, 37 RBI
08: 78 G, .264 AVG, .317 OBP, .364 SLG, 5 HR, 27 RBI
09: 66 G, .297 AVG, .337 OBP, .511 SLG, 12 HR, 31 RBI
10: 78 G, .262 AVG, .299 OBP, .380 SLG, 9 HR, 37 RBI

Career: .279 AVG, .322 OBP, .411 SLG

There's certainly risk involved in a big signing like this, but when comparing them, it's important to keep in mind that Young's played his entire career in a park that helps him greatly, and Beltre's played most of his in parks that hurt him greatly. Outside of their home parks, a case can be made that Beltre's been the better hitter. In Texas, I wouldn't be surprised to see Beltre put up numbers closer to his Boston numbers than his Seattle numbers.

[yankeebiscuitfan]

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110105&content_id=16393188&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb

It is not nearing anymore. The Rangers signed Beltre to the earlier mentioned 96 MM deal.

The Rangers do everything to maintain their position in the AL (West).

[LetsPlay2]

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110105&content_id=16393188&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb

It is not nearing anymore. The Rangers signed Beltre to the earlier mentioned 96 MM deal.

The Rangers do everything to maintain their position in the AL (West).


Another nice draft pick for the Sox!!

[yankeebiscuitfan]

Another nice draft pick for the Sox!!

Strange rule. Sure when we are talking about the team through which organization the player reached the majors, I can agree. But the Red Sox signed him as an FA, so why do they earn a first round draft pick? Sure the same thing happened to the Red Sox last year, but I still think it is a weird rule.

[LetsPlay2]

Strange rule. Sure when we are talking about the team through which organization the player reached the majors, I can agree. But the Red Sox signed him as an FA, so why do they earn a first round draft pick? Sure the same thing happened to the Red Sox last year, but I still think it is a weird rule.

The rule is aimed at helping teams like the Pirates, who are pretty much AAAA farm teams.

But the Sox put forward the money to sign Beltre, therefore ran the risk of him being a bust. I think a lot less teams would take a flyer on a guy like that if they knew they were never going to get a draft pick if he decided to sign elsewhere next season.

This offseason the Sox turned Beltre, V-Mart, three minor leaguers and a first round pick into Gonzo, Crawford and four draft picks.... not too shabby. Beltre and Martinez would have made at least $27 million in 2011 while Gonzo and Crawford will make $26.3 million next season.

Rumors of Theo's demise were premature.

[DaaBoTownSox]

Congrats on acquiring Beltre! I sure hope he doesn't end up being a bust with all that money he is going to be given.

[RickD]

The Texas Rangers have put left-hander Clay Rapada on waivers for the purpose of giving him his unconditional release.

[LarryBud]

The Rangers continue to look for another big hitter to add at DH. Rumors have them looking at Manny, Vlad, or Troy Glaus.

I would rather have another top of the order pitcher but it looks like they may have to wait until mid-season to pick up another good starter.

[RickD]

The Rangers reached an agreement with right-handed reliever Darren O'Day. According to the Dallas Morning News' Evan Grant, O'Day will earn $1.251 million in 2011

[RickD]

He is finally standing still long enough to get paid:

The Texas Rangers have agreed to terms on a $5.8 million contract for Mike Napoli, avoiding arbitration with the catcher-first baseman the AL champions just acquired in a trade.

[RickD]

Free agent right-hander Dave Bush has agreed to a minor league deal with the Texas Rangers that includes an invitation to major league spring training.

He was 8-13 with a 4.54 ERA in 32 games (31 starts) last year.

[Franchise 5]

Josh Hamilton has signed a two year, $24M contract extension with the Rangers. Twitter Link: (http://twitter.com/#!/TampaBRays/status/35812614407864320)

[astrosfanatic]

that's good for Hamilton. The Rangers tried to low-ball Hamilton and lost.....

[CoreyR]

I think that is perfect for Hamilton. Not too little and not too much. Good to see the two sides come to an agreement.

[JoshmanP15]

Great deal for Hamilton. Its great to see where he came from and where he is now.

[RickD]

The Rangers given GM Jon Daniels a 4-year contract extension. He was once the youngest GM, now he is the longest tenured, with this extension, in Ranger histiry and this is probably a good move for the Rangers.

[Stars_Rangers_82]

The Rangers have traded Matt Treanor to the Royals for cash considerations.

This will leave the Rangers catching situation as Y. Torrealba as the starter and M. Napoli as the backup. This will also open up more playing time for Michael Young.

The true story here is how will C.J. Wilson fair this year, as Treanor was his personal catcher and they had great chemistry together.

[JoshRedcay]

Yeah I think that's a bigger hit to Wilson than a lot of people realize. Pitcher-catcher relationships are so huge in baseball when you're going 6-8 innings with each other in a game.

[Stars_Rangers_82]

The Rangers are expected to sign Cuban outfielder Leonys Martin today for a signing bonus in the neighborhood of $15MM, reports Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News. Martin, who will receive a 40-man roster spot, took his physical yesterday. Grant believes Martin could become a Major League option at some point this season.

The 23-year-old outfielder became a free agent last month after defecting from Cuba last year and establishing residency in Mexico. Back in September, Baseball America's John Manuel wrote that Martin's "best tools are his speed and defense." ESPN's Jorge Arangure Jr. tweeted in March that Martin is "considered an elite prospect."

All I have to say is...hello to our centerfielder of the future and maybe so long to Hamilton after this season. Kudos to Jon Daniels (GM) for pulling the trigger and getting ahead of what could've been a bad off-season this coming year with Hamilton hitting free agency barring an extension during the season, but that looks unlikely now due to his oft-injure self getting injured again.

[Old Sweater]

http://sports.myway.com/news/04292011/v2319.html

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) - The Texas Rangers have signed right-hander Justin Miller to a Triple-A contract and he is scheduled to join the Round Rock team on Monday.

[Buccos13]

Rangers sign RHP Manny Delcarmen to a minor league contract and assign him to Triple-A. Delcarmen, 29, asked for and received a release from the Mariners' Triple-A team yesterday.

[RickD]

The Texas Rangers have activated right-hander Tommy Hunter from the disabled list and designated right-handed reliever Dave Bush for assignment.

Bush was 0-1 with a 5.79 ERA in 17 games for the Rangers. They have 10 days to trade, release or outright him to the minor leagues.

[RickD]

he Texas Rangers activated right-hander Darren O'Day from the 60-day disabled list prior to Saturday night's game against the Florida Marlins.

To create a spot for O'Day on the 25-man roster, the Rangers optioned left-hander Michael Kirkman to Triple-A Round Rock.

[RickD]

The Texas Rangers acquired left-handed reliever Mike Gonzalez from the Baltimore Orioles and backup catcher Matt Treanor from the Kansas City Royals.

Both players were traded for players to be named later.

[RickD]

Pitching great Greg Maddux has left the Chicago Cubs to become a special assistant to the general manager for the Texas Rangers, joining forces with his brother, Mike.

[yankeebiscuitfan]

Wow. What was Maddux' job with the Cubs?

[RickD]

Ron Washington has been signed back up for another tenure with the Rangers. His contract now runs through 2014. Good move by the Rangers.

[LarryBud]

I agree RickD. It is a very smart move on their behalf.

[BobH]

Definitely a good move by the Rangers.-BH

[RickD]

AL championship series MVP Nelson Cruz has agreed to a $16 million, two-year contract with the Rangers.

The deal includes $500,000 in performance bonuses over the two years. With the agreement, negotiated by agents Sam and Seth Levinson, Cruz avoids an arbitration hearing that had been scheduled for next week.

A 31-year-old slugging outfielder, Cruz had asked for $7.5 million in arbitration and the team had offered $5.5 million. He made $3.65 million last year.

[Mr. Baseball]

AL championship series MVP Nelson Cruz has agreed to a $16 million, two-year contract with the Rangers.

The deal includes $500,000 in performance bonuses over the two years. With the agreement, negotiated by agents Sam and Seth Levinson, Cruz avoids an arbitration hearing that had been scheduled for next week.

A 31-year-old slugging outfielder, Cruz had asked for $7.5 million in arbitration and the team had offered $5.5 million. He made $3.65 million last year.

And to think..the Brewers traded this guy for almost nothing.

[DaaBoTownSox]

Rangers have signed Holland to a 5-yr extension.

[Chitown Champ]

Roy Oswalt has signed with the Rangers with a contract worth around $5 million. Great move by the defending AL champs, whose back end of the starting rotation has been deteriorating. Oswalt will need a few minor league starts before joining the active roster, but an appearance before the all-star game is expected.

[RickD]

Can't argue against this. It makes total sense for the back end of the rotation just like you said.

[RickD]

The Rangers have called up prospect Mike Olt.

Olt was batting .287 this season with 28 homers and 82 RBI in 95 games. He has 52 homers in a 237-game minor league career.

The 23-year-old third baseman for Class AA Frisco (Texas) was drafted him in the first round (49th overall) in the 2010 draft.

[yankeebiscuitfan]

Aparently the Rangers were so impressed with Curacao native Jurrickson Profar, that they decided to sign his younger brother as well.

Here is the article (http://www.baseballamerica.com/blog/prospects/2012/09/rangers-sign-jurickson-profars-brother-juremi-profar/)

[RickD]

The Texas Rangers have recalled top prospect Jurickson Profar from Class AAA Round Rock.

Profar was hitting .278 at Round Rock, where he had an eight-game hitting streak. When he made his major league debut last season, he ended up hitting .176 in nine games.

[yankeebiscuitfan]

The Texas Rangers have recalled top prospect Jurickson Profar from Class AAA Round Rock.

Profar was hitting .278 at Round Rock, where he had an eight-game hitting streak. When he made his major league debut last season, he ended up hitting .176 in nine games.

Well instead of focusing on his roster spot with the Rangers, he could have joined the ranks of team Netherlands with the WBC from the beginning.

I hope he will do so well that the Rangers will trade Kinsler.

[RickD]

He has to do better than last time around to have a chance with the Rangers.

[RickD]

The Rangers have designated right-hander Derek Lowe for assignment to make room for Josh Lindblom, their starter Monday night against Oakland.