Texas Rangers News

Texas Rangers' new motto: Whatever Nolan says
Comment
February 8
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
 columnist Ray Buck
"FIRST SHOT: Dear Mr. Greenberg,Rule No. 1: Listen to Nolan and do as he suggests.Rule No. 2: See Rule No. 1.Sincerely,Every Rangers fan-- Tom Batz, KellerBUCKSHOT: Survey says! You must be tired after knocking on all those doors, Tom.SECOND SHOT: Tommy "Sayonara" Hicks has done the impossible. He has unified MLB owners, the players' union and Rangers fans.Ever since December 2000, when he signed Alex Rodriguez to the most expensive and dumbest contract in baseball history, he has been disliked and distrusted by the owners. Scott Boras is still smiling.After he drafted Matt Purke at No. 14 last year, but didn't have the cash to sign him, the players' union has called him a fraud."
Rangers catching prospect Tomas Telis out for the year
Comment
February 5
Dallas Morning News
 
"Rangers catching prospect Tomas Telis, who made his U.S. debut last year at the age of 17, is expected to miss all of 2010 after undergoing Tommy John surgery on his right elbow. General manager Jon Daniels said Telis, ranked No. 26 among the Rangers prospects by Baseball America magazine, recently had the surgery and is expected to miss the full year. Telis signed for $130,000 in 2007 as a shortstop, but was quickly converted to catcher because of a stocky build. As a switch-hitter, he hit .322 in the Arizona League last year."
Holders of Hicks' debts will object to sale of Rangers
Comment
February 2
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
 
"A segment of the 40 lenders who hold $525 million in Hicks Sports Group debt will raise objections today in New York to the proposed sale of the Texas Rangers.According a report in the Sports Business Journal, key lenders are upset over the final agreement that was reached Jan. 23. The report again lists the final sale price at $570 million, $390 million of which is cash.Both figures were dismissed by sources as inaccurate.Representatives from Rangers Baseball Express will take part in the meeting at Major League Baseball headquarters, but a baseball source said that neither Chuck Greenberg nor Nolan Ryan will be in attendance.The fact that Greenberg, who has led the group in negotiations, ..."
Rangers expect barred pitchers to get U.S. visas
Comment
February 2
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
 
"The saga of Omar Beltre and Alexi Ogando, banned by the State Department for their minor roles in a human trafficking ring in the Dominican Republic, has finally taken a turn in their favor.Rangers general manager Jon Daniels said late Sunday night that the Dominican right-handers have been cleared to enter the United States and are expected to participate in Texas Rangers spring training.Beltre and Ogando have been granted visas and will leave for Surprise, Ariz., on Feb. 17. They will have to be cleared by commissioner Bud Selig."We've recently have had some momentum in that process to the point where there is a strong likelihood that they will be able to come in this year and be there ..."
Hope springs eternal for Texas Rangers
Comment
February 2
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
 
"Sports-wise, things are clucking around rather well in Arlington. And for that plug, maybe Mayor Cluck will personally tear up my next 70-in-a-60 citation on I-30.But for all the political dog-cussing once heard over tax money being used to partially fund Jerry's monument to himself, there is no denial the Big Yard is a first-year monster success, plus the main tenant had its most progressive season in well over a decade.Meanwhile, just to the east on Randol Mill Road, the Ballpark may sit in the shadow of the football fortress, but the main tenant also seems to have emerged from the baseball darkness.Give it a couple of weeks, and pitchers and catchers will be reporting to Surprise, Ariz. ..."
Phillies to observe workout of former Giants lefty Lowry
Comment
February 2
Philadelphia Daily News
 
"Ruben Amaro Jr. confirmed that the Phillies plan to watch Noah Lowry, who hasn't pitched since 2007 because of a series of arm injuries, when he auditions for scouts in Arizona. That was supposed to happen today, but the session was postponed to give the 29-year-old lefthander more time to prepare. The Phillies general manager last night characterized the team's interest as "moderate." The Astros, Mets, Rangers and Red Sox also are reportedly interested. About half the teams are expected to be represented when he has his open bullpen session. Lowry's agent, Damon Lapa, told the Associated Press that the former Giants No. 1 draft choice hasn't had a setback, but decided it would be to his ..."
Lenders objecting to sale of Texas Rangers
Comment
February 2
Dallas Morning News
 
"A segment of the 40 lenders who hold $525 million in Hicks Sports Group debt will raise objections today in New York to the proposed sale of the Rangers. According a report in the Sports Business Journal, key lenders are upset over the final agreement that was reached Jan. 23. The report lists the final sale price at $570 million, $390 million of which is cash. Both figures were dismissed by sources as inaccurate. Representatives from Rangers Baseball Express will take part in the meeting at Major League Baseball headquarters, but a baseball source said that neither Chuck Greenberg nor Nolan Ryan will be in attendance. The fact that Greenberg, who has led the group in negotiations, won't ..."
Path clears for banned Dominican pitchers to join Texas Rangers organization
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February 2
Dallas Morning News
 
"The Rangers may have a couple of more talented pitchers, guys who can pump fastballs upward of 95 mph, to add to their pitching depth. The Rangers know Alexi Ogando, 26, and Omar Beltre, 28, have special arms. Club officials think they still have a shot to be big league pitchers. Whatever happens from here, though, the Rangers are certain of one thing: They've got two men on their hands. Check out an archived story on the topic from 2008. After enduring a ban on entering the U.S. that lasted five years, the pair has grown. They've both been granted waivers and visas, according to their agent Charisse Espinosa-Dash, to enter the country after spending the last 18 months working tirelessly ..."
Jerome Bettis considering Texas Rangers minority ownership
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January 31
Detroit Free Press
 
"Foxsports.com's Jon Paul Morosi (Free Press alum) reports that former Pittsburgh Steelers running back and Detroit native Jerome Bettis is considering joining in as minority investor for the Texas Rangers. Pittsburgh lawyer Chuck Greenberg has agreed to buy the Rangers and he and Bettis have partnered to own a few minor league teams."
Texas Rangers' Ryan: Club designed to stick to blueprint
Comment
January 31
Dallas Morning News
 
"The clock is ticking toward ownership of the Texas Rangers changing hands by opening day in early April - if not sooner. But Hicks Sports Group still sits behind the wheel until 75 percent of baseball's owners give their nod. Until then, Chuck Greenberg, Nolan Ryan and the rest of Rangers Baseball Express can't act on any plans they might have made. Ryan, however, has said the organization doesn't need a house-cleaning with the start of spring training less than three weeks away. He believes the path the Rangers are following is largely unobstructed and should lead to a division title in 2010. General manager Jon Daniels and manager Ron Washington should enter the season as secure in ..."
Greenberg's experience, love of the game make him ideal for the Rangers
Comment
January 31
Dallas Morning News
 
"There are two generally accepted methods for training to run a major league sports franchise. You can be born into a fortune or you can amass one through shrewd business deals. Point is: Untold wealth is essential. Chuck Greenberg, who stands to become the Rangers' new managing general partner and chief executive officer by opening day, brings neither the bloodlines nor the Gordon Gekko greed. His wealth is not in money but in practical experience. And in that regard, he may be well ahead of all those captains of industry when it comes to being prepared for the job at hand. The job: turning the Rangers into champions on the field while being attentive to their patrons off it. "He brings ..."
Frosty days, but warm feeling for Texas Rangers' owners
Comment
January 31
Dallas Morning News
 columnist Jeff Wilson
"Only the desire for autographs outweighed the desire to get indoors Saturday during the Rangers Fan Fest. A hearty gathering of fans braved bone-chilling temperatures and an icy wind that whipped through the concourses at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. But frosty as the conditions were, fans felt nothing but warmth for the ownership change that's coming. Fans are eagerly awaiting to see what changes will take place under the guidance of Rangers Baseball Express and its two most notable figures, Chuck Greenberg and Nolan Ryan. Fans, though, don't want to see many changes on the field. But they are hopeful their voice will be heard as the new owners make a Rangers game a more enjoyable ..."
Texas Rangers, Scott Feldman agree on one-year deal
Comment
January 30
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
 
"The Texas Rangers and Scott Feldman avoided salary arbitration Friday when they agreed to a one-year, $2,425,000 deal.Feldman, who had a team-high 17 victories last season, is positioned to be the Rangers' starter on Opening Day."
Texas Rangers players Young, Feldman, Andrus honored at annual banquet
Comment
January 30
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
 
"Michael Young's stranglehold on the Texas Rangers' Player of the Year Award tightened a little bit more Friday night.He was honored for his 2009 season, as voted by the Dallas-Fort Worth chapter of the Baseball Writers Association of America, during the Midwinter Awards Banquet at the Omni Fort Worth.Young, who hit a team-high .322 with 22 homers despite missing much of the final month, has won the award four times to match Ruben Sierra for second most in club history. Juan Gonzalez was a five-time winner.Among those also honored were Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw as the Texas Professional Player of the Year; Danny Darwin as the Mark Holtz Alumni Award winner; and Rangers ..."
Report: Jerome Bettis might join Texas Rangers' ownership group
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January 30
Detroit News
 
"Former NFL running back Jerome Bettis of Detroit is considering minority ownership of Major League Baseball's Texas Rangers, according to a Fox Sports report. Pittsburgh attorney Chuck Greenberg has an agreement to purchase the Rangers from Hicks Sports Group. Bettis, who attended Detroit Mackenzie, might join him as an investor. "We're looking at it right now," Bettis said is quoted as saying in the Fox Sports report. "I wanted to get more involved after I met with Chuck and saw his passion for the team." Bettis previously has teamed with Greenberg in ownership of minor league teams. Hall of Fame pitcher Nolan Ryan also is an investor in the Rangers' new ownership group."
Pending sale holds hope for Texas Rangers
Comment
January 30
Dallas Morning News
 
"The Rangers, owners of one lone postseason win in franchise history, have an opportunity to play in the World Series during our lifetime because Tom Hicks has agreed to sell the club to Chuck Greenberg and Nolan Ryan. Obviously, that doesn't mean the Rangers will win a championship. It doesn't even mean the Rangers will outlast the Yankees and Red Sox and ever play in the World Series. What the sale really gives Rangers fans is hope. How long has it been since this franchise had hope? Five years? Ten? The hope starts with Ryan, easily the most beloved figure in franchise history. The Hall of Fame pitcher gives the Rangers leadership, direction and credibility. He has an action plan. He ..."
Martin Perez on the Rangers: "If they call me, I'll be ready"
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January 30
Dallas Morning News
 
"Lefthander Martin Perez, who will be handed the Rangers Minor League Pitcher of the Year award tonight, said that despite his youth, he'll be ready to pitch in the majors if he given the chance in 2010. Perez, who doesn't turn 19 until April, finished last year at Double-A Frisco. And the expectations are starting to pile up. He was recently named the No. 7 overall prospect in the minors by ESPN analyst Keith Law and was named the Rangers No. 3 prospect behind Neftali Feliz and Justin Smoak by Baseball America. "I don't let myself get caught up in numbers or whatever is else is said on the internet or television," Perez said through a translator. "I'm going to be myself and take care of ..."
Scott Feldman avoids arbitration with Rangers
Comment
January 30
Dallas Morning News
 (scroll down)
"Michael Young's stranglehold on the Rangers' Player of the Year Award tightened Friday night. He was honored for his 2009 season, as voted by the Dallas-Fort Worth chapter of the Baseball Writers Association of America, during the Midwinter Awards Banquet at the Omni Fort Worth. Young, who hit a team-high .322 with 22 homers despite missing much of the final month, has won the award four times to match Ruben Sierra for second-most in club history. Juan Gonzalez won five times. Also ... • The Rangers and Scott Feldman avoided salary arbitration when they agreed to a one-year, $2,425,000 deal. Feldman, who had a team-high 17 victories, is positioned to be the Opening Day starter."
MLB's budget constraints cost Rangers a pitcher
Comment
January 29
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
 
"A crowd of more than 300 received a detailed account Thursday from Nolan Ryan on how Matt Purke ended up pitching for TCU.Ryan, the Texas Rangers' team president and future minority owner, was the guest speaker at the TCU Business Network of Dallas at the Intercontinental Hotel. The event was presented by the Neeley School of Business and the TCU Alumni Association.Ryan was asked about Purke, who was the Rangers' first-round pick in the 2009 First-Year Player Draft.The sides had agreed before the draft to a $6 million deal, well above the slot money for the No. 14 overall pick, and owner Tom Hicks gave his approval.That was in June. By July, Major League Baseball was overseeing the ..."
Some errors, but Tom Hicks had his hits as Rangers' owner
Comment
January 28
Dallas Morning News
 
"Tom Hicks doesn't deserve your scorn. In the weeks leading up to the completion of negotiations to sell the Rangers, flogging Hicks became public sport. He was mocked on message boards, belittled on blogs and ridiculed on the radio. Since the sale agreement was announced, fans have rejoiced like they've been released from indenture. It's simply unwarranted. Hicks may not have brought a World Series trophy to Arlington, but, then again, nobody else has come close. Sure, he might have made mistakes, both of hubris and naiveté. He may have acted too impulsively on occasion and too passively at others. All that stuff simply puts him in the same boat as every past and – mark my words – future ..."
Greenberg's attention will be on fans
Comment
January 27
MLB.com
 
"The Rangers are focusing on fans. Their annual Mid-Winter Banquet is Friday night at the Omni Hotel in Fort Worth and FanFest is Saturday at the Ballpark in Arlington. Chuck Greenberg says that he will be focused on fans around the clock when his ownership group is approved and he takes over as managing general partner of the Rangers. "Having a fun, affordable experience for the fans is critical," Greenberg said. "We're committed to that. We're committed to looking at every aspect of the organization and making it more affordable and more accessible to the fans."
MLB's financial restraints will be lifted once Texas Rangers new owners take over
Comment
January 27
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
 
"With the future of the Texas Rangers' ownership looking bright, a glimpse was given Tuesday at the dark red the club has operated under since last summer.Major League Baseball has had the final say on any significant move that would expand the Rangers' budget during the past seven months of the Hicks Sports Group's ownership reign.Nolan Ryan, the team president and soon to be a minority owner, for the first time revealed the restraints the Rangers have faced since July and continued to deal with during much of the off-season.Once ownership is transferred to the investment group headed by Ryan and Chuck Greenberg, cash will be in the bank and business will resume as usual.Ryan and ..."
Derek Holland joins competition for starting rotation
Comment
January 27
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
 
"The arrival of Derek Holland early last season seemed to indicate that he was with the Texas Rangers to stay as long as he wanted.Even as recently as Jan. 1, the left-hander seemed to have an edge for a spot in the 2010 rotation.Now, though, the addition of Colby Lewis has left several pitchers competing for two starting spots. Holland is one of those competing. He knows that he will have to earn a spot in spring training, or maybe start the year in Triple A."It's a good thing to have competition, but at the same time, I have to go out and do my job," Holland said Tuesday during an off-season minicamp at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. "It's a good problem for Texas to have all these ..."
Ryan: MLB helped run Texas Rangers
Comment
January 27
Dallas Morning News
 
"Team president and potential minority owner Nolan Ryan revealed for the first time Tuesday that Major League Baseball has had the final say on any significant move that would expand the Rangers' budget for the last six months. An investment group headed by Ryan and Chuck Greenberg reached an agreement Saturday to buy the Rangers from Tom Hicks, a deal that would make Greenberg the team's new CEO and managing general partner. Once ownership is transferred to that group – the sale still has to be reviewed and approved by major league owners and 40 lenders – MLB's involvement in the club's finances will cease and business can resume as usual. "There were some restrictions that other clubs ..."
Holland will have to earn spot in Rangers' rotation again in 2010
Comment
January 27
Dallas Morning News
 
"The arrival of Derek Holland early last season seemed to indicate he was with the Rangers to stay as long as he wanted. Even as recently as Jan. 1, the left-hander seemed to have an edge for a spot in the 2010 rotation. Now, though, the addition of Colby Lewis has left several pitchers competing for two starting spots. Holland is one of them. He knows he will have to earn a spot in spring training, or maybe start the year in Triple-A. "It's a good thing to have competition, but at the same time, I have to go out and do my job," Holland said Tuesday during an off-season minicamp at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. "It's a good problem for Texas to have all these pitchers. It shows we have a ..."
Pitcher Ben Sheets, pursued by Rangers, picks Oakland
Comment
January 27
Dallas Morning News
 
"Oakland signed free-agent right-hander Ben Sheets to a one-year, $10 million deal, plucking away a player the Rangers made a bid for. The Rangers had agreed to a preliminary two-year deal with the former All-Star last year before discovering that his right elbow needed surgery. But they didn't enter the off-season believing they had the edge in the Sheets sweepstakes. "We were starting over," Daniels said. "Oakland made him an offer that we were not going to make.""
Despite Guerrero signing, Rangers' Murphy expects to get his share of ABs
Comment
January 27
Dallas Morning News
 
"The signing of Vladimir Guerrero has the most significant impact on the playing time of David Murphy, who was in line to be a regular in the lineup. Murphy, though, has seen the fourth outfielder the last two seasons – Marlon Byrd – easily surpass 400 at-bats. Rangers management has told Murphy that he will get his share of at-bats in 2010. Guerrero, for one, will not be asked to play seven times a week as the Rangers attempt to keep him healthy. A similar tack will be used with Julio Borbon as manager Ron Washington tries to keep Borbon's body and mind fresh for his first full big league season."
Why Texas Rangers' potential is sky high
Comment
January 26
Dallas Morning News
 columnist Tim Cowlishaw
"Moves that were understandable and underrated. Change that was long overdue. That's how third baseman Michael Young views the Rangers' busy off-season. The announcement Saturday night that, pending approval, a group headed by Chuck Greenberg and including Nolan Ryan would purchase the team from Tom Hicks added to the veteran's excitement. "I feel like this is just the tip of the iceberg," Young said Monday. "It seems like all the things are now in place for this team to have good times, not just for this year." And there have been times that Young wondered if he would ever be part of anything even approaching the good times the Rangers enjoyed when they won A.L. West titles in 1996, 1998 ..."
Texas Rangers' target Ben Sheets picks Oakland instead
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January 26
Dallas Morning News
 
"Ben Sheets has apparently signed with Oakland for $10 million on a one-year deal. A press conference is forthcoming. Rangers saw Sheets throw last week, but weren't prepared to offer that kind of guarantee. Sheets and the Texas Rangers had been in negotiations on a two-year contract last winter but a physical on the 2008 All-Star Game starter revealed the elbow problem."
Why Texas Rangers' potential is sky high
Comment
January 26
Dallas Morning News
 columnist Tim Cowlishaw
"Moves that were understandable and underrated. Change that was long overdue. That's how third baseman Michael Young views the Rangers' busy off-season. The announcement Saturday night that, pending approval, a group headed by Chuck Greenberg and including Nolan Ryan would purchase the team from Tom Hicks added to the veteran's excitement. "I feel like this is just the tip of the iceberg," Young said Monday. "It seems like all the things are now in place for this team to have good times, not just for this year." And there have been times that Young wondered if he would ever be part of anything even approaching the good times the Rangers enjoyed when they won A.L. West titles in 1996, ..."
Deal reached for sale of Rangers to Greenberg-Ryan group
Comment
January 26
Dallas Morning News
 
"The investment group that includes Nolan Ryan has completed another step toward purchasing the Rangers from Hicks Sports Group, as an agreement in the sale of the club was reached Saturday night. The deal ends some three weeks of intense negotiations, the final eight days of which took place at the urging of commissioner Bud Selig after a 30-day window of exclusive negotiations ended Jan. 15. Details were ironed out late Friday night and into Saturday. Now, after what is seen as a formality, Ryan will become a minority owner of the last team he played for and is currently team president. "We are fortunate to be assuming the stewardship of a franchise poised for greatness," Pittsburgh ..."
With Rangers' sale finalized, pressure is on Greenberg, Ryan
Comment
January 26
Dallas Morning News
 columnist Evan Grant
"When you get down to it, it's amazing that the Rangers' sale took as long as a full-term pregnancy. Take an iconic Texan figure, the most beloved player to ever wear the Rangers "T." Pair him with a born deal-maker who has spent the last decade apprenticing as a minor league owner with a knack for Veeck family-style promotion and Rooney family-style customer service. To that, add the current owner who is beyond reluctant to sell, and allow him to remain around, even giving him a ceremonial title. All those pieces were in place in May when Chuck Greenberg first started researching the possibility of forging an investment group to take the Rangers off the hands of debt-ridden Hicks Sports ..."
Rangers add Colby Lewis to 40-man roster
Comment
January 26
Dallas Morning News
 
"The Rangers have added right-hander Colby Lewis, who signed a two-year deal last week, to their 40-man roster. The team cleared space for the 30-year-old, projected to be the No. 3 starter, by designating utility player Joe Inglett for assignment. Inglett became expendable after the Rangers signed infielder Khalil Greene last week. The Rangers have also received positive reports on infielder Joaquin Arias, who played this winter in the Dominican Republic."
Off-season news excites Texas Rangers' Michael Young
Comment
January 26
Dallas Morning News
 
"Moves that were understandable and underrated. Change that was long overdue. That's how third baseman Michael Young views the Rangers' busy off-season. The announcement Saturday night that, pending approval, a group headed by Chuck Greenberg and including Nolan Ryan would purchase the team from Tom Hicks added to the veteran's excitement. "I feel like this is just the tip of the iceberg," Young said Monday. "It seems like all the things are now in place for this team to have good times, not just for this year." And there have been times that Young wondered if he would ever be part of anything even approaching the good times the Rangers enjoyed when they won A.L. West titles in 1996, 1998 ..."
Texas Rangers' sale won't benefit Dallas Stars' budget
Comment
January 26
Dallas Morning News
 
"The sale of the Texas Rangers probably will not improve the Stars' ability to spend money this season, and it might not even change how they look at free agency this summer. That's just where the Stars are. When asked about the sale of the Rangers in an e-mail this weekend, Stars owner Tom Hicks replied: "The Stars will continue to operate in a business-as-usual manner. Our biggest goal is to make the playoffs and to have success in them as we did two years ago." In other words, the team has an internal budget (about $45 million) that probably won't change. If general manager Joe Nieuwendyk wants to make a trade, it likely will have to be a dollars-in-for-dollars-out deal, and he probably ..."
Sheets seeking $8 million deal
Comment
January 25
SI.com
 
"The A's, Rangers and Mets are among teams considering free agent pitcher Ben Sheets, who raised his value with what was described by several scouts as an excellent showcase last week in Monroe, La. The A's tried this winter for Marco Scutaro, Adrian Beltre and Jamey Carroll, and they appear very much in the mix for Sheets. The AL West rival Rangers, who are getting a new ownership group led by Chuck Greenberg and Nolan Ryan, also are looking at Sheets. The Mets came up a bit short in their efforts to sign Joel Pineiro, who went to the Angels for $16 million over two years and are looking at Sheets, Jon Garland, John Smoltz and Jarrod Washburn. Sheets has been seeking a guarantee of $8 ..."
Josh Hamilton says Texas Rangers have 'crazy' talent
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January 25
Dallas Morning News
 
"Josh Hamilton is hyped about the Rangers' 2010 season. Most notably because he is finally feeling good. "(I'm) healthy baby. Do I look strong?" Hamilton told the Abilene Reporter-News on Friday, when he spoke at the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Victory Dinner at the Abilene Civic Center. Hamilton said he expects Texas, which recently added slugger Vladimir Guerrero, to play meaningful games late in the season. "We've got so much talent it's crazy," he told the Reporter-News. "The key is staying healthy. ... If we can stay healthy as a team, we've got such a great lineup from 1-to-9, and then the pitching obviously stepped up big time last year with (new co-owner) Nolan Ryan coming in ..."
Greenberg-Ryan group reaches deal to buy Rangers
Comment
January 24
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
 
"A definitive agreement in the sale of the Texas Rangers was reached Saturday night as the investment group that includes Nolan Ryan has completed another step toward purchasing the club from Hicks Sports Group. The deal ends some three weeks of intense negotiations, the final eight days of which took place at the urging of Major League Baseball commissioner Bud Selig after a 30-day window of exclusive negotiations ended Jan. 15. Last-minute details were ironed out late Friday night and into Saturday. Now, the likelihood of Ryan becoming a minority owner of the last team for which he played and is currently its team president is seen as a formality. "We are fortunate to be assuming the ..."
After year out of baseball, veteran backstop hopes to catch on with Texas Rangers
Comment
January 23
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
 
"Toby Hall didn't play in the 2009 season because of a right shoulder that needed surgery. All appears to be well with the torn labrum, and Hall has been given a chance to make the Texas Rangers' 2010 roster.

The veteran catcher agreed Friday to a minor-league deal with an invitation to spring training after Rangers officials watched him work out this week in Florida.

Hall, who has caught 686 games in his major-league career, will compete for an Opening Day job with incumbents Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Taylor Teagarden. Saltalamacchia has a shoulder issue of his own - fatigue - although he has been cleared to resume workouts and is on a throwing program.

General manager Jon Daniels ..."

Rangers' Kinsler lauds team's moves: 'We realize this is our year'
Comment
January 23
Dallas Morning News
 
"

Rangers second baseman Ian Kinsler told the Fort Worth Star Telegram that he is thrilled with Texas' off-season moves. "We basically covered every question we had going into the off-season, with very little spending money," Kinsler said. "JD (general manager Jon Daniels) made some very smart moves at the winter meetings. You never like to see a teammate get traded, especially someone who did so much for the organization in four years like Kevin (Millwood), but JD and the rest of his guys thought that move was necessary. "When we were able to get Vlad (Guerrero) ... the signings we had before that were exciting, but to be able to get Vlad, it just got us all excited. We realize that ..."

Baseball's Bobby Bragan had plenty to say
Comment
January 23
Dallas Morning News
 columnist Kevin Sherrington
"When I told Blackie Sherrod in November that I'd just talked to Bobby Bragan, the former big league manager and Fort Worth icon, Blackie corrected me, as usual. "You mean he talked to you ." The point was well taken. Until the end, which came Thursday at 92, Bobby liked to talk. Fortunately, he had stories worth telling. He came up in the Dodgers' system under Branch Rickey, his hero. A child of the South, he was not initially a fan of Rickey's best and boldest move, breaking the color line. In fact, he signed a petition against it. But Bobby quickly recanted and grew to be one of Jackie Robinson's biggest backers. As a manager in the Dodgers' system, he would go on to champion the ..."
Bragan was 'Mr. Baseball,' and then some
Comment
January 23
Dallas Morning News
 
"When he was managing in the minors in 1953, before he became a baseball icon, Bobby Bragan locked himself in an animated argument with an umpire who, unlike everyone else, wouldn't bend to Bragan's persuasion. Bragan: "You're telling me you're God?" Umpire: "That's right, I am." Bragan: "Then I'm gonna lay down at your feet and worship you." The photo of a prostrate Bragan ended up in Life magazine, forging a national image of a genuine character. Over the next 60 years, Bragan would manage three major league teams, preside over the Texas League and the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues, befriend figures ranging from Boone Pickens to Billy Graham and run a youth ..."
Rangers sign veteran catcher Toby Hall to minor league deal
Comment
January 23
Dallas Morning News
 
"

Toby Hall didn't play in the 2009 season because of a right shoulder that needed surgery. All appears to be well with the torn labrum, and Hall has been given a chance to make the Rangers' 2010 roster. On Friday, the veteran catcher agreed to a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training after Rangers officials watched him work out this week in Florida. Hall, who has caught 686 games in his major league career, will compete for an opening day job with incumbents Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Taylor Teagarden. Saltalamacchia has a shoulder issue of his own - fatigue - although he has been cleared to resume workouts and is on a throwing program. General manager Jon Daniels ..."

Fergie Jenkins says McGwire owes apology to pitchers he homered against
Comment
January 22
Dallas Morning News
 
"Ferguson Jenkins says Mark McGwire owes an apology to all pitchers who gave up his home runs. The Hall of Fame ace sent an open letter to The Associated Press this week, telling the former home-run king: "You have not even begun to apologize to those you have harmed." "How many pitchers do you think he ended their careers by hitting numbers of home runs off them?" Jenkins said Wednesday. Jenkins, who pitched with the Rangers in 1974-75, also maintained he would have known how to handle McGwire, who hit a then-record 70 homers in 1998 and followed with 65 the next year. Thirty years ago, Jenkins became one of the first players caught up in baseball's struggles with drug discipline. ..."
Sources: Announcement on purchase of Rangers could come today
Comment
January 22
Dallas Morning News
 
"Another day passed without word of a final agreement to purchase the Rangers, but baseball sources indicated that everything is on track for an announcement as soon as today. Hicks Sports Group and a 12-man investment group headed by Pittsburgh sports attorney Chuck Greenberg continued their due diligence Thursday. Agreements have been reached on all major issues of the deal after both sides entered into lengthy daily negotiations last week. Though the 30-day window for exclusive negotiations ended at midnight last Friday, work continued toward a deal."
Greene's signing deepens bench for Texas Rangers
Comment
January 22
Dallas Morning News
 
"In what could be the Rangers' final move of the off-season, the team announced Thursday that Khalil Greene has signed a one-year, $750,000 contract to be a utility infielder. Greene, the Rangers' third addition over the last two weeks, is one of seven new names on the 40-man roster when spring training opens next month in Surprise, Ariz. General manager Jon Daniels hasn't ruled out signing a catcher to a non-roster deal, and the club scouted right-hander Ben Sheets earlier this week. "We knew we had a very good club, and we didn't want to sit on our hands and watch a potential window to win pass," Daniels said. "As good as it is for our group to feel confident, it's a lot more rewarding ..."
Rangers' new ownership might be in place by Opening Day
Comment
January 21
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
 
"More progress was made Wednesday toward a final agreement for the purchase of the Texas Rangers, and the deal could be completed as soon as today.All major components of the deal have been agreed upon. Hicks Sports Group has been working for nearly two weeks at a feverish pace with a 12-man investment group headed by Pittsburgh sports attorney Chuck Greenberg.Team president Nolan Ryan is in the group, and a source said Dallas businessman Ray Davis is as well. Current Rangers owner Tom Hicks was also to be a part of the group according to the initial proposal that he accepted Dec. 15.The sides entered into a 30-day window of exclusive negotiations, which expired at midnight Friday. ..."
Greenberg-Ryan bid to buy Texas Rangers almost complete
Comment
January 20
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
 
"Only final details remain to be settled in negotiations toward a final agreement for Hicks Sports Group to sell the Texas Rangers to a group of investors that includes Pittsburgh sports attorney Chuck Greenberg and team president Nolan Ryan.Baseball sources said that the deal will be completed within days after attorneys from both sides have worked just short of around the clock to find common ground on the major components of the deal.A source also said that the Greenberg-Ryan group includes Dallas billionaire Ray Davis. Tom Hicks is also expected to be part of the group.Hicks did not respond to a message, and Greenberg declined to comment."
Rangers sign Colby Lewis to 2-year, $5 million deal and agree to terms with Josh Hamilton, Chris Ray
Comment
January 20
Dallas Morning News
 
"Colby Lewis found in Japan the stuff the Rangers were hoping to see when he was a member of the organization from 1999 to 2004. Command of a fastball. Four other pitches he can drop in the strike zone at any time. Maturity that comes over time and by overcoming injury. Knowing how to pitch. The result is Lewis, 30, finding his way into the Rangers' rotation in 2010 and perhaps beyond after he signed a two-year worth $5 million Tuesday. The deal includes a club option for 2012 worth $3.25 million with a $250,000 buyout. The Rangers also agreed to terms with outfielder Josh Hamilton ($3.25 million) and reliever Chris Ray ($975,000), leaving the club with only two arbitration-eligible players ..."