Texas Rangers Trade Rumors

Rangers agree to one-year deal with Napoli, avoid arbitration
February 12
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
 
"The Texas Rangers had three players knocking on the door of an arbitration hearing only a week ago. As of Saturday, all three are under contract. Mike Napoli became the Rangers' final arbitration-eligible player to come to terms for 2012, agreeing Saturday to a one-year deal for $9.4 million. The club locked up Elvis Andrus and Nelson Cruz with multiyear deals Wednesday and Thursday. The last Rangers player to go to an arbitration hearing was Lee Stevens in 2000. A baseball source confirmed the deal for Napoli, who can become a free agent after the season. An official announcement is expected Sunday."
MLB analyst on Roy Oswalt to Rangers: 'That's not going to happen'
February 11
Dallas Morning News
 
"Once the tumult of free agency started to wind down in early January, word came out that free agent pitcher Roy Oswalt apparently wanted to pitch in Texas. And while Oswalt -- and two-time 20-game winner and multiple All-Star during his days with the Houston Astros -- would have been the type of pitcher the Rangers' would've jumped at in years past, budget restrictions seems to have the club laying back on the Oswalt race. In fact, one analyst is so convinced that the Rangers aren't a realistic suitor for Oswalt that he's ready to count them out already. "When you start to look at the landscape, these teams that he's been trying to get to sign him just aren't getting there," ESPN's Jayson"
Even if Josh Hamilton sex tape doesn't exist, the damage has already been done
February 10
Dallas Morning News
 columnist Rick Gosselin
"Is there a Josh Hamilton sex tape out there? Gerry Fraley: You hear a lot about it. But to be honest with you, nobody's actually seen it. It's one of those 'I know a friend of a friend of a friend' deals. Even if there is, we're assuming if there is a tape, it's consenting adults, and I don't have a problem with it. That's between Josh and his family. But if there really is a person shopping this tape, then that person is a sorry individual. I still don't believe there's a tape; I believe it's an urban myth. Rick Gosselin: There's a belief that the tape's already out there, so even if one really doesn't exist, the damage has already been done with the people that matter."
Rangers sign Cruz to two-year deal
February 9
Foxsports.com
 
"The Rangers eliminated another of their arbitration cases on Thursday, signing right fielder Nelson Cruz to a two-year, $16 million contract, according to a major-league source. Cruz, 31, asked for $7.5 million in arbitration; the Rangers offered $5.5 million. His new deal covers his final two years of arbitration. After that, he is eligible for free agency."
Source: Rangers, Cruz close on two-year deal
February 9
Dallas Morning News
 
"SS Elvis Andrus may not be the only Ranger to get a multi-year contract this week. According to a major league source, the club is close with OF Nelson Cruz on a two-year deal that would eliminate his scheduled arbitration hearing next week. The 2-year deal with Cruz, who is seeking $7.5 million via arbitration, would allow the Rangers to avoid an arbitration hearing with him again next winter. The Rangers offered Cruz $5.5 million this year, making the midpoint between the two offers $6.5 million. With a signing bonus, Andrus received the exact midpoint ($3.125 million) for 2012."
Source: Rangers, Andrus agree to three-year deal
February 8
Dallas Morning News
 
"The Rangers on Tuesday insured they won't have to deal with an arbitration hearing for shortstop Elvis Andrus this winter, or any other before he reached free agency eligibility. According to a major league source, the club and Andrus agreed to a three-year deal, pending a physical, worth close to $15 million. The deal comes less than 48 hours before Rangers officials, Andrus and his representatives were scheduled to go before an arbitration panel in St. Petersburg, Fla. The Rangers had offered Andrus $2.65 million, while he sought $3.6 million in arbitration. Rangers general manager Jon Daniels did not comment Tuesday."
Mora: I turned down Rangers
February 7
Dallas Morning News
 
"Veteran Melvin Mora told the Venezuelan newspaper El Universal that he turned down an offer from the Texas Rangers. According to Mora, the Rangers wanted him to come to spring training to compete for the utility-infielder job. Mora said he declined and is waiting for an offer from a team closer to his home in the Baltimore area."
Josh Hamilton on contract talk: 'We'll put that on the back burner'
February 4
Dallas Morning News
 
"Texas Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton said he would have preferred that Friday's press conference been called to discuss a contract extension with the club rather than his use of alcohol on Monday night. `I'm sorry it had to be this way,'' Hamilton said. ``It would have been nice if it had been about a contract. We'll put that on the back burner for a while.''"
Sources: Rangers' Josh Hamilton has relapse with alcohol at area bar
February 3
Dallas Morning News
 
"Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton, recovering from alcohol and drug addictions, had a relapse this week in his quest to remain sober. According to individuals familiar with the episode, Hamilton drank alcohol Monday night at Sherlock's Pub & Grill in Dallas. Teammate Ian Kinsler also showed up at the bar for what appeared to be an attempt to persuade Hamilton to return to his home in Westlake. This was Hamilton's second alcohol-related relapse in three years. In January 2009, he drank to excess in a bar in Tempe, Ariz."
Josh Hamilton spotted drinking alcohol at DFW bar
February 2
Hardball Talk
 
"The details are slim, but they're still cringe-worthy. According to reporter Gerry Fraley of the Dallas Morning News, Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton was spotted consuming alcohol at a bar in the Dallas-Fort Worth area on Monday night. It's not clear what exactly the 2010 American League MVP was drinking or how intoxicated he became. A Rangers spokesman told the Morning News in a written statement that the organization is "aware of a situation" but not prepared to comment further."
Source: Roy Oswalt undecided
February 1
ESPN.com
 
"After indicating late Friday night that pitcher Roy Oswalt was signing with the St. Louis Cardinals "soon," the same major league source acknowledged Wednesday that Oswalt had not yet made a decision and that the Red Sox still "had a great chance" of signing him. In the interim, Oswalt also paid a visit to the Texas Rangers, so it appears that it remains a three-team contest among the Cardinals, Rangers and Red Sox. A Red Sox source confirmed Wednesday that the team had not abandoned hopes of signing Oswalt, indicating that the 34-year-old right-hander may have a better chance at a regular turn starting with the Sox than with the other two clubs, both of whom appear to have filled their"
Stalemate continues with Oswalt
February 1
Foxsports.com
 
"The St. Louis Cardinals clearly were not close to signing free-agent right-hander Roy Oswalt Friday night, as multiple reports suggested. If a deal at that point actually had been within reach, it would have been done by now. So, what the heck is going on with Roy O? Probably the same thing that has been going on since the beginning – Oswalt wants to pitch either for the Texas Rangers or St. Louis Cardinals, yet is not an easy fit for either team. Talks are fluid and can accelerate quickly, but Oswalt's agent, Bob Garber, appears to be in a bind. If Oswalt does not want to play for the Boston Red Sox or any other interested club, all the agent can do is wait. And the Rangers and Cardinals"
Rangers scheduled to meet with Roy Oswalt on Monday
January 29
Dallas Morning News
 
"Righthander Roy Oswalt is scheduled to meet with the Rangers on Monday if he remains on the free-agent market that long. Boston, St. Louis and Houston are also involved in the Oswalt sweepstakes. The Rangers have not made an offer, a person familiar with the situation said."
Jon Daniels: We'd like to get a deal done with Josh Hamilton before season starts
January 28
Dallas Morning News
 
"With Prince Fielder off the market it would seem like Jon Daniels and the Rangers front office would have the majority of their attention focused on getting a long-term deal done with Josh Hamilton. On Friday, Daniels, the Rangers general manager, said there have been talks with Hamilton's representatives and those conversations will continue with the hopes of something being finalized by the start of the regular season. "We both agree that we don't want it to be a distraction," Daniels said Friday on 103.3's The Ben and Skin Show [KESN-FM]. "Unless we're 90 percent down the line, we both agree, 'Hey let's do it right up until we report and after that let's put it aside.' ... Hopefully, by"
"Good chance" Uehara gets traded
January 26
MLB.com
 
"According to Major League sources, there is a "pretty good chance" that reliever Koji Uehara is going to get traded soon. The Rangers, who acquired him from the Orioles on July 30 for Tommy Hunter and Chris Davis, would likely get prospects in return. The Rangers had a deal worked out with the Blue Jays but Uehara exercised his limited no-trade clause on that one. There are still a number of teams that are interested in Uehara and the Rangers like what they are hearing as far as what they can get in return. Uehara has become available since the signing of Yu Darvish because the Rangers have told Alexi Ogando there is a good chance that he could end up back in the bullpen."
Report: Free agent Roy Oswalt wants to pitch for either Rangers or Cardinals
January 26
Dallas Morning News
 
"Just a day after the Rangers officially missed out on Prince Fielder, the club found its name linked to another high-profile free agent. Three-time All-Star Roy Oswalt wants to play for either the Rangers or the St. Louis Cardinals next year, according to a report for Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal. "The Rangers, in the view of some executives, are the favorites to land Oswalt, even though they already have six starting pitchers, including right-hander Alexi Ogando, who could move to the bullpen," Rosenthal wrote."
Texas likely out of Prince Fielder free-agent derby
January 24
USA Today
 
"The Texas Rangers believe they are out out of the bidding for free-agent slugger Prince Fielder, according to a person with knowledge of the talks, but not authorized to speak publicly because of the ongoing negotiations. Fielder met Jan. 13 with Rangers' offiicals in Dallas, and they were among his strongest suitors. The Rangers' likely elimination would seem to make the Washington Nationals front-runners for Fielder's services. The Nationals have courted Fielder for months and have had ongoing negotiations, but have waited patiently for the bidding process to unfold."
Asst. GM Levine: If Rangers don't sign Prince Fielder, it won't be for a lack of creativity
January 22
Dallas Morning News
 
"With more than $100 million sunk into Yu Darvish and a handful of core players lined up for big pay raises, the Rangers' pursuit of Prince Fielder seems to be on life support. Unless Fielder significantly slashes his contract demands, Texas' front office is skeptical it can find the cash to make such a move work. But the Ranger brass has developed a reputation as an industrious and innovative group under Jon Daniels, and assistant general manager Thad Levine isn't willing to count the club out entirely. "I will just tell you that Jon Daniels is an amazingly creative general manager," Levine said on MLB Network Radio when asked about the club's financial flexibility. "We are aware of"
The latest Prince Fielder chatter around the league
January 22
Washington Post
 
"The Nationals have stayed quiet for some time on Prince Fielder. General Manager Mike Rizzo has been declining comment on a near-daily basis for the past week or so, even deciding against taking questions from reporters when the team announced Gio Gonzalez's contract extension. Other efforts to get the Nationals' perspective on their pursuit of Fielder have come up empty, too. There have been no signs, at least publicly, that the wait for Fielder to sign is much closer to ending. But a few executives across the league have been weighing in on the Fielder sweepstakes. Here's the latest: >>> Today in Baltimore, Orioles GM Dan Duquette indicated to reporters, including MASN.com, that the"
Rangers co-owner Bob Simpson would rather re-sign Josh Hamilton than sign Prince Fielder
January 21
Dallas Morning News
 
"Bob Simpson, who along with Ray Davis is the co-lead investor and co-chairman of the Rangers ownership group, said Friday might that he agrees with general manager Jon Daniels' assertion that signing free agent first baseman Prince Fielder is unlikely. Simpson didn't completely rule out the possibility, but said Fielder's asking price and the Rangers' estimated $125 million 2012 payroll makes a deal highly unlikely. "I think he's, given our set of cards, too pricey," Simpson said. "And if that were to change, I guess they would look at that harder. But right now I think he's priced himself out of what we could do.""
With Yu Darvish on team, Prince Fielder looks doubtful
January 19
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
 
"General manager Jon Daniels said on Wednesday that the chances of signing free-agent first baseman Prince Fielder aren't good after the club agreed to terms with right-hander Yu Darvish. The total package for Darvish deal -- six years, $60 million ($56 million guaranteed) and a $51.7 million posting fee --- will push the Rangers' payroll to an all-time high. With the number of core players the Rangers are hoping to sign to extensions and the spare parts that still need to be added before spring training, Fielder doesn't seem like a fit in the budget."
Rangers, Yu Darvish reach deal
January 18
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
 
"The Texas Rangers believe they have secured the ace that has been missing from the franchise for many seasons, and the biggest sports star in Japan has signed with the major-league team at the top of his wish list. Right-hander Yu Darvish and the Rangers agreed to a six-year, $60 million deal Wednesday afternoon only minutes before a 4 p.m. deadline at the end of a 30-day negotiating window. The Yu-phoria officially began minutes later. "Oooh, baby," read a text message from a high-ranking club official moments after the term sheet was signed and submitted to Major League Baseball. Darvish will be introduced at a news conference Friday evening at Rangers Ballpark. He will wear No. 11, his"
Darvish will sign, likely six year deal
January 18
CBSSports.com
 
"Starting pitcher Yu Darvish will sign with the Texas Rangers before the 5 p.m. ET deadline, sources have told CBSSports.com insider Jon Heyman. The deal is likely to be for six years, Heyman has also learned. The Rangers paid a reported $51.7 million simply for the right to negotiate with Darvish. Darvish, a 25-year-old right-hander, has been the ace of the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters for five years. In those five seasons, Darvish is 76-28 with a sparkling 1.72 ERA and 0.89 WHIP. He's struck out 9.5 batters per nine innings and walked just 1.9 per nine. He's also thrown 50 complete games and 15 shutouts. In 2011, Darvish went 18-6 with a 1.44 ERA, 0.83 WHIP and 276 strikeouts in 232"
Rangers might be trying to decide between Hamilton, Fielder
January 15
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
 
"Josh Hamilton, feeling fine and potentially a free agent after the 2012 season, said on Saturday that he would gladly welcome the addition of free-agent first baseman Prince Fielder. "To imagine our lineup with Prince Fielder in it, it's pretty ridiculous looking," Hamilton said. "The short porch in right, my man could hit bombs. It would be pretty exciting to throw him in the mix." The goal, said Hamilton, is to put the best team on the field for 2012 and win the World Series after finishing as the runners-up the past two seasons. Fielder would be an upgrade, though at a steep price. So steep, in fact, that having him on the payroll could push a long-term extension for Hamilton out of the"
Josh Hamilton places spring training deadline on contract extension talk
January 15
Dallas Morning News
 
"Rangers OF Josh Hamilton said Saturday his deadline for executing a contract extension that would keep him from exploring free agency is the start of spring training. Prior to his appearance at Rangers Fan Fest, Hamilton said he wants to focus on the 2012 season. And, for him, the season starts when he reports to spring training. In the second year of a two-year deal, Hamilton can become a free agent after the coming season. Told the Rangers have historically gotten more serious with core players about extensions during spring training, Hamilton smiled. "Let's change that," he said."
Darvish, Rangers quibble over length of contract
January 15
Yahoo! Sports
 
"Star Japanese pitcher Yu Darvish's desire for a five-year contract and the Texas Rangers' preference of a six-year deal is the greatest sticking point between the sides as negotiations barrel toward a deadline Wednesday at 5 p.m. ET, according to major league sources. Although most players crave longer deals, Darvish, 25, would stand to benefit from a shorter contract. Not only would he reach free agency a year earlier, he would reap market-value free agent dollars instead of the below-market contract Texas is offering. Because the Rangers placed a $51.7 million bid to his Japanese team strictly for the right to negotiate with Darvish, the deal they're pushing – similar to the six-year,"
Rangers test water by talking to Prince Fielder
January 14
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
 
"When Los Angeles signed free agents Albert Pujols and C.J. Wilson within the same hour on the final day of the winter meetings, Texas Rangers officials and players said that the Angels were trying to play catch-up. No counterpunch mega-signing was needed, nor would one be sought. On that same December day, it was announced that Yu Darvish would be posted, and the Rangers won the rights to negotiate with the Japanese right-hander 10 days later. That process is going well enough that Rangers president Nolan Ryan has said that he expects that a deal with be completed by the 4 p.m. Wednesday deadline to sign Darvish. Then, Friday arrived, and the Rangers again dipped their toes in the deep end"
Source: Prince Fielder talks to Rangers
January 14
ESPN.com
 
"The Texas Rangers' interest in Prince Fielder is high enough that a handful of club officials met with the free-agent slugger in a face-to-face meeting at a Dallas-area hotel Friday. Rangers CEO Nolan Ryan said Saturday at Rangers FanFest that the club's meeting with Fielder and agent Scott Boras was "very preliminary." Ryan was asked by a young fan as part of a Q&A at FanFest at the Arlington Convention Center what he thought about the meeting. "We met Prince yesterday and his agent Scott Boras to try to get a true feel for where they are at this point in time in his free agency to see if we thought there might be something there that would work for the Texas Rangers," Ryan said. "It's"
Sources: Rangers met with Prince Fielder, Scott Boras Friday
January 14
Dallas Morning News
 
"According to a number of major league sources, the Rangers' management hierarchy met with free agent 1B Prince Fielder and his agent, Scott Boras, Friday afternoon at a local hotel. Among those in the Rangers contingent were GM Jon Daniels, assistant GM Thad Levine, CEO Nolan Ryan and manager Ron Washington. Boras is believed to still be seeking an eight- to 10-year deal for Fielder, 27, who is one of baseball's most productive left-handed sluggers. The Rangers are not likely to go to eight guaranteed years for any player."
Reports: Prince Fielder talks to Rangers
January 13
ESPN.com
 
"Free-agent slugger Prince Fielder is in Dallas to meet with the Texas Rangers at an area hotel, according to multiple media reports. According to USA Today, the former Milwaukee Brewers first baseman and Rangers general manager Jon Daniels were in the lobby of the hotel. The Rangers are one of a handful of teams interested in the top hitter remaining on the free-agent market, but according to USA Today, the meeting should not be taken to mean that they are the favorite. According to CBSSports.com, Fielder has embarked on a tour of teams."
Rangers expressing interest in free agent Hiroki Kuroda?
January 8
Hardball Talk
 
"Take this one with a grain of salt, as Japanese news services have been wrong many times before about the goings-on in MLB. But here's the report… According to Sponichi, via the invaluable Patrick Newman of NPB Tracker, the Rangers are expressing free-agent interest in Hiroki Kuroda. Kuroda has drawn attention from several teams this offseason, including the Yankees, Red Sox, Orioles and Rockies, but he's not budging from an asking price that is thought to be in the range of $12-$13 million annually. The Rangers might not have that kind of room in their budget, and they already have six viable starters on their 40-man roster in Derek Holland, Colby Lewis, Neftali Feliz, Matt Harrison,"
Report: Rangers interested in veteran 1B/OF Brad Hawpe
January 7
Dallas Morning News
 
"The Texas Rangers are among a handful of teams interested in veteran Brad Hawpe, reported MLB.com's T.R. Sullivan on Friday. Sullivan said the Rangers view Hawpe as insurance for first baseman Mitch Moreland should his return from wrist surgery go worse than expected. Though Hawpe has spent a vast majority of his eight-year career in the outfield, he made 42 starts at first base for the San Diego Padres last year. MLB.com's Jesse Sanchez reported Friday that Hawpe "could be close to signing a Minor League deal" with one of at least three teams that have expressed interest in him."
Rangers acquire RHP Greg Reynolds from Rockies
January 6
Dallas Morning News
 
"The Texas Rangers have acquired right-handed pitcher Greg Reynolds from Colorado in exchange for infielder Chad Tracy. Reynolds has been assigned to Round Rock (AAA). Reynolds, 26, was selected second overall by Colorado in the 2006 MLB first-year player draft. He had five separate stints in the majors last season, going 3-0 with a 6.19 ERA in 13 games for Colorado. He spent the rest of the season at Colorado Springs (AAA), going 6-7 with a 6.81 ERA in 19 games/starts."
Darvish's visit to Dallas a sign he'll sign
January 3
CBSSports.com
 
"Yu Darvish just visited the Dallas-Fort Worth area, as the Rangers acknowledged. Nobody is saying yet that Darvish and the Rangers are close to a deal yet. But everyone knows he will eventually have one. And Darvish's visit can only be seen as another positive sign in a negotiation that is sure to end with Darvish signing with the Rangers and taking over C.J. Wilson's role as Rangers ace. Negotiations are ongoing, and indications are that there's progress being made. They are about halfway through the 30-day negotiating window, but this may be one negotiation that doesn't go the limit. "There's no reason to think this won't get done. There's no reason to think this has to go to the"
Yu Darvish visiting Metroplex
January 3
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
 
"Right-hander Yu Darvish, the Japanese star who is in negotiations for a multiyear contract with Rangers, is in the Metroplex with his father to gain a better understanding of the area and get a first-hand look at the operations of the reigning American League champions. General manager Jon Daniels confirmed that Darvish is in town after news of a visit surfaced overnight in the Japanese media. Daniels declined to discuss the details of Darvish's trip, but he isn't expected to be in town much longer. Darvish is planning to start his preseason workouts this week in Japan."
Oliver leaves Rangers, signs with Blue Jays
December 31
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
 
"Darren Oliver is headed to the Toronto Blue Jays.The veteran left-handed reliever expressed interest in returning to the Texas Rangers earlier this off-season, but they never made a formal offer.Instead, Oliver accepted a one-year contract with the Blue Jays on Friday, according to a source. The deal is pending a physical and, assuming Oliver passes, the Rangers will receive a supplemental first round pick in the 2012 MLB First-Year Player Draft.Oliver, a Southlake resident originally drafted by the Rangers in 1988, spent the past two seasons with the organization. He went 5-5 with a 2.29 ERA in 61 games last season, holding left-handed batters to an average of .227.In the postseason,"
Source: Darren Oliver close to deal with Toronto
December 30
Dallas Morning News
 
"The Rangers' month-long negotiating period with Yu Darvish - and the hefty investment it will require to sign the Japanese right-hander - does come with a price tag. It appears it has cost them the opportunity to bring Darren Oliver back to the bullpen. According to two major league sources, Oliver is close to signing a deal with Toronto - the club that finished as runnerup to the Rangers in the Darvish sweepstakes. Oliver, 41, was the Rangers' top lefty reliever each of the last two seasons. Oliver, who lives in Southlake, had expressed interest in returning to the Rangers and there was mutual interest. He met with GM Jon Daniels in early December, but the Rangers did not make any"
Boras' tactics loom over market for Prince
December 26
MLB.com
 
"What's the market for Prince Fielder? Plenty of baseball executives would love to know the answer to that one. Welcome to the world of Scott Boras. The Orioles are in. The Orioles are out. Possibly. The Nationals definitely are in unless they happen to be out. The Mariners have some interest. Most likely. The Blue Jays, too. The Cubs make some sense, but they've said nothing. The Rangers? They appear to be sitting this one out, but don't bet next month's rent on them staying out. And don't forget the mystery team. Boras always has one or two of them in play. Do they exist? The Red Sox doubted a mystery team existed in their negotiations with Boras regarding Johnny Damon six years ago."
Cespedes, the latest international sensation
December 26
Foxsports.com
 
"Cespedes, the talented Cuban defector, is expected to establish residency in the Dominican Republic and be cleared to play by US officials soon after the New Year. And then he's likely to sign for more than the $30.25 million countryman Aroldis Chapman received from the Reds, according to nearly all of the dozen executives I polled. The reasons for such a large contract, according to one team official, include a lower injury risk than Chapman, a larger number of interested teams, the new CBA and hype created by YouTube videos showcasing Cespedes' superlative athletic ability. Baseball officials with expertise in Latin America believe the Yankees, Cubs, Phillies, Blue Jays, Rangers, Tigers,"
Mariners, Nats, O's among teams eyeing Prince
December 21
CBSSports.com
 
"Indications are the Mariners, Nationals and Orioles are among about a half-dozen teams still eyeing star free agent Prince Fielder. The Fielder derby is heating up, as some teams have made offers or at least given an indication where they'd be willing to go monetarily for the slugger. The Cubs, Rangers, Blue Jays, Marlins and incumbent Brewers also have been mentioned as possibilities for Prince. The Mariners are one of the teams that's suggested their price range for Fielder, although it's unclear how serious Fielder might be about willing to play on the West Coast. Some close to the Florida product and longtime Brewer have suggested he'd prefer to stay in the East or Central time zones."
Don't count out Rangers on Fielder
December 20
CBSSports.com
 
"So now that the Rangers have bid $51.7 million on Yu Darvish, they have to be out of the Prince Fielder sweepstakes, right? Not necessarily. The Rangers have always seemed on the periphery of the Fielder derby, but they still appear to be eyeing the top remaining free agent even after winning the Darvish auction and presumably targeting at least $100 million, and likely more, for the star 25-year-old right-handed pitcher from the Nippon Ham Fighters. Texas is a threat to win Fielder, too, provided that the Rangers are willing to make the financial commitment it would take, as it is a desirable landing spot with an already stacked lineup and fine hitting ballpark."
Rangers bid $51.7 million, win Darvish sweepstakes
December 20
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
 
"Yu Darvish is coming to Texas. At least the Rangers are the only MLB team he can play for next season. MLB announced late Monday night that the Rangers won the negotiating rights for the star Japanese right-hander. Yahoo! Sports reported the bid to be a record $51.7 million. Now, Texas has a 30-day window to negotiate a contract with the 25-year-old Darvish. If a deal can't be reached, the Rangers will not pay the posting fee. "The Texas Rangers are pleased and excited to have acquired the rights to negotiate with Yu Darvish," the team said in a statement. "Our organization has scouted Mr. Darvish for the last several years and has been very impressed with his abilities and"
Darvish announcement likely Monday night
December 19
MLB.com
 
"All of the speculation surrounding Japanese phenom Yu Darvish is expected to end on Monday night. Darvish's agent, Don Nomura, sent out a tweet on Monday morning saying an announcement will be made on the winning bid late Tuesday morning in Japan, or around 9 p.m. ET on Monday. SI.com has reported that the bid for the right-handed Darvish, currently with the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters, exceeds the Red Sox's $51.11 million bid for Daisuke Matsuzaka in 2006 as the highest in the history of posting of Japanese players."
Japanese officials: Winning bid for Darvish to set posting record
December 18
SI.com
 
"Contrary to published reports, the top sealed bid submitted for star Japanese pitcher Yu Darvish on Wednesday was the highest in the history of the posting process, exceeding the record $51.1 million fee that the Boston Red Sox paid the Seibu Lions for the rights to negotiate with Daisuke Matsuzaka in 2006, according to Japanese league officials. Though the identity of the major league franchise that won exclusive negotiating rights to the 25-year-old right-hander has yet to be revealed, Japanese league officials say that the offer to Darvish's team, the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters, is higher than the $40-48 million range that has been reported in the U.S. and Japan."
Jays frontrunners for Darvish?
December 16
Toronto Sun
 
"Where will free agent Yu Darvish land? Someone in the commissioner's office in New York knows for sure. Right now, the perception is that the Blue Jays have outbid both the New York Yankees and the Texas Rangers for the Japanese right-hander, according to industry sources on Wednesday night. That view is shared by half a dozen front offices, but no one at 1 Blue Jays Way is talking. Not even a puff of smoke from the CN Tower. How much did the Chicago Cubs bid remains to be seen. New Cubs president Theo Epstein won the bidding for Daisuke Matsuzaka in 2006 when Epstein was with the Boston Red Sox. "I was told Rogers Communications said: 'Whatever it costs, sign him,' " said one"
Darvish's fate now in hands of Japanese team
December 15
MLB.com
 
"The 5 p.m. ET Wednesday deadline for Major League teams to submit their bids for Japanese star pitcher Yu Darvish has come and gone. Now, clubs will wait for Darvish's Japanese club, the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters, to review offers for the right to exclusively negotiate with the prized 25-year-old right-hander. At the conclusion of what amounts to a four-day silent auction, the team with the highest bid will have 30 days to reach an agreement with Darvish. If a deal is reached, the winning club will pay the posting fee and Darvish will have free reign to play stateside. Should no deal be finalized, Darvish's rights will return to the Fighters. There is mystery surrounding the submissions"
Rangers not fishing for Fielder, Darvish
December 13
Foxsports.com
 
"That counter-punch to the Los Angeles Angels that many expect from the Texas Rangers probably is not coming. The Rangers are more focused on trading for a starting pitcher than signing free-agent first baseman Prince Fielder or even pursuing Japanese right-hander Yu Darvish, according to major league sources. The team's payroll flexibility, sources say, is not as significant as many in the industry previously believed. Thus, the Rangers are exploring more cost-effective moves for pitchers such as Cubs right-hander Matt Garza, Athletics lefty Gio Gonzalez and Rays righty Wade Davis. None would be nearly as expensive as Fielder, who is likely to command a free-agent deal of at least $150"
Report: Rangers interested in Brewers' Casey McGehee, Rays' Wade Davis
December 11
Dallas Morning News
 
"Though the winter meetings are over, the Rangers are still looking at options in Milwaukee and Tampa to improve their club, according to the New York Post. With the signing of free-agent Prince Fielder unlikely according to the report, the Rangers might pursue the Brewers' Casey McGehee, making a trade of Mitch Moreland to the Rays for pitcher Wade Davis more likely."
Rangers, Kinsler talking new deal
December 10
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
 
"General manager Jon Daniels has said throughout the off-season that retaining the core players from two World Series runs is the top priority for the Texas Rangers, though for now the process is in the preliminary stages. Count second baseman Ian Kinsler as one of the players whom the Rangers have contacted about a long-term extension. Kinsler, who has one year remaining on his contract plus a $10 million club option for 2013, said his agent, Jay Franklin, has talked to Rangers brass about a new deal. "I want to stay here," Kinsler said. "I was drafted by the Rangers, and I want to be a Ranger. You never know how long it's going to take. I think the sooner the better for them, and the"