Sports News and Trade Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

Texas Rangers' Hamilton hopes to return soon

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July 3

Dallas Morning News

"The search for the missing piece from the Rangers lineup resumed in a state where the best-known ballpark is carved out of a cornfield. But Josh Hamilton was some three hours southwest of the Field of Dreams on Thursday night, instead playing center field for Triple-A Oklahoma City at the 11,000-seat Principal Park.But his field of dreams is Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. Hamilton, who is on the disabled list after having surgery to repair a torn abdominal muscle, hopes to resume patrolling center field there and batting third as soon as Saturday. The Rangers will gladly welcome the return of their best run producer, who hit 32 homers last season, drove in 130 runs and has the ability to ..."

Might Rangers be in Lackey's future?

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July 2

Orange County Register

"John Lackey said he has never met his boyhood hero. But he might get that chance this winter. With Lackey headed toward free agency, he could find the Texas Rangers- and their club president, Nolan Ryan - knocking on his door as one of his suitors. In that situation, would Lackey have the guts to tell the pitching icon, "No?" "I'm not sure who does," Lackey said with a laugh. "It'd be cool, no doubt (to meet Ryan under those circumstances). But I'm not even thinking that far ahead." Lackey said that "the Rangers were my team growing up" about 150 miles west of Dallas in Abilene, Texas. But he there are "a lot of factors" that will come into play beyond the chance to pitch close to home. ..."

With Harrison on DL, Texas eyes arms

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June 29

MLB.com

"Matt Harrison's arm problems could force the Rangers to make starting pitching a priority in any trade discussions they have with other teams. General manager Jon Daniels said last week that he was more inclined to look at improving the bullpen. But that was before Harrison was placed on the disabled list Sunday with biceps tendinitis in his left arm. Now starting pitching may be a bigger concern for the Rangers and a bigger priority. "It might," Daniels said Sunday. "We probably have more internal options in the bullpen than in the rotation. [Starting pitching] is something we're looking at but there are not that many starting pitchers available and I don't expect that to change. Not many ..."

Hamilton will play in Frisco

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June 29

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

"Josh Hamilton will take another step toward returning to the lineup this week when he begins a rehab assignment. Hamilton, who had surgery to repair a partially torn abdominal muscle 20 days ago, will play for Double A Frisco tonight against Corpus Christi in Frisco. He'll bat leadoff as Frisco's designated hitter. The 2008 All-Star will be re-evaluated by the Rangers on Tuesday. If there are no complications, he will join Triple A Oklahoma City because Frisco will be off for the All-Star break. The RedHawks begin a three-game series in Iowa on Wednesday night. General manager Jon Daniels said there's a chance Hamilton could be ready to play for Texas on Saturday when the Rangers host ..."

If Rangers deal, upgrading bullpen will be likely goal

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June 24

Dallas Morning News

"General manager Jon Daniels said the bullpen is the area that probably could be upgraded by a deal before the July 31 trade deadline, but the Rangers might also try to improve from within the organization for a run at the playoffs. Daniels said the potential trade market has yet to shake out as several teams are trying to determine if they will be sellers. As a result, his volume of conversations with other clubs is the same as other seasons. Even though the Rangers' offense was struggling as it entered a three-game series against Arizona, most of Daniels' future calls with other clubs will center on pitching. "I'm still of the mind-set of continuing to strengthen the pitching staff, if ..."

Source: Injured Glaus has trade appeal at 1B/DH

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June 23

Foxsports.com

"Here's another name to consider for all those teams in the market for a first baseman or designated hitter. Troy Glaus. Glaus, who has yet to play this season while recovering from surgery on his right shoulder, is progressing better with his hitting than his throwing, according to a source with knowledge of his recovery process. While Glaus hit off a pitching machine for the first time Monday and could be ready for a minor-league rehabilitation assignment by the middle of next week, he is struggling to throw at distances of greater than 90 feet, the source said. If Glaus cannot play third base, he will be of virtually no use to the Cardinals. Albert Pujols, perhaps the best player in the ..."

Ten ball clubs that can add payroll

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June 22

SI.com

"Baseball is doing better than most businesses. But you know something's amiss when even the Yankees are claiming they can't add salary or expand their payroll. Ultimately, the $200 million team just might find a few mil in the seat cushions. But for now anyway, they're saying they are tapped out. The same may be true for the Cubs, yet another storied big-market club that may not spend this summer. The Cubs' situation could be compromised by the glacial pace of the team's sale. At present, their player dealings appear to be in the same sort of limbo as the sale, meaning their big in-season acquisition may be limited to recovering star Aramis Ramirez. The Rangers also are believed to have ..."

Nats' Johnson on Rangers' radar

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June 16

Foxsports.com

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"The bullpen is the Rangers' biggest concern — the team's relievers have allowed the second-highest opponents' OPS in the American League, ahead of only the Angels. The Rangers, however, also would like to upgrade their rotation, and remain the leading contender to sign free-agent right-hander Ben Sheets, who is recovering from elbow surgery. Another issue is the offense, which is averaging only 3.25 runs per game in June. Club officials have discussed making a run at Nationals first baseman Nick Johnson, sources say. Such a move, however, appears unlikely. If the Rangers replace Chris Davis — who leads the majors with 92 strikeouts and owns the lowest OPS of any regular first baseman — ..."

Red Sox reliever drawing interest from several teams

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June 16

Foxsports.com

"For all the talk about the Red Sox trading right-handed starter Brad Penny, the team might be just as inclined to move right-handed reliever Takashi Saito. The Sox discussed sending Saito to the Rangers for infielder Hank Blalock, major-league sources say. The talks, however, were tabled after Rangers center fielder Josh Hamilton underwent right-abdominal surgery on June 2. They are unlikely to revive, sources say, in part because of the resurgence of Sox designated hitter David Ortiz, who has a 1.001 OPS in June. Saito, however, remains in demand, with several teams expressing interest. At this point, the Sox probably would prefer to trade him for a prospect, according to one source. The ..."

Rangers' top draft pick expects deal will get done

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June 16

Dallas Morning News

"Last Tuesday marked the biggest day in the life of Matt Purke, a soon-to-be 19-year-old who can throw a baseball better than any prep prospect in Texas, and perhaps in the country. A week has passed since the Rangers made the left-hander from Klein their first-round draft choice, 14th overall, in the First-Year Player Draft. Now, another key date awaits. Aug. 17 is the deadline for teams to sign their draft picks or lose them to the 2010 draft pool. Purke could sign at some point between now and then, but if he hasn't, he figures to be in close proximity to Rangers Ballpark in Arlington that day - either to sign a contract with the Rangers well above slot money (the amount the ..."

Sox not in a hurry to trade Brad Penny, Street being scouted

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June 15

SI.com

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"The Red Sox now "aren't in a hurry" to trade Brad Penny, who hit the mid-90s in his last start vs. the Yankees, even with John Smoltz seemingly ready to go. While it appears they have too much pitching, they also know there's no such thing. The market also hasn't been great so far for Penny, thanks to his $5 million salary. Perhaps with the pitching market dying, though, he'll begin to look better to someone. • Rockies closer Huston Street is being heavily scouted. Among the teams that need a reliever are the Yankees, Rangers and Angels. The Rays, Cubs and Twins might also consider bullpen help. • The Cardinals continue to scour the market for a bat. • Giants lefty Jonathan Sanchez is on ..."

Texas Rangers stick to plan concerning draft picks

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June 9

Dallas Morning News

"Baseball's top minor league system has strength in arms. The Rangers, long known for their offense, may be changing that perception. Pitchers have been stockpiled from different sources, but the annual First-Year Player Draft has helped the Rangers acquire many of those minor league arms. The draft philosophy has been simple: Select the best available player each pick. Talent, make-up, risk and signability might make the Rangers' idea of who's best vary from other clubs. Position isn't a factor, no matter how much depth the Rangers might already have. That plan hasn't failed. According to Baseball America, the Rangers have the most enviable roster of prospects in the game. "I don't ..."

Sources: Dellucci hopes to play in Texas

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June 8

ESPN.com

"Dave Dellucci, cut loose recently by the Cleveland Indians, is interested in returning to the Texas Rangers, a team for which he played two seasons earlier in his career, according to sources. Dellucci, 35, batted .275 for the Indians in 40 at-bats earlier this year. He cleared waivers on June 2, and can sign with any team for the prorated minimum salary. The Rangers recently lost left-handed hitting slugger Josh Hamilton to an abdominal injury that might knock him out for much of the rest of the season."

Puzzled Omar Vizquel: No sign of Boston

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June 7

Boston Herald

"The solution to the Red Sox [team stats]' shortstop problem may very well have been sitting in the visitors dugout last night. Veteran Omar Vizquel probably isn't going anywhere with the Rangers leading the AL West, but he won't lie - he wishes the Red Sox made a play for him when they had a chance. "They haven't even called anybody to see if I'd want to go, or if (Texas) would let me go," Vizquel said before last night's 8-1 Sox win at Fenway Park [map]. "They haven't really called me ever. They didn't call in the offseason. They didn't call in spring training. They always talk about it, but they never call the right people to see if I'm available." In the interests of accuracy, the Red ..."

Padilla clears waivers, scheduled to start Sunday

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June 6

Dallas Morning News

"Vicente Padilla was not claimed off waivers before the noon deadline Friday and remains on schedule to make his next start this weekend at Fenway Park. Padilla was not expected to be claimed after the Rangers put him on outright waivers Wednesday. His contract would have gone with him, a $9 million hit teams didn't want to take. He threw a bullpen session Friday and is scheduled to start the series finale Sunday. Though the Rangers might have sent a message to Padilla by exposing him to other teams, manager Ron Washington said he just wants Padilla to be competitive. "I expect him to do what we always expect him to do - go out there and keep us in the ballgame," Washington said. "If he ..."

Padilla wants to stay and help Texas Rangers compete for wins

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June 5

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

"Right-hander Vicente Padilla said he wants to remain with the Texas Rangers and help them stay in contention for the club's first postseason appearance since 1999. The Rangers placed their No. 2 starter on outright waivers Wednesday, sources said, in an effort to potentially free up some money while also shedding the rotation of Padilla's inconsistent performances. Padilla met with assistant general manager Thad Levine and pitching coach Mike Maddux after learning of the transaction, which is supposed to remain confidential. The two times Mark Teixeira was hit by pitches Tuesday were not discussed, said Padilla, who left the meeting with an understanding of the reasons that led to him ..."

Padilla expresses his desire to stay with Texas Rangers

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June 5

Dallas Morning News

"Right-hander Vicente Padilla said he wants to remain with the Rangers and help them stay in contention for the club's first postseason appearance since 1999. The Rangers placed their No. 2 starter on outright waivers Wednesday, sources said. Padilla met with assistant general manager Thad Levine and pitching coach Mike Maddux after learning of the transaction, which is supposed to remain confidential. Padilla struggled Tuesday in his first start back after a stint on the disabled list, lasting only 32/3 innings in a 12-3 loss to the Yankees. He hit Mark Teixeira with pitches twice Tuesday, but said that wasn't discussed in the meeting. Padilla said he left the meeting with an ..."

Rangers' Hamilton may miss months with sports hernia

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June 3

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

"An MRI and a visit with a specialist revealed that Josh Hamilton effectively has a sports hernia, and the Texas Rangers' center fielder could be out until September in a worst-case scenario. For now, the Rangers have placed their All-Star on the 15-day disabled list with a right abdominal strain. The injury was originally diagnosed as a groin strain after Hamilton crashed into the center-field wall at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington on May 17. He will seek a second opinion in the coming days, assistant general manager Thad Levine said Tuesday before the Rangers were routed 12-3 in the first of three games this week at Yankee Stadium. The hope is that the injury responds to rest and ..."

Hamilton to have MRI, may go on DL

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June 1

Dallas Morning News

"Outfielder Josh Hamilton is scheduled to have an MRI today on his midsection after not starting Sunday. Hamilton pinch hit in the ninth inning and singled off Andrew Bailey, but was replaced by a pinch runner. Hamilton will meet Tuesday with Dr. John Preskitt, who performed surgery on Ian Kinsler last season after he had a sports hernia. General manager Jon Daniels said Hamilton is seeing Preskitt so the Rangers can rule out a hernia. After the appointment, Hamilton is flying to New York to join the team. Hamilton is hoping to avoid a second trip to the disabled list this season. "We'll know in the next couple of days," Hamilton said. "Right now I'm hurt and sore and can't run.""

Hamilton remains 'day-to-day' with groin injury

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May 21

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

"Josh Hamilton was out of the Texas Rangers' lineup again Wednesday night, and he doesn't seem sure when he'll be back patrolling center field. The answer could be within the next few games after he pinch-hit in the ninth inning, but the All-Star called himself "day-to-day" on a day when he tested his strained right groin for the first time since injuring it Sunday. Hamilton hit in the batting cages at Comerica Park and faced live pitching against Frank Francisco. But Hamilton felt discomfort around the injured area, not in the groin specifically, while jogging, and that was enough to keep him out of the lineup for a second straight game. "I swung and felt fine swinging," Hamilton said. ..."

Sheets just a spectator in visit with Rangers

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May 16

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

"Ben Sheets isn't throwing, and the free agent doesn't know when he will crank up his surgically repaired right arm again or if he will be able to pitch this season. But he's starting to find his way to Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. He watched batting practice from the top step of the Texas Rangers' dugout Friday before walking into the clubhouse with Mike Maddux. "The man's got good taste and knows where to hang out," said general manager Jon Daniels, who called Sheets' presence an informal visit between a pitcher and his old pitching coach as he recovers from elbow surgery. Sheets said he will visit with his surgeon, Dr. James Andrews, next week and hopes to learn when he can resume ..."

Texas Rangers' Francisco might go to DL

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May 13

Dallas Morning News

"Rangers closer Frank Francisco's perfect season has been sidetracked by biceps tendinitis. Francisco, who has nine saves in 14 appearances with a 0.00 ERA, will probably miss the entire Seattle series, and general manager Jon Daniels said the he could end up on the disabled list. "We can't rule that out as a possibility at this point," Daniels said. "Right now we're going to go day to day and see how Frankie progresses and see where the needs are in the pen." Francisco informed the team Saturday in Chicago that his shoulder was sore, and he visited with team doctor Keith Meister Monday, who gave him an MRI. Daniels said the MRI was normal for a pitcher Francisco was given an injection ..."

Hamilton still fending off trip to DL

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April 30

MLB.com

"Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton, sidelined with a strained rib cage muscle, continues to show enough improvement to avoid the disabled list, but he is still not ready to return to the lineup. Hamilton, who is getting daily treatment, was out of the lineup again Thursday against the Athletics, and he is not optimistic about being able to play this weekend against the White Sox. "Probably not," Hamilton said. "It's getting better ... not doing any baseball activities, I'm probably feeling 60 percent better. That doesn't mean that if I started swinging the bat, I wouldn't go back to where I was before." Hamilton, who sustained the injury April 21 in Toronto, last started Saturday against ..."

Hamilton out of lineup, may go on DL

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April 28

MLB.com

"Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton could likely end up on the on the disabled list with a bruised left rib cage. Hamilton was not in the lineup again on Tuesday and will be examined this evening by Dr. Keith Meister, the Rangers team physician. "I'm in extreme pain, no matter what I do," Hamilton said. Hamilton injured the rib cage running into a wall last Tuesday in Toronto. He has started just three of the Rangers last six games. He was not in the lineup on Sunday or Monday. "I probably need to rest it and let it heal," Hamilton said. "I've been battling through it the last four or five days. I tried it yesterday in batting practice and it didn't feel right.""

Hicks says creditors won't get Rangers, Stars after reported default

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April 4

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

"Hicks Sports Group, which owns the Texas Rangers and Dallas Stars, has failed to make an interest payment on $525 million in loans, according to a report Friday morning. A financial website, FINalternatives, cited a source who said Hicks defaulted on a $350 million bank term loan, a $100 million second-lien loan and a $75 million revolving credit facility. Dallas investor Tom Hicks, who runs the professional baseball and hockey teams through Hicks Sports Group, announced earlier this week that he's looking to sell up to 46 percent of his 95 percent stake. In an e-mail Friday morning to the Star-Telegram, he responded to the published report that the teams were in default. "There is no ..."

Lunch date between Tom Hicks, David McDavid could lead to partnership

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April 2

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

"For most of his life, David McDavid has had an itch he's never been quite able to scratch. Maybe he can do that with the Texas Rangers. While the Rangers were in the process of counting down their dwindling days in the Arizona sunshine here Tuesday, McDavid and Tom Hicks were having lunch at Hicks' offices at The Ballpark in Arlington, the initial meeting in what could bring McDavid aboard as the minority partner Hicks has been hoping to find. Whether that might also include a share of the Dallas Stars as well remains to be seen, but there are certainly indications in McDavid's background - he has talked to Hicks about buying the Stars in the past - that indicate that could happen, too. "I ..."

Rangers' rotation needs someone like Benson

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March 30

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

"It was one of those innings that makes a manager cringe and a pitching coach pull his hair out. Four base hits, two hit batters, four runs home, 40-plus pitches, all in the first inning. It was like watching a train wreck unfold and Rangers' manager Ron Washington had seen it before, all too often. He knew where this was headed. Once momentum starts rolling downhill like that, it's almost impossible to stop. Except this time, it did. As Washington resisted the temptation to cover his eyes, the same pitcher who'd just been drilled strode purposefully back to the mound in the second inning and said, in so many words, "That's enough. It all ends now." Yeah, kind of like the movie Wyatt Earp ..."

Hamilton turns down Rangers' first extension offer

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March 26

Dallas Morning News

"Negotiations between Josh Hamilton and the Texas Rangers on a multiyear contract extension have opened, and the All-Star center fielder has turned down the club's initial offer. Hamilton said Wednesday that he received a proposal Tuesday night, but he and agent Mike Moye were not impressed. Hamilton did not disclose terms of the offer - nor did general manager Jon Daniels or owner Tom Hicks - but discussions will continue. "My agent and I were disappointed with their offer," said Hamilton, who will make $555,000 this season. "The negotiations have begun." Hicks said the Rangers probably will use past deals with second baseman Ian Kinsler and designated hitter Hank Blalock as a guideline ..."

Rangers offer extension to Hamilton

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March 25

MLB.com

"The Rangers have presented an offer on a contract extension to outfielder Josh Hamilton and his agent Michael Moye. Exact details of the offer are unavailable but the two sides are believed to be looking at a deal in the 4-6 year range with possible options. The initial offer did not get an immediate positive reception. "My agent and I were disappointed with their offer," Hamilton said. "The negotiations have begun." Hamilton, an American League All-Star, who hit .304 with 32 home runs and 130 RBI last year, is signed for this season at $555,000. He can be a free agent after the 2012 season"

Andruw Jones staying with Texas even though only shot is as backup

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March 23

Dallas Morning News

"Center fielder Andruw Jones is going to stick around with the Rangers, possibly until spring training ends, for a chance to make the opening-day roster. Jones, a five-time All-Star, is not going to opt out of his minor league contract Monday to become a free agent. General manager Jon Daniels and manager Ron Washington met with Jones before the team bus headed to Glendale, Ariz., for a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers. They again told him that his only shot at making the roster is as a bench player, and Jones told them he is willing to accept a reduced role. But he also knows there are no guarantees he will be on the roster when the season begins April 6. "They want me on the team, ..."

Rangers expect Andruw Jones to stay

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March 22

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

"General manager Jon Daniels left a meeting with center fielder Andruw Jones and manager Ron Washington with the belief that Jones will not opt out of his minor-league contract tomorrow even though he has been told the best role he can hope for is to be the club's fifth outfielder, part-time DH and pinch-hitter. The Rangers aren't planning to put him on the 40-man roster, Daniels said, but they want Jones to remain in camp so that they can continue their evaluation. "To his credit he's told us that he's willing to play any role on the club that we see fit," Daniels said. "He's indicated a desire to stay with us.""

Hamilton contract offer likely coming

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March 22

MLB.com

"All-Star outfielder Josh Hamilton is likely to get a pretty good idea in the next few days about the Rangers' intentions of getting him signed to a long-term contract extension. "I just know supposedly they may be putting something together," Hamilton said. "They didn't say they would, and they didn't say they wouldn't." The Rangers are expected to make a proposal to Hamilton's agent, Michael Moye, in the next few days. Rangers general manager Jon Daniels wants to talk with owner Tom Hicks before making at least an initial proposal. Moye is in town on personal business and could be available to meet with Daniels on Monday, when the Rangers will be off. Hamilton, who hit .304 with 32 home ..."

Andruw Jones could opt out of minor-league deal with Texas Rangers

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March 18

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

"Center fielder Andruw Jones had a message from agent Scott Boras on his cellphone when he headed to the clubhouse Tuesday, and the five-time All-Star assumed it was to talk about his future with the Rangers. Jones can opt out of his minor-league deal Friday if he isn't on the 40-man roster. Even though there is flexibility with the opt-out date, it looks more and more likely that the Rangers won't add Jones. He hasn't played in the past three Cactus League games. "We'll see what happens Friday. We'll probably make our decision," Jones said. "They probably will make their decision soon. The main thing is to go out there and get at-bats and get the work in that you need." The quest for ..."

Blalock a healthy gamble for Texas Rangers

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March 9

Dallas Morning News

"A torn left hamstring. Carpal tunnel release surgery. Thoracic outlet syndrome. And, on the flip side, career highs in on-base and slugging percentage. The last two years have been the strangest of Hank Blalock's Rangers career. They could have been his last. Rangers management had a difficult call to make this winter. Neither option sounded particularly inviting. Keep Blalock, who missed 201 games the last two seasons, and pay him $6.2 million for 2009. Or release him, save the money, and lose a productive bat the team has counted on for six years. "If I was the GM, it would have been a no-brainer," Blalock said. "But my feeling was that I would be OK no matter what they decided to ..."

Texas Rangers' Harrison not taking anything for granted

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March 4

Dallas Morning News

"Matt Harrison should have a certain comfort level this spring training. The left-hander just won't allow himself that right. "I have to prove myself all over again," Harrison said. "It's an honor to be mentioned as a possible starter, but I can't look at it that way. I have to work my tail off to earn that spot." Harrison certainly pitched like a regular member of the rotation his rookie season. After pitching well in Double-A and Triple-A, Harrison was called up last July because of injuries to the Rangers staff. He never went back down, compiling a 9-3 record. Harrison's nine victories were the most ever by a Rangers rookie left-hander. Only three American League pitchers had more ..."

Byrd almost ready

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February 27

Dallas Morning News

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"Outfielder Marlon Byrd expects to be cleared to participate in all baseball activities after meeting with Dr. Keith Meister today. Byrd could be in the lineup against the Cubs hours after the exam. Byrd, who had microfracture surgery on his left knee in October, said he ran at 95 percent of full speed this week. He said was at 70 percent 10 days ago, but the knee has responded to the warm Arizona weather. "All of the sudden, I found my gait," Byrd said. "I was 95 percent with no swelling and no pain.""

Andruw Jones agrees to deal with Rangers

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February 8

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

"General manager Jon Daniels confirmed a New York Post report that says the Rangers will announce this week that they have signed free-agent center fielder Andruw Jones to a minor-league contract. The value of the contract would be $500,000 if Jones makes the big-league roster with incentives that could play Jones $1 million if he plays regularly. Jones can opt out of his contract with the Rangers on March 20. A deal with reliever Brendan Donnelly should be completed in the next few days, Daniels said. Donnelly, who had Tommy John surgery in 2007, would make $950,000 if he makes the team and has two dates (March 27 and April 27) he can ask for his release if not on the big-league roster."

Rangers to sign Andruw Jones

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February 8

New York Post

"The Rangers will announce in the next few days that they have signed center fielder Andruw Jones to a minor league contract that will pay him a base salary of $500,000 if he makes the majors, the Post has learned. Jones will also have an opportunity to make $1 million more in bonuses, but to earn that total, he would have to be close to a full-time player, which is dubious at best. The Yankees had offered Jones a minor league contract, as well, a Yankee source confirmed following an initial report by SI.com. The Yanks would have had Jones come into camp and try to win the center field job instead of either Melky Cabrera or Brett Gardner. Jones is trying to resurrect his career and getting ..."

Texas Rangers interested in signing Andruw Jones

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February 8

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

"Free-agent center fielder Andruw Jones worked out last week at the Ballpark in Arlington, and the Texas Rangers are interested in signing the 10-time Gold Glove winner. General manager Jon Daniels confirmed that Jones, who batted a meager .158 last season, worked with hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo. A contract would likely be a minor-league deal with an invitation to spring training. The Dodgers released Jones last month after his only season in Los Angeles. He reported to spring training overweight, had knee surgery in May, and was on the bench as the Dodgers advanced to the National League Championship Series. The Rangers, though, could use another big right-handed bat; Jones hit 51 homers ..."

Texas Rangers take a look at Andruw Jones

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February 8

Dallas Morning News

"Free-agent center fielder Andruw Jones worked out Jan. 26 at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, and the Rangers are interested in signing the 10-time Gold Glove winner. General manager Jon Daniels confirmed that Jones, who batted a meager .158 last season after signing a two-year deal worth $36.2 million with the Los Angeles Dodgers, worked with hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo. Jones would probably be offered a minor-league deal with an invitation to spring training. The Dodgers released Jones last month after his only season in Los Angeles."

Andruw Jones close to signing with Rangers

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February 7

Yahoo! Sports

"Released last month by the Los Angeles Dodgers, outfielder Andruw Jones appears headed for a minor-league contract with the Texas Rangers, according to baseball sources. Jones, who will be 32 in April, is attempting to revive his career after a disastrous season in Los Angeles. He reportedly turned down an invitation from the Yankees to attend spring training as a non-roster player, but sees opportunity in Texas. Rangers president Nolan Ryan has said Josh Hamilton should move from center field to right field, where his body would not take the beating it did late last season, when he admittedly wore down. If Jones were to become fitter and regain his batting stroke, he could provide relief ..."

Reliever Guardado to return to Texas Rangers

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February 3

Dallas Morning News

"The Texas Rangers have turned to a familiar face to help shore up the bullpen, and they have done so without filling the final spot on the 40-man roster. Left-hander Eddie Guardado, 38, has agreed to return to the Rangers on a nonroster deal, according to major league sources. An announcement could be made within days after some final details are hashed out. The deal could be worth more than $3 million should Guardado make the big-league club and meet all performance incentives, and it could include a no-trade clause. A key component of the Guardado agreement for the Rangers is that a roster spot remains open in case they are able to sign free-agent starter Ben Sheets. General manager ..."

Pursuit of Sheets opens up for Texas

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January 27

MLB.com

"The Yankees were believed to be one of the Rangers' potential competitors in the pursuit of free-agent pitcher Ben Sheets. But they seemed to drop out of the picture on Monday when they re-signed pitcher Andy Pettitte to fill the last spot in their rotation. The Rangers view that as a good sign as they continue to show interest in Sheets. "Anytime somebody signs another starting pitcher, that obviously lessens the competition," Rangers president Nolan Ryan said Monday afternoon. "Obviously, Andy and Ben are at two different points in their careers, but I don't think Andy signing hurts anything." The Rangers are the only team that has publicly stated interest in Sheets, but the process ..."

Rangers' X-rays show Sheets as a risk, but a reward waiting to happen

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January 25

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

"All of baseball, the Texas Rangers and the Milwaukee Brewers included, have treaded lightly around the subject of Ben Sheets' pitching elbow. Which is abundantly understandable. A club doesn't want to spend $20 million over two years on a pitcher when the pitcher is destined to have Tommy John surgery and miss the next two seasons. So, the Rangers wait. They want to see more medical information. They want to make sure that the guaranteed money, the draft pick they would have to surrender to sign the free agent, and the odds of Sheets staying healthy all add up. Forget the addition, though. The only math necessary here is that the reward is greater than the risk. But the Rangers seem ..."

Ben Sheets' elbow still concerns Rangers

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January 25

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

"Lingering concerns over the status of Ben Sheets' right elbow could ultimately prevent the Texas Rangers from signing the free-agent All-Star pitcher to an incentive-laden contract. The Rangers have examined Sheets' medical reports, but sources said the club wants the most recent information on his torn flexor tendon. It's an injury the Rangers know too well. Jason Jennings lasted only six starts last season before suffering a second torn flexor tendon in nine months. In both instances - August 2007 and May 2008 - Jennings had surgery. Sheets' tear did not require surgery, and he has resumed his normal preseason throwing program. He threw twice last week at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. ..."

Sheets visits with Rangers; GM mum on offer

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January 23

Foxsports.com

"Free-agent right-hander Ben Sheets spent Thursday visiting the Rangers in Arlington, Tex. Sheets, accompanied by his agent, Casey Close, met with Rangers president Nolan Ryan, general manager Jon Daniels, manager Ron Washington and pitching coach Mike Maddux. Daniels confirmed Friday morning that the meeting took place, but declined comment when asked if the Rangers made Sheets an offer. The Rangers have shown consistent interest in Sheets, whose market has developed slowly due to a late-season elbow problem. Maddux, Sheets' pitching coach the past six years with the Brewers, joined the Rangers in November. Sheets, 30, pitched 198 1/3 innings despite his missed time last season, finishing ..."

There’s a catch for Red Sox

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January 23

Boston Herald

"Most reasonable minds would conclude that getting the Red Sox and Jason Varitek to agree on a new contract would create the most seamless outcome to the club’s catching vacancy. After all, the Red Sox’ hopes of making it to the postseason rest mostly upon the shoulders of the pitching staff, and nobody understands the staff’s stuff better than the 37-year-old Varitek. There is no guarantee, of course, that Varitek will sign. A club source said yesterday that the “status quo” remained in effect, meaning one week after owner John Henry flew to Atlanta to meet with him, there is no deal. The possibility remains that the Red Sox will have to turn to their two other options between today and ..."

Rockies joining Benson viewing party

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January 22

MLB.com

"The Rockies are one of at least seven teams who will spend Saturday in Phoenix looking at veteran pitcher Kris Benson, who finished last season in the Minors healthy after having missed 2007 with a shoulder injury that required surgery. In addition to the Rockies, Benson, 34, will be watched by the Dodgers, D-Backs, Rangers, Indians, Padres and Cardinals, and a few other teams are considering attending, his agent, Gregg Clifton, said Thursday morning. The Rockies have spent the offseason building rotation depth, and could be looking for one more pitcher to add to the mix. The Rockies have also expressed interest in another experienced right-hander, Josh Fogg, a member of the rotation that ..."

Rangers Trade Rumors