Texas Rangers Trade Rumors

Ron Washington's reprieve may be short-lived
Comment
March 18
Dallas Morning News
 columnist Tim Cowlishaw
"It is not surprising that the Rangers gave manager Ron Washington a second chance after he tested positive for cocaine last year. This is the land of second chances, and the organization has no more shining example of what the best use of second opportunities can produce than in the case of Josh Hamilton. But now that the story of Washington's failed drug test is public, the question is how long the Rangers can afford to stand behind their man. My guess? Not very long. Managers and players are not the same people. They don't do similar things for their teams. That's why I have to think Washington has drawn a very short leash from the Rangers' organization. Starting with the premise that ..."
Rangers add infielder off waivers from Brewers
Comment
March 15
Dallas Morning News
 
"The battle for the utility infielder spot has a new candidate. The Rangers claimed infielder Hernan Iribarren off waivers from the Milwaukee Brewers. To make room for Iribarren on the roster, the club put Eric Hurley on the 60-day disabled list. Iribarren is out of minor league options. Iribarren, who is expected in camp today, was hitting .167 in six games with Milwaukee this spring. He spent most of 2009 at Triple A Nashville, hitting .311 with three homers and 54 RBI."
Rangers obtain reliever from Yankees
Comment
March 10
Dallas Morning News
 
"The Rangers added another arm to their bullpen, acquiring right-hander Edwar Ramirez from the New York Yankees for cash considerations. The Yankees had designated Ramirez to clear a roster spot for Chan Ho Park. Ramirez, who turns 29 on March 28, split the 2009 season between Triple-A and the Yankees. With New York, he appeared in 20 games and was 0-0 with a 5.73 ERA."
Rangers' Hamilton: DH today?
Comment
March 7
Dallas Morning News
 
"Josh Hamilton's return to the lineup could come sooner than the Texas Rangers had expected. Hamilton said that if he feels good today, he'll be the team's designated hitter in a B game in Surprise. Hamilton, who has been slowed by a left shoulder contusion, threw to bases Friday and took batting practice Saturday. "I feel good," said Hamilton, who hadn't planned on throwing Friday."
Rangers void contract of Khalil Greene
Comment
February 25
Dallas Morning News
 
"After consulting with the agents for Khalil Greene, Major League Baseball and the Players' Association, the Rangers have decided to void the contract of the infielder currently dealing with a recurrence of Social Anxiety Disorder. The Rangers are still not ruling out the possibility of bringing him on board if, or when, Greene is ready to play again. He twice went on the disabled list last year with the issue. "We can continue to have conversations with him, when he's ready to talk about it, unencumbered by any contractual situations," GM Jon Daniels said. "Khalil has made it very clear that he is not looking to profit from this situation. I've got a lot of respect for how he and his agent ..."
Rangers add Lemon to spring roster
Comment
February 24
MLB.com
 
"The Rangers have added infielder Marcus Lemon to their Spring Training roster, replacing Khalil Greene. The Rangers were informed on Sunday that Greene will not be reporting this week because he is dealing with social anxiety disorder, an issue that put him on the disabled list twice last year while with the Cardinals. "With Khalil not being here, we didn't want to be caught short with infielders," Rangers assistant general manager Thad Levine said. Lemon, a fourth-round pick in the 2006 First-Year Player Draft, spent last season at Double-A Frisco, where he hit .262 with 56 runs scored, 19 doubles, one home run and 41 RBIs in 126 games and 510 at-bats. He played 38 games at shortstop and ..."
Arias could be utility IF answer
Comment
February 23
Dallas Morning News
 
"Depending on the ranking system used, the Rangers had either the most talented minor league system in baseball (ESPN's Keith Law) or the second best (Baseball America). Point is, a team with such a deep talent pool ought to be able to find an adequate internal candidate to replace a bench player. The Rangers are about to find out if they can. With Khalil Greene most likely out of the team's plans because of social anxiety disorder and with no attractive free-agent middle infielders on the market, the club must take a long look at Joaquin Arias. As recently as last year, Arias was one of the club's top prospects, ranked behind only Elvis Andrus among shortstops. At 25, he still has a ..."
Rangers expect Khalil Greene to miss 2010 season
Comment
February 23
Dallas Morning News
 
"The Rangers are again searching for a utility infielder after announcing that shortstop Khalil Greene will not report to spring training. Greene's agent, Mike Milchin, informed the Rangers on Sunday that Greene was again suffering from social anxiety disorder and would not be at the Surprise complex by today's reporting date for position players. Rangers general manager Jon Daniels said the club is open to having Greene return, but there is no timetable for that to happen. As such, Daniels said, the Rangers aren't planning to have Greene for the start of the season. The Rangers will consider internal candidates to replace Greene but will also consider free agents, players on the waiver ..."
Rangers considering Jose Molina
Comment
February 18
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
 
"Not too many non-catcher position players have arrived. Among the ones in camp, David Murphy has the most service time. Chris Davis is here, along with Craig Gentry, Justin Smoak, Mitch Moreland and Brandon Boggs. Speaking of Boggs, he said he is two weeks away from being allowed to participate in full drills. He has been taking batting practice. The Rangers continue to look for a catcher, with Jose Molina as their No. 1 target right now. He has the same agent as Toby Hall, who is in Rangers camp, but isn't in a hurry to sign until some other catchers set the early-spring market. A source said the Rangers offered Molina and Rod Barajas minor-league deals, but each declined."
Cuban slugger Ruiz could sign soon
Comment
February 15
MLB.com
 
"It may only be a few more days before Cuban first-base prospect Jose Julio Ruiz picks his first Major League organization, according to a Saturday report by El Nuevo Herald. The Spanish-based newspaper affiliated with The Miami Herald reported that negotiations for Ruiz have "intensified" as Spring Training looms, with concrete offers from big league clubs trickling in for the 25-year-old lefty hitter. "By next week, he should be signed already," one of Ruiz's agents, Jorge Luis Toca, told El Nuevo Herald in Spanish. "Perhaps Wednesday we'll announce something." Toca told El Nuevo Herald the Blue Jays, Rangers, Red Sox, Giants, Rays and Rockies have been the most interested in signing ..."
Mets and Rangers encounter problems in signing a catcher
Comment
February 10
Foxsports.com
 (scroll down)
"Two of the teams that could benefit from signing free-agent catcher Rod Barajas — the Mets and Rangers — appear hamstrung by complications at the ownership level. The Mets, outbid by the Padres for catcher Yorvit Torrealba, are out of money, major-league sources say — a curious position for a team that spent $66 million on outfielder Jason Bay knowing it had other needs. The Rangers, other sources say, are either A) at their payroll limit or B) unable to increase payroll in an ownership transition without approval from both the selling and buying groups. The Rangers' need at catcher stems from the uncertainty surrounding Jarrod Saltalamacchia's recovery from surgery for thoracic outlet ..."
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 ..."
Report: Jerome Bettis might join Texas Rangers' ownership group
Comment
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."
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 ..."
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."
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. ..."
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 ..."
Sale of Texas Rangers comes down to final details
Comment
January 20
Dallas Morning News
 
"Only final details remain to be settled in negotiations toward a final agreement for Hicks Sports Group to sell the Rangers to a group of investors that includes Pittsburgh sports attorney Chuck Greenberg and team president Nolan Ryan. Baseball sources said the deal will be completed within days after attorneys from both sides have worked almost around the clock to find common ground on the major components of the deal."
Rangers work out deals with Josh Hamilton, Colby Lewis, Chris Ray
Comment
January 19
Dallas Morning News
 
"The Rangers will, um, re-introduce RHP Colby Lewis this afternoon in a 2:30 press conference. Lewis agreed to a two-year deal worth $5 million in guaranteed money. The contract also includes a club option for 2012 worth$3.25 million. Lewis, 30, will be paid $1.75 million for 2010 and $3 million for 2011.If the Rangers elect not to pick up the option for 2012, he'd be paid a $250,000 buyout. Lewis could also make an additional $500,000 if he maxes out a set of performance bonuses by making 32 starts and pitching 200 innings. He starts reaching bonuses at 30 starts or 170 innings pitches. Also, the club agreed to terms with two more of its arbitration-eligible players, OF Josh Hamilton and ..."
Rangers sign young prospect Alfaro
Comment
January 19
MLB.com
 
"The Rangers have signed Jorge Alfaro, a highly regarded 16-year-old catcher from Colombia, for $1.3 million, according to industry sources. An announcement could come within a few days. The 6-foot-1, 185-pound Alfaro is a right-handed hitter known for his raw power and strong arm. He is currently batting .250 with two RBIs in six games for Los Montaneros Del Sur in the Dominican Prospect League. The Phillies, Mariners, Indians, Giants and Yankees also reportedly expressed interest in the converted outfielder. The Rangers, under the guidance of A.J. Preller, the team's director of player personnel, have been among the most aggressive teams in Latin America over the past few years, ..."
Negotiations for Texas Rangers sale continue
Comment
January 18
Dallas Morning News
 
"Lawyers for the Hicks Sports Group and the investment group led by Chuck Greenberg continued to work Sunday in an effort to complete the sale of the Rangers. Optimism continues to be the main theme. "We are making progress but have more work to do," Tom Hicks said in an e-mail. There is still no timetable to get the deal done. The 30-day window for Hicks to exclusively deal with the group ended at 12:01 a.m. Saturday. The sides worked through the weekend and are expected to continue working this week."
Rangers bring back Colby Lewis; pitcher could make rotation
Comment
January 15
Dallas Morning News
 
"The Rangers have reached a preliminary agreement with free-agent right-handed pitcher Colby Lewis on a two-year contract, mlb.com reports. The report said the agreement is pending a physical, but the Rangers also need to find a spot on their 40-man roster. The Rangers hope to bolster their pitching staff. Lewis, a first-round pick of the Rangers in 1999, has spent the last two seasons pitching in Japan. Lewis, 30, hasn't pitched in the majors since 2007. He made his big league debut for the Rangers in 2002."
Negotiations continue over Rangers' sale
Comment
January 14
MLB.com
 
"Owner Tom Hicks' representatives continue on-going negotiations with Pittsburgh lawyer Chuck Greenberg over the possible sale of the Rangers. Greenberg and his partners were granted a 30-day exclusive negotiating period back on Dec. 15 that ends on Friday and one significant issue that remains is how big of a role Hicks will play in the new ownership group. But Hicks made it clear on Wednesday that he and his family will remain a significant investor in any new ownership group. "You're not getting rid of us," Hicks told MLB.com at the Owners' Meetings in Phoenix on Wednesday. Greenberg heads a group of 12 investors that is negotiating to buy the team. Hicks will remain on board as one of ..."
Guerrero undergoing physical in Texas
Comment
January 11
MLB.com
 
"Vladimir Guerrero is in Texas today to have his physical. If all goes as expected, the Rangers are planning to officially announce his signing at a news conference later this afternoon. The Rangers reached an agreement with Guerrero on a one-year contract with a mutual option over the weekend. He will be their primary designated hitter but the deal is pending the physical. The Rangers also agreed to a one-year deal with free agent shortstop Khalil Greene to be their utility infielder. That deal is also pending a physical, which is expected to take place later this week. Guerrero, who turns 35 in February, played in 100 games for the Angels in 2009 and hit .295 with 15 home runs and 50 RBIs ..."
Texas Rangers haven't offered $7 million deal to Guerrero
Comment
January 8
Dallas Morning News
 
"A club source denied a report that the Rangers have offered free agent Vladimir Guerrero a $7 million contract and said there has been no movement on Guerrero in several weeks. ESPN Deportes reported that the Rangers have offered Guerrero a one-year deal worth $7 million. "No comment," general manager Jon Daniels said in an e-mail. The Rangers had between $3 and $5 million to offer Guerrero before and that has not changed, the source said. Guerrero had been searching for a multi-year deal, but there have been none tendered. That may force his agents to reconsider the market and start looking more seriously at one-year deals. Guerrero, who has made a career out of destroying Texas ..."
Rangers' pursuit of a power bat could lead to Vlad Guerrero
Comment
January 7
Yahoo! Sports
 
"According to a report on the Rangers' website, the team is interested in free agent OF/DH Vladimir Guerrero and is talking to his representatives. The holdup could be Guerrero's asking price, as the Rangers don't have much money to spend. However, given the lack of interest in Guerrero from other teams, the Rangers might have some bargaining power."
Import from Japan? Texas Rangers might try to bring back Lewis
Comment
January 6
Dallas Morning News
 
"The Rangers are keeping an eye on a former Ranger in a bid to bolster their pitching. Right-hander Colby Lewis, a first-round pick of the Rangers in 1999, has spent the last two seasons pitching in Japan. "Our scouts over there have seen him, and we're looking into it," general manager Jon Daniels wrote in an e-mail. Lewis, 30, hasn't pitched in the majors since 2007. He made his big league debut for the Rangers in 2002."
Rangers still looking for a catcher
Comment
January 4
ESPN.com
 
"One New Year's resolution for the Rangers is to get a veteran catcher. There may not be a bunch of names available, but the club needs some insurance in game Jarrod Saltalamacchia isn't quite ready to catch everyday after recovering from shoulder surgery. They aren't sure if Taylor Teagarden is the starting catcher at this point, either. They have had interest in Rod Barajas, but he wants a two-year deal. General manager Jon Daniels made it clear this offseason that he doesn't want to sign a veteran catcher to a two-year deal. That's just too expensive an insurance policy. What about Miguel Olivo or Yorvit Torrealba? Word is that Torrealba also wants two years."
Texas eyeing return of Lewis from Japan
Comment
January 4
MLB.com
 
"The Rangers are exploring a possible reunion with pitcher Colby Lewis, who has spent the past two years in Japan. Lewis, who pitched for the Hiroshima Carp, wants to return to the United States, and the Rangers have some interest. "We've developed our Pacific Rim operation the last few years, and our guys have built a solid foundation both with relationships and from a scouting perspective," Rangers general manager Jon Daniels said. "I expect we'll be selectively involved with the right players coming over. We're aware of Colby's situation, and obviously know him from when he was in the organization." Lewis was 11-9 with a 2.96 ERA for Hiroshima in 2009 after going 15-8 with a 2.68 ERA ..."
Nats near 1-year deal with reliever Guardado
Comment
December 23
Foxsports.com
 columnist Jon Paul Morosi
"The Nationals are nearing a one-year deal with left-handed reliever Eddie Guardado, multiple major league sources told FOXSports.com. Guardado went 1-2 with a 4.46 ERA in 48 relief outings for the Rangers this year. His role in the Washington bullpen isn't yet clear, but he is expected to pitch in the seventh inning or later. His signing won't preclude the Nationals for signing closer Matt Capps, one source said. The Nationals are among the finalists to sign Capps after he was non-tendered by Pittsburgh earlier this month."
Oliver, Rangers agree to one-year deal
Comment
December 21
MLB.com
 
"The Rangers have reached a tentative agreement with left-handed reliever Darren Oliver on a one-year deal for 2010 plus a vesting option for 2011, according to industry sources. The team has not confirmed the signing. The deal is pending a physical, which is scheduled for Tuesday. Oliver will receive $3.5 million in 2010. Oliver was 5-1 with a 2.71 ERA in 63 games for the Angels in 2009 and is 15-3 with a 3.10 ERA in 178 games over the past three years."
Oliver nearing one-year deal with Texas Rangers
Comment
December 21
Dallas Morning News
 
"The Texas Rangers are nearing completion of a one-year deal to add LHP Darren Oliver to the bullpen, two sources said Sunday night. Oliver, 39, has been used as a reliever for the last four years and has found significant success in that role. Over the last two seasons with the Los Angeles Angels, he is 12-2 with a 2.79 ERA. He has held left-handed hitters to a .247 batting average with a .286 on-base percentage during that time. Oliver still lives in the area and his agents met with the Rangers during the winter meeting. At the time, Oliver was seeking at least the same salary as he made with the Angels in 2009 ($3.65 million). The Rangers were believed to be in the $3 million range, ..."
Source: Oliver nears deal with Rangers
Comment
December 21
ESPN.com
 
"Free agent reliever Darren Oliver is in serious discussions toward a contract with the Texas Rangers, a baseball source told ESPN.com Sunday. It's believed an agreement could be in place early this week. This will mark the third tour of Texas for Oliver, who began his big league career with the Rangers in 1993 and made a second tour of Arlington in 2000 and 2001. Oliver, a left-hander, has a career record of 106-83 in 16 seasons with Texas, St. Louis, Boston, Colorado, Florida, Houston, the Mets and the Angels."
Lowell to Texas inching forward
Comment
December 19
Boston Globe
 
"It seems like it took Thomas Jefferson and Napoleon Bonaparte less time to complete The Louisiana Purchase in 1803 than it has for the Red Sox to complete the trade of Mike Lowell to the Texas Rangers. But at long last, this saga could be coming to an end. Lowell is expected to have his physical this weekend. If he passes, the trade should be finalized. But that is not a given given the issues Lowell has with his right hip and right thumb. The Red Sox would get C/1B/DH Max Ramirez in return."
3 teams interested, but Bradley deal not close
Comment
December 18
Foxsports.com
 
"At least three teams remain interested in Cubs outfielder Milton Bradley — the Rays, Rangers and Mariners. However, no trade is close, according to major-league sources. The Rays and Cubs have been at an impasse for weeks, with neither side willing to budge on the terms of a proposed Bradley-for-Pat Burrell exchange. The Rangers, one source said, remain a "longshot" for Bradley, who would fit well in their lineup, but did not leave on the best of terms after the 2007 season."
Texas Rangers' prospective owner an experienced negotiator
Comment
December 16
Dallas Morning News
 
"Chuck Greenberg has plenty of experience negotiating the purchase of a sports franchise. The Pittsburgh native and resident has made his living by helping to drive the sales of multiple major sports teams, along with several minor league clubs in various sports. He decided in May to try his hand at big league ownership, and the Rangers became his target. Greenberg and his group of mostly Dallas-Fort Worth investors are closing in on owning the Rangers. Tom Hicks selected Greenberg's bid to purchase the franchise Tuesday. "When my dad called me and told me, I was truly genuinely happy for him and Chuck," said Reid Ryan, Nolan's oldest son and a friend of Greenberg's. "It's the right move ..."
Hicks picks Greenberg-Ryan bid for control of Texas Rangers
Comment
December 16
Dallas Morning News
 
"According to sources close to the negotiations, Rangers owner Tom Hicks has selected the bid made by Chuck Greenberg and Nolan Ryan as the "winner" in the eight-month bidding process for control of the Rangers. According to one of the sources, the investment group includes Hicks' family and a number of other prominent local investors."
Texas Rangers seek substitute if Lowell deal fails
Comment
December 16
Dallas Morning News
 
"General manager Jon Daniels continues to explore other options for a power-hitting presence should a proposed trade for Boston third baseman Mike Lowell fall through. Three players are at the top of the list: Vladimir Guerrero, Jim Thome and Jermaine Dye. They are all free agents and have been on the Rangers' radar the entire off-season. Daniels hasn't ruled out the possibility of adding one of those bats in addition to Lowell, whose injured right thumb continues to be a concern. He would cost the Rangers only $3 million as the Red Sox have agreed to take on the other $9 million on his 2010 contract. A deal can't happen without Rangers doctors examining Lowell and without the approval of ..."
Rangers may still go after Dye, Guerrero
Comment
December 15
Foxsports.com
 
"The Rangers still could pursue a free agent such as Jermaine Dye or Vladimir Guerrero even if they complete their trade for Red Sox third baseman Mike Lowell, according to major-league sources. The chances of a Lowell deal occurring are "better than 50-50, but not a lock," one source said. The Red Sox, who initially were to pay $9 million of Lowell's $12 million salary, could assume an even greater financial burden due to the Rangers' concerns over Lowell's right thumb, another source said. Lowell might require surgery. If the Rangers signed Lowell, they likely would play him at first base while also using him some at third -- when Michael Young needs a day off -- and as a DH. Dye played ..."
15 teams watch Chapman throw
Comment
December 15
ESPN.com
 
"Fomer Cuban national team starting pitcher Aroldis Chapman threw a bullpen session on Tuesday in Houston in front of representatives from 15 major league teams. On Tuesday morning at the Baseball USA complex, the left-hander tossed two separate five-minute side sessions, throwing mostly in the 92-93 mph range and topping out at 96 mph. Chapman, 21, also threw his slider and change-up. Team representatives who attended included Houston Astros general manager Ed Wade, Los Angeles Angels scouting director Eddie Bane, Florida Marlins vice president of player development Jim Fleming, Pittsburgh Pirates international scouting director Rene Gayo, and Baltimore Orioles international scouting ..."
Houston businessman may lead in bidding for Texas Rangers
Comment
December 15
Dallas Morning News
 
"Just as today's Major League Baseball-imposed deadline arrives to help clear up who will be the next owner of the Texas Rangers, the process has taken yet another turn. Houston businessman Jim Crane has rallied and could be the front-runner financially to get Tom Hicks' blessing at some time today, a baseball source said. As recently as Thursday, Crane was considered out of the running. Though he submitted a bid Nov. 20 that exceeded $500 million, it was feared that Crane would have a difficult time getting approved by MLB and club owners. But Crane has submitted a second bid to purchase the Rangers from Hicks Sports Group, and reportedly it is higher than those submitted by Pittsburgh ..."
Medical issues holding up Lowell trade
Comment
December 14
MLB.com
 
"A review of medical records, a complete physical and official approval by higher authority is what's standing in the way of a trade that would send Red Sox third baseman Mike Lowell to the Rangers for catcher Max Ramirez. The two teams discussed the deal in depth at the Winter Meetings last week in Indianapolis, but are still working through a number of issues before it can get completed, according to industry sources. A resolution isn't expected for at least a few more days. Both Ramirez and Lowell have physical issues that need to be reviewed and that seems to be the top priority. Lowell has been bothered by a strained right hip and a sprained left thumb over the past two years. He had ..."
Lowell's thumb the holdup
Comment
December 13
Boston Globe
 
"The trade of Mike Lowell to Texas, agreed to on Wednesday, has yet to be made official as the Rangers delve into the health of the third baseman. Texas is further examining the condition of Lowell's right thumb, an injury that hampered him near the end of last season. According to major league sources, the Rangers are satisfied with the status of Lowell's surgically repaired right hip. "There are still things to go over,'' Red Sox assistant general manager Ben Cherington said yesterday. "It would not be a complete surprise if it didn't happen.'' The Red Sox would get catcher/first baseman Max Ramirez in return for Lowell. The Sox also agreed to give Texas $9 million toward the $12 million ..."
Mike Lowell trade talks continue at healthy pace
Comment
December 12
Boston Herald
 
"The Red Sox and Rangers yesterday continued to work out the remaining details of the pending trade that would send third baseman Mike Lowell and cash to Texas for catcher Max Ramirez. A resolution could occur in the coming days. Each club is believed to be ensuring the medical health of the players involved, with Ramirez coming off a wrist injury and Lowell a little more than a year removed from hip surgery. When the deal gets done, the Sox will obviously need to fill the third base hole but that could be achieved by moving first baseman Kevin Youkilis to the hot corner. The Red Sox could then find a first baseman - Nick Johnson is a leading candidate - on the free agent market. Another ..."
Boston's Lowell not headed to Texas, yet
Comment
December 10
New York Post
 
"The Red Sox and Rangers have decided to take a little more time to think about if they want to finalize a trade that would send Mike Lowell to Texas for catching prospect Max Ramirez. As part of the trade, the Red Sox would eat $9 million of the $12 million Lowell is owed next season on the final year of his contract. The Rangers envision Lowell as someone who pushes young first baseman Chris Davis but serves mainly as a designated hitter."
Texas gets Ray; Harden awaits physical
Comment
December 10
MLB.com
 
"The Rangers added right-handed reliever Chris Ray to their bullpen on Wednesday and are on the verge of adding free agent right-hander Rich Harden to their starting rotation. They were able to make both moves by being willing to give up No. 1 starter Kevin Millwood. The Rangers sent Millwood to the Orioles for Ray and a player to be named later at the Winter Meetings. The player to be named could be the third pick in Thursday's Rule 5 Draft. Texas will also pick up $3 million of Millwood's $12 million salary for 2010, leaving it with a savings of about $7 million. The Rangers will use that money to sign Harden to a one-year deal worth $7.5 million with an $11.5 million option for 2011. ..."