: Texas Rangers

Texas Rangers' new motto: Whatever Nolan says

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 09:40 CST

RAY BUCK

FIRST SHOT: Dear Mr. Greenberg,

Rule No. 1: Listen to Nolan and do as he suggests.

Rule No. 2: See Rule No. 1.

Sincerely,

Every Rangers fan

-- Tom Batz, Keller

BUCKSHOT: Survey says! You must be tired after knocking on all those doors, Tom.

SECOND SHOT: Tommy "Sayonara" Hicks has done the impossible. He has unified MLB owners, the players' union and Rangers fans.

Ever since December 2000, when he signed Alex Rodriguez to the most expensive and dumbest contract in baseball history, he has been disliked and distrusted by the owners. Scott Boras is still smiling.

After he drafted Matt Purke at No. 14 last year, but didn't have the cash to sign him, the players' union has called him a fraud.

And because he stopped spending money on the Rangers four years ago while still sitting in his box suite, the fans have wanted him out.

So congratulations, Tommy. You know how to reach across the aisle... it's goodbye and good riddance from everyone.

-- John McAdams, Fort Worth

BUCKSHOT: It appears you've knocked on a lot of doors, too.

THIRD SHOT: Will Clint Hurdle be an effective replacement for now-Cubs batting coach Rudy Jaramillo?

Rudy who?

-- Mike Murphy, Abilene

BUCKSHOT: That's a swing and a miss. I'm a Rudy rooter.

FOURTH SHOT: For Chuck Greenberg... first, I'd suggest you listen to everything Nolan Ryan says.

Second, listen to the fans. Reduce parking fees, get a selection of healthy food for the concession stands, consider a retractable dome for those hot summer nights... but most of all, be receptive to the ideas of others not named Hart(less).

Rangers expect barred pitchers to get U.S. visas

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 19:41 CST

By JEFF WILSON

The saga of Omar Beltre and Alexi Ogando, banned by the State Department for their minor roles in a human trafficking ring in the Dominican Republic, has finally taken a turn in their favor.

Rangers general manager Jon Daniels said late Sunday night that the Dominican right-handers have been cleared to enter the United States and are expected to participate in Texas Rangers spring training.

Beltre and Ogando have been granted visas and will leave for Surprise, Ariz., on Feb. 17. They will have to be cleared by commissioner Bud Selig.

"We've recently have had some momentum in that process to the point where there is a strong likelihood that they will be able to come in this year and be there for spring training in a couple weeks," Daniels said.

The right-handers were prevented from entering the United States in 2005 when the State Department discovered that they and many other professional players had been paid to marry Dominican women to help those women get U.S. visas.

Daniels said an organized-crime syndicate was running a human-trafficking ring unbeknownst to the players. The U.S. has denied Beltre's and Ogando's visa applications the past five years.

But they have been seen in a different light the past year after the Rangers had all but exhausted their options. The players' agent, Charisse Espinosa-Dash, suggested they start speaking publicly to young Dominican players as part of a public effort against human trafficking.

The players did so, and the State Department took note.

"I think the State Department is finally looking at these guys as something more than just the perpetrators of a crime but people who can be used to help trumpet the dangers of human trafficking," said assistant general manager Thad Levine, who has been the Rangers' point man on the case.

Beltre and Ogando remained on the Rangers' 40-man roster, albeit on the restricted list and have not counted as one of the 40 players. Once reinstated by the commissioner's office, two spots will have to be created for them.

They will be in big-league camp, Daniels said, and likely start the 2010 season in Double A Frisco or Triple A Oklahoma City.

Beltre, 28, has the most experience of the two. He spent four seasons mostly as a starter in the minor leagues and has pitched in international events.

Both have pitched in the Dominican Summer League and some winter ball, and they also worked out in Japan for teams there.

But Ogando, 26, is an outfielder the Rangers grabbed in the 2004 Rule 5 draft and converted into a pitcher. He has yet to pitch in the United States, but his mid- to upper-90s fastball is considered a plus pitch.

"Every time we get to the end of the line, one of the other scouts will see these guys through and say, 'We've got to get these guys in here,'" Daniels said.

"Both still have a chance to make the big leagues and have an impact. Both are very good people who definitely made a mistake. In their estimation and in our estimation, they paid a price that was not necessarily in line with what they did."

JEFF WILSON, 817-390-7760

Hope springs eternal for Texas Rangers

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 19:41 CST

RANDY GALLOWAY

Sports-wise, things are clucking around rather well in Arlington. And for that plug, maybe Mayor Cluck will personally tear up my next 70-in-a-60 citation on I-30.

But for all the political dog-cussing once heard over tax money being used to partially fund Jerry's monument to himself, there is no denial the Big Yard is a first-year monster success, plus the main tenant had its most progressive season in well over a decade.

Meanwhile, just to the east on Randol Mill Road, the Ballpark may sit in the shadow of the football fortress, but the main tenant also seems to have emerged from the baseball darkness.

Give it a couple of weeks, and pitchers and catchers will be reporting to Surprise, Ariz. Starting right there, the Rangers' chances for at least divisional success, and maybe beyond, can also be deemed the best in over a decade.

Yes, the Rangers remain stuck in Tom Hicks' financial muck, and that won't change until the new Greenberg-Ryan ownership assumes command, hopefully by Opening Day in early April.

But in an off-season of money shuffling, after a solid and surprising 87-win year, the Rangers still made additions that prompted third baseman Michael Young to say the other day:

"We're a good team, we know we're a good team and the people we play against know we're a good team. We established that last year.

"And right now we're a better team than when the season ended in 2009."

And this time, Michael means it.

"I admit, in the past, I've been more optimistic this time of year than maybe our talent warranted," he added. "That's just the nature of the business. But at the moment, it's legit."

As the clubhouse leader, when Young speaks, it's the tone of the team.

From Nolan Ryan on down, it's also the same message of high expectations and a legitimate chance in 2010.

OK, while maybe not all-in just yet, I'm buying the base concept. And based on the ringing phones last week at the Ballpark, so are the fans.

But speaking of the phone, I got on it the other day and called around. Talked to a couple of baseball voices, all in the American League, but none in the Rangers' division.

Here in early February, these were some of the things that were heard about the team's chances in the AL West, and also the new additions:

"When a team surprises with a real good year, the same kind of follow-up is no guarantee. Such as Tampa Bay goes to the World Series (in 2008) and then falls off last season (84 wins) and doesn't make the playoffs.

"The difference is usually veteran pitchers. Do you have enough? Do the Rangers?"

"Funny, but I'd like their chances better if [Kevin] Millwood was in the rotation with what they've now got. He could be like the No. 3 guy. Eats a lot of innings and is a solid veteran in the clubhouse.

"I'm kinda surprised the Rangers didn't keep him, and then get more for him maybe at the trading deadline if they needed to move him due to the money."

(No one with the Rangers disagrees on Millwood, but Ryan says there's no way the other off-season moves could have happened without dumping the $12 million owed the right-hander. The limited payroll was in a Hicks-of-a-mess and there was no mercy from MLB.)

Holders of Hicks' debts will object to sale of Rangers

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 19:41 CST

By JEFF WILSON

A segment of the 40 lenders who hold $525 million in Hicks Sports Group debt will raise objections today in New York to the proposed sale of the Texas Rangers.

According a report in the Sports Business Journal, key lenders are upset over the final agreement that was reached Jan. 23. The report again lists the final sale price at $570 million, $390 million of which is cash.

Both figures were dismissed by sources as inaccurate.

Representatives from Rangers Baseball Express will take part in the meeting at Major League Baseball headquarters, but a baseball source said that neither Chuck Greenberg nor Nolan Ryan will be in attendance.

The fact that Greenberg, who has led the group in negotiations, won't be at the meeting should serve as an indication that he doesn't believe the lenders can seriously impede the sale.

Greenberg said on Friday that he plans to spend this week in the Metroplex.

The lenders are attempting to get more money in their pockets, according to a source, but a likely outcome is that they will again have to squabble with Hicks Sports Group.

Also, the lenders don't have much legal recourse based on the recent sale of the Phoenix Coyotes.

A judge deemed that the rules governing NHL franchises can't be circumvented by bankruptcy and agreed that the league did not violate antitrust laws in blocking the sale to Canadian billionaire Jim Balsillie.

Jeff Wilson, 817-390-7760

Ryan ready to take control of the Rangers

Sun, 31 Jan 2010 12:48 CST

By JEFF WILSON

ARLINGTON — The clock is ticking toward ownership of the Texas Rangers changing hands by Opening Day in early April — if not sooner.

But Hicks Sports Group continues to sit behind the wheel until 75 percent of baseball’s team owners give their nod, and Chuck Greenberg, Nolan Ryan and the rest of Rangers Baseball Express can’t act on any plans they might have made.

So, heads aren’t on the chopping block many believe Ryan has stashed away in his spacious office at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, and no single neck is on the line.

The reality, though, is that heads likely aren’t going to roll in the infancy of the new owners’ reign, and might never. The organization doesn’t need a major house-cleaning with the start of spring training less than three weeks away.

Ryan believes the current path the Rangers are following is largely unobstructed and should lead to a division title in 2010, and general manager Jon Daniels and manager Ron Washington will enter the 2010 season as secure in their positions as any other Rangers employee.

"I don’t think there’s going to be a lot of changes of any sort," Ryan said last week. "Our organization, we’ve been running it pretty much on the course we’ve been wanting to run it on. We have the people in place that we want."

Daniels is chief among the personnel in baseball operations who has helped put the Rangers on their current path, creating one of the game’s most enviable groups of prospects and adding to the big-league roster during a busy off-season.

But there have been questions as to how well he and Ryan have worked together since Ryan was hired as team president two years ago.

Ryan was in his 11th big-league season when Daniels was born in 1977. Ryan was being inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1999 as Daniels, who never played professionally, was looking for employment as a recent graduate of Cornell.

Both acknowledge the differences and admit that any perceived problems the past two seasons stemmed from each reporting to owner Tom Hicks. The process was recently streamlined, and Daniels now reports directly to Ryan.

That has helped the relationship grow.

"It’s more of a traditional structure, and that’s helped us alleviate some communication issues," said Daniels, whose contract runs through 2011. "We’ve got a lot of the same beliefs, both how you build a team and also values. We have more in common than it looks like on the surface."

Said Ryan: "I think Jon’s done a good job. I don’t anticipate me recommending any changes as far as the baseball operations are concerned."

Washington is without a contract for 2011, but Ryan said last week that there is nothing to suggest that Washington won’t earn an extension as he did last year at midseason.

After all, the universal belief in the Rangers’ galaxy is that they will be better than the 87-win club of 2009.

Among the players expected to help the Rangers improve is Rich Harden, the fitness fanatic who has ace stuff when he’s able to stay off the disabled list.

He was a free agent after the 2009 season, and Ryan’s involvement in the team was one of the elements that helped him decide to sign with the Rangers.

The Ryan factor, a product of his career and his knowledge of the game, brings an instant credibility to the franchise.

"What he did with his career kind of speaks for itself," said Harden, who signed a one-year deal in December. "Having his hands on this team and what he’s done and the influence he’s had, I’m really glad to be a part of this."

Greenberg has said on many occasions that he would not have competed in the bidding process against Ryan had he been part of another group.

In every measure, Young excels as Texas Rangers’ leader

Sun, 31 Jan 2010 12:48 CST

GIL LeBRETON

The special award called for a special introduction.

Not that Michael Young of the Texas Rangers needs any local introductions.

But special guys do deserve special introductions, and a brave and inspiring mom named Annette Leslie was proud to give it Friday night at the Rangers’ Mid-Winter Awards Banquet.

Two weeks ago, Annette Leslie lost her 17-year-old son, Carson, after a courageous three-year fight with cancer.

Michael Young was Carson’s friend. Not just a pat-on-the-head, "hiya, kid" relationship, but a true friendship, born of Michael’s support of the Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer organization.

They played golf together. Young saw to it that Carson spent three days last year at Rangers spring training.

The 1,000 or so Rangers supporters gathered in the Omni Hotel ballroom who watched Friday, as Annette Leslie retold the story of her son and Michael, already knew who had been voted the team’s Player of the Year. But the fact that a mom, two weeks after losing her son, would take the time to thank and honor Young speaks volumes about the team’s captain.

He gets it. After years of being dismissed as the Rangers’ "quiet leader," Young understands exactly how best to make his voice heard.

As Rangers manager Ron Washington put it Friday, "It’s hard to find words to describe Michael — he’s such a professional."

Young gets it. For the work that he and his wife, Cristina, have done for Dallas-based Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer, Michael was named the 2008 recipient of the players association’s Marvin Miller Man of the Year award.

That his peers hold him in high regard shouldn’t be a surprise. Last season began with Young having to switch to third base, and in July he started at third on the American League All-Star team.

"Respect," Washington said. "They respect what he’s done in the game and what he brings to the game."

The Player of the Year award Friday marked the fourth time Young had been so honored. He’s likely to win four more before his Rangers days are done.

His quiet consistency might entice some fans into taking him for granted. But don’t do that — Michael Young might be on a ride that takes him places that most ballplayers only dream of.

In 2009, Young’s ninth full season in the major leagues, he batted .322 (second-highest of his career) and hit 22 home runs, despite being injured and missing most of the month of September.

He will be 33 this season, and Young feels he is entering the prime of his career.

"One of my favorite players of all time is Paul Molitor," Young said, "just because he was a great player, a great competitor, and he was respected for the way he played the game. He had his best years in the mid-to-late part of his career, and I expect I’m going to do the same thing.

"I’ve been healthy. My body feels good. Mentally, I think I feed off the grind of the season. I don’t run away from that kind of thing. I feel like I play my best baseball when guys are starting to feel the effects of it.

"I’m looking forward to this stage of my career."

Young’s contract, which will pay him $16 million this season, ends after 2013.

Fans at Fan Fest welcome Rangers owners’ change

Sun, 31 Jan 2010 12:48 CST

By JEFF WILSON

ARLINGTON — Only the desire for autographs of star players outweighed the desire to get indoors Saturday during the Texas Rangers Fan Fest.

A hearty and diehard gathering of fans braved bone-chilling temperatures Saturday and an icy wind that whipped through the concourses at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington.

But frosty as the conditions were, fans felt nothing but warmth for the ownership change that is about to take place with the franchise.

Fans are eagerly awaiting to see what changes will take place under the guidance of Rangers Baseball Express and its two most notable figures, Chuck Greenberg and Nolan Ryan.

The process is under way, after a definitive agreement with Hicks Sports Group was reached last weekend, and could be completed by Opening Day.

Fans, though, don’t want to see many changes on the field. But they are hopeful that their voice will be heard as the new owners make a Rangers game a more enjoyable experience.

"They need to reach out," said Jeff Ferrand, a Dallas resident who attends between 10 and 20 games a season. "I think if you ask most of the fans, we expect it to be a refreshing change from business as usual.

"It seems like some of the fun is gone. It feels like it has turned into more of a business in the last five years."

The Rangers experienced the largest per-date attendance jump in the majors in 2009 while going 87-75. Winning will help attract casual fans, but diehards such as Ferrand and Nick Schneider of Frisco suggest they shouldn’t be taken for granted.

Schneider is a season-ticket holder, but he admits that he had started leaning toward attending fewer games had Tom Hicks remained in control of the ballclub.

"The change is going to be good," Schneider said. "The restrictions that seemed to be in place with Mr. Hicks seem like they’re going away, and I think that’s going to free up not only a lot of money but some pent-up frustrations with the fans."

Fans still enjoy Rangers Ballpark. They still enjoy hearing Chuck Morgan’s voice. The changes made last season to the out-of-town scoreboard in left field and the ribbon paneling on the first deck added to the game experience.

But a new video board is on their wish list; so is a freeze on ticket prices and more interaction with players and the front office.

The good news for fans is that Greenberg also wants to replace the giant screen that sits atop the right-field seats while keeping a Rangers game affordable for a family.

While changes are sought off the field, fans don’t want the direction the team is headed on the field to change. They believe Ryan will add stability to baseball operations, headed by general manager Jon Daniels, and allow the young core to develop.

"Chuck needs to run the fans and the Rangers, the symbol, and let Nolan and JD do the baseball," said Garland resident Lee Powell, also a season-ticket holder. "They’ve got it going. They’ve got the young kids coming. They’ve got a plan."

One fan gave credit to Hicks for putting the current front office in place, but said he fell short in other areas.

"At least he tried, bless his heart," said Rusty Cary, who makes the trip from Amarillo to attend half the home games. "He spent money. He just didn’t spend it in the right places. The best thing he’s done is getting Jon Daniels and Nolan Ryan in here."

The overwhelming theme from the fans, as cold as they were during the Rangers’ annual kickoff to a new season, was excitement about the pending change in ownership.

"I just think it’s about time," Dallas resident Adam Wallman said. "Nothing against the Hicks family. I appreciate everything they’ve done for the Rangers and the Stars, but I think it was time for some new blood."

Texas Rangers, Scott Feldman agree on one-year deal

Sat, 30 Jan 2010 00:52 CST

The Texas Rangers and Scott Feldman avoided salary arbitration Friday when they agreed to a one-year, $2,425,000 deal.

Feldman, who had a team-high 17 victories last season, is positioned to be the Rangers’ starter on Opening Day. He was the last of the Rangers’ seven arbitration-eligible players to sign a 2010 contract. — Jeff Wilson

Texas Rangers players Young, Feldman, Andrus honored at annual banquet

Sat, 30 Jan 2010 00:52 CST

By JEFF WILSON

Michael Young’s stranglehold on the Texas Rangers’ Player of the Year Award tightened a little bit more Friday night.

He was honored for his 2009 season, as voted by the Dallas-Fort Worth chapter of the Baseball Writers Association of America, during the Midwinter Awards Banquet at the Omni Fort Worth.

Young, who hit a team-high .322 with 22 homers despite missing much of the final month, has won the award four times to match Ruben Sierra for second most in club history. Juan Gonzalez was a five-time winner.

Among those also honored were Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw as the Texas Professional Player of the Year; Danny Darwin as the Mark Holtz Alumni Award winner; and Rangers prospect Justin Smoak as IBAF Senior Athlete of the Year and the winner of the USA Baseball Dick Case Award.

Here’s a look at the 2009 Rangers awards winners:

Player of the Year: Michael Young

Why he won: Young not only led the team in hitting, he did so at a new position — third base. The move from shortstop didn’t prevent Young from his sixth consecutive All-Star Game appearance.

What he said: "It’s a great award. Any time you get something like that, though, it’s just a reflection of the guys you play with. The good thing about our club is we all push each other. We all want each other to do really well."

Pitcher of the Year: Scott Feldman

Why he won: The right-hander emerged from bullpen duty at the start of the season to win a team-high 17 games in 31 starts. His ERA as a starter? 3.79. He is in line to start on Opening Day.

What he said: "A lot of things went into that, and it definitely was not all me. We had a real good defense and some timely hitting when I was pitching. And I can’t say enough about Mike Maddux and Andy Hawkins helping me out last year."

Rookie of the Year: Elvis Andrus

Why he won: Defense. Defense. Defense. Andrus, who also wasn’t too shabby at the plate for a player making the jump from Double A, wowed from the start of the season with his glove, making the tough play look routine.

What he said: "It means a lot. It shows that all the hard work I’ve been doing is starting to pay off now. I’m going to keep it going. I played winter ball and worked on a lot of things."

Harold McKinney Good Guy Award: Kevin Millwood

Why he won: Millwood displayed an unmatched level of cooperation with the media during a 2009 in which he was under the microscope from the start of the season until he approached the 180-inning plateau that would guarantee his contract for 2010.

What he said: Millwood, who was traded to Baltimore in December, was unable to attend the banquet but, through a Rangers official, thanked the media for its support during his four seasons with the team.

Nolan Ryan Minor League Pitcher of the Year: Martin Perez

Why he won: The 18-year-old Venezuelan went 6-8 with a 2.90 ERA at two levels last season. He has developed a changeup to go with a fastball and curveball, leaving him among the top prospects in baseball.

What he said: "Not everybody wins that, so I’m very proud to do it. It happened because I worked hard. I did everything that they asked me to do. I did well because of my preparation. I always take pride in my preparation."

Texas Rangers Fan Fest schedule

Sat, 30 Jan 2010 00:52 CST

Rangers fan fest schedule

Today’s Texas Rangers Fan Fest runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets cost $10 for adults, $5 for children 13 and under.

Autograph schedule

Diamond Club Line A (on main concourse behind sections 3-9): 9:30 a.m. Josh Hamilton; 11 a.m. Michael Young; noon Chris Davis and Craig Gentry; 1 p.m. Ian Kinsler; 2 p.m. Neftali Feliz; 3 p.m. Scott Feldman and Brandon McCarthy.

Diamond Club Line B (Third Base gate): 9:30 a.m. Elvis Andrus; 11 a.m. Ron Washington; noon Derek Holland; 1 p.m. Rich Harden; 2 p.m. Tommy Hunter, Darren Oliver; 3 p.m. David Murphy and Jarrod Saltalamacchia.

Cuervo Club (Home Plate gate): 10 a.m. Brandon Boggs and Kasey Kiker; 11 a.m. Zach Phillips, Tanner Scheppers; noon Justin Smoak and Ben Snyder; 1 p.m. Blake Beavan and Mitch Moreland; 2 p.m. Eric Hurley and Max Ramirez.

Majestic Grand Slam Gift Shop (Center Field Sports Park): 10 a.m. Scott Coolbaugh, Claude Osteen, Pete O’Brien, Luis Ortiz, Curtis Wilkerson; 11 a.m. Tim Crabtree, Bill Fahey, Jim Kern, Ken Suarez, Ellis Valentine; noon Tom Grieve, Jose Guzman, Larry Hardy, Dan Smith; 1 p.m. Rich Billings, Dave Chalk, Rusty Greer, Dave Hostetler; 2 p.m. Frank Lucchesi, Bill Stein, Jim Sundberg; 3 p.m. Steve Buechele, Ray Burris, Benji Gil, Mike Jeffcoat.

Note: One autograph per person. No personalizations or posing for photographs with players. Schedule can change without notice.

Q&A schedule

Lower home-run porch in right field: 10-10:30 a.m. Ron Washington; 10:30-11 a.m. Nolan Ryan; 11-11:30 a.m. Josh Hamilton; noon-12:30 p.m. Michael Young; 1:15-1:45 p.m. Darren Oliver; 2:30-3 p.m. Jon Daniels.

Coaches and alumni clinics

In the media interview room. Enter at tunnel area of ballpark. 12:15-12:45 p.m. hitting coach Clint Hurdle; 1-1:30 p.m. catching with Jim Sundberg; 2:30-3 p.m. pitching with Mike Jeffcoat and Ray Burris.

Weight room

Open from 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Entrance is in tunnel area of ballpark. 11:30-12:30 p.m. trainer Jamie Reed; 12:30-1:30 p.m. strength and conditioning coach Jose Vazquez; 1:30-2:30 p.m. assistant trainer Kevin Harmon.