Yu Darvish Is Currently Visiting Dallas Fort-Worth

Losing Darren Oliver Leaves A Big Hole, Intriguing Draft Possibility

Losing Darren Oliver is a bigger deal to the Rangers than you might think, for two different reasons. He's going to be difficult to replace, but the associated compensation comes at a perfect time in the draft landscape.

Rangers Miss Out On Andrew Bailey

Gio Gonzalez Traded To Nationals

So You're Buying A Yu Darvish - Here's What It Means For March, April And 2014

The Rangers are in contract negotiations with Yu Darvish, a move that could help transform a solid, young rotation into a long term powerhouse.

VIDEO: Jon Daniels Talks About Yu Darvish

Once again, Jon Daniels has made a big splash, as Yu Darvish is coming to Arlington. At least if the Rangers can agree to terms with him in the next thirty days. MLB.com has video of Daniels talking about winning the bidding on Darvish.

As expected, Daniels thanks ownership for its support in the Darvish sweepstakes, noting that it's "above and beyond" the normal process. Which is absolutely true. The posting process is probably the most ridiculous in all of baseball, and obviously, it required a serious financial investment by the Rangers.

Most interestingly, Daniels notes that he believes that the move is one that gives the Rangers the best chance to win. On the surface, it's something you'd expect a general manager to say. But the Rangers did let C.J. Wilson sign with the Los Angeles Angels for five years and just $75 million dollars. By contrast, the Rangers have paid nearly $52 million just to negotiate with Darvish. 

Daniels also notes the success the team has had with Colby Lewis and Yoshinori Tateyama, both of whom played in Japan prior to coming to Arlington.

The Rangers now have 30 days to agree to terms with Darvish.

Mike Napoli, Rangers Are In Fact Talking Extension

According to ESPN’s Richard Durrett and FOX’s Jon Morosi, the rumored Mike Napoli extension talks are a reality and are likely to result in Napoli’s extended stay with the Rangers. He made $5.8 million this season as the Rangers and he averted arbitration. He is arb eligible for the 2012 season and would be a free agent afterward if no extension is done.

Morosi tweeted Tuesday evening:

@jonmorosi
There’s a very good chance @MikeNapoli25 will have an extension by Opening Day, based on what I’ve been hearing throughout the off-season.

Durrett heard some of the same noise and reported the talks:

Add Mike Napoli to the list of players the Rangers have talked to about a long-term contract. The club has had several conversations with Napoli’s representatives about a multi-year deal, according to a source, though it’s early in the process.

Adam Morris discusses the reports on Lone Star Ball and suggests a possible range for the talks in the $8-10 million.

Adam Morris On Yu Darvish

Yu Darvish To Rangers Negotiations: Texas, Blue Jays GMs Comment On Winning Bid

On Monday night, it was revealed that the Texas Rangers had placed the winning bid for exclusive negotiating rights with right-handed pitcher Yu Darvish. After losing aces Cliff Lee and C.J. Wilson in subsequent off-seasons, the two-time defending American League champs are looking to lock down a formidable arm for their rotation.

The Rangers won the 30-day negotiating rights by barely outbidding the Toronto Blue Jays for the honor. According to Richard Griffin of the Toronto Star, the Blue Jays organization is disappointed at losing out on Darvish and must regroup for the rest of their free agency plans for the offseason. Jays' GM Alex Anthopoulos had this to say:

"We still need help in the bullpen, in the rotation and if we can add a bat," Anthopoulos admitted. "We continue to explore those possibilities, first through trade then free agency. I think we have plent of resources to work with. Do we have enough (payroll)? Absolutely and I feel we have enough creativity here to make it work. My sights and my focus haven’t changed."

The Wall Street Journal was privy to a conference call with Rangers GM Jon Daniels following the announcement of the winning bid.

"Obviously, it's a very exciting night for our organization, our fans and our community. Our ownership went the extra mile on this one."

USA Today has a more in-depth breakdown on how the exclusive negotiating rights work.

For more news and information regarding Yu Darvish and the Texas Rangers, please visit Lone Star Ball.

Yu Darvish To Arlington: Texas Rangers Win Bidding

After nearly a week since the posting period ended, we now know who has won the right to negotiate with Japanese right hander Yu Darvish: the Texas Rangers. Per Jeff Passan of Yahoo! Sports:

The Texas Rangers have won the posting auction of Japanese right-hander Yu Darvish with a record $51.7M bid, sources tell Yahoo! Sports.    

The previous posting fee record had been held by Boston Red Sox pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka. 

Per Richard Durrett of ESPN Dallas, MLB has confirmed that the Rangers were indeed the high bidders.

Texas will now have to give the Nippon-Ham Fighters the $51.7 million dollars if they sign Darvish to a contract. Darvish and the Rangers will have thirty days to agree to terms. If the Rangers are unable to sign Darvish, then the Rangers will not have to pay the posting fee.

Darvish went 18-6 with a 1.44 ERA in 2011 for the Fighters, while striking out 276 and walking only 36 in 232 innings.