Rangers Notes: Daniels, Levine Receive Three-Year Extensions

Texas GM Jon Daniels (left) and assistant GM Thad Levine have been a part of the Rangers’ front office together since 2005.

Texas general manager Jon Daniels and assistant GM Thad Levine have each been given three-year contract extensions that will keep them with the Rangers through 2018, it was announced last week.

The moves come on the heels of a disastrous season in which Texas fell to last place in the A.L. West division and saw the departure of Ron Washington, the most successful manager in franchise history.

The ballclub’s upper management nonetheless felt it was the right time to make a commitment to the brain trust of Daniels and Levine, especially after losing A.J. Preller to San Diego in August.

“Getting our baseball leadership secured for the foreseeable future was a top priority this offseason and very important for the continuity of the organization,” co-chairmen Ray Davis and Bob Simpson said in a joint release.

“Under Jon and Thad’s leadership, the Rangers have created a strong overall organization that has combined major-league success with a productive scouting and player development operation over a number of years.

“Jon and Thad are skilled executives who are well-respected around the game and completely committed to once again delivering a winning team for our fans.”

Daniels, a graduate of Cornell University, became the youngest general manager in baseball history when he was hired by Texas in 2005 following the resignation of John Hart.

He had previously worked in the baseball operations department before moving up to the GM office, and he took on the title “president of baseball operations” in March 2013.

Levine was a member of the Colorado Rockies’ front office before coming to the Rangers, and he was one of the first people brought on board by Daniels in ’05.

Mikolas, Poreda Sold to Japanese Club

It was announced last week that the Rangers had sold pitchers Miles Mikolas and Aaron Poreda to the Yomiuri Giants of the Japanese Central League.

Both Mikolas, 26, and Poreda, 28, spent time on the major-league pitching staff for Texas this season, and their departures will clear a pair of active roster spots in advance of next month’s Rule 5 Draft.

Mikolas posted a 2-5 record with an earned run average of 6.44 across 10 starts for the Rangers this summer while Poreda made 26 appearances out of the Texas bullpen, logging a 5.91 ERA over 21-plus innings pitched.

Beasley Hired to Complete Coaching Staff

The big-league coaching staff for new Rangers manager Jeff Banister was completed this week with the hire of Tony Beasley as third-base coach.

The 47-year-old Beasley was originally drafted by Baltimore but spent the majority of his playing career as a middle infielder in the Pittsburgh Pirates’ organization.

He remained with Pittsburgh after his playing days were over, serving as a minor-league coach and manager before shifting to Washington to serve as third-base coach under Nationals skipper Frank Robinson.

Beasley joins a Texas staff that includes Steve Buechele (bench), Andy Hawkins (bullpen), Mike Maddux (pitching), Dave Magadan (hitting) and Hector Ortiz (first base), along with assistant hitting coach Bobby Jones and major-league field coordinator Jayce Tingler.

Ron Washington Steps Down as Rangers Manager

Ron Washington led Texas to its only two World Series berths in 2010 and 2011.

Ron Washington, the most successful manager in Rangers franchise history, unexpectedly resigned Friday from the post he had held for nearly eight years.

Washington, 62, cited “an off-the-field personal matter” as the reason behind his sudden resignation, which leaves bench coach Tim Bogar as the interim Texas skipper.

“As painful as it is, stepping away from the game is what’s best for me and my family,” Washington said in a statement released by the team. “I deeply regret that I’ve let down the Rangers organization and our great fans.

“Over the past eight seasons, it’s been a privilege to be part of some of the best years in club history and I will always be grateful for the opportunities I’ve had here, and for the great management, players, and coaches who have made our time here a success. Thank you for respecting my privacy.”

No further details were offered from Washington or general manager Jon Daniels, who addressed the situation in a press conference Friday afternoon with owners Ray Davis and Bob Simpson.

“While we’re disappointed,” Daniels said, “we accept Ron’s decision and are grateful to him, personally and professionally, for his contributions to the organization and the community in what has been really a record-setting and historic eight-year run as manager of the club.

“A lot of firsts, a lot of records, a lot of tremendous moments … together as an organization and a fan base, and we’re very, very grateful and thankful for all those things.”

Washington was named the 17th full-time manager in team history on Nov. 6, 2006, after Buck Showalter had been fired the previous month.

Inheriting a ballclub that had finished no higher than third place in A.L. West in almost a decade (and would finish last in his debut season), Washington helped to spark a gradual turnaround that saw the team increase its win total over each of the next four years, culminating in a franchise-best 96-66 mark in 2011.

Under Washington’s management, Texas made its first two World Series appearances in 2010 and ’11, only to be defeated by the National League’s San Francisco Giants and St. Louis Cardinals, respectively.

While the Rangers tailed off but remained competitive over the next two years, the 2014 season has been a disappointing series of bad breaks and poor performances, and Texas has now held the worst record in baseball (53-87) for more than two months.

Washington departs as the franchise’s all-time leader in a number of managerial categories, including games (1,278), regular-season wins (665) and postseason victories (18).

Holland Impressive in Return to Mound

The first key injury of this dreadful season came in January when southpaw Derek Holland tripped over his dog at home and sustained torn cartilage and other damage in his left knee.

Holland finally made his 2014 debut last Tuesday in Kansas City, and he pitched well despite receiving a no-decision in the Rangers’ 2-1 defeat. Across seven innings of work, he gave up one run on six hits with six strikeouts before Michael Kirkman allowed the go-ahead run to score in the eighth.

Tuesday marked the second of eight consecutive losses endured by Texas over the last 10 days, dropping the Rangers – the first team officially eliminated from playoff contention this year – 33.5 games behind the division-leading Angels.

Texas was able to snap its skid in Holland’s second appearance, however, as he outdueled Seattle lefty James Paxton en route to a 1-0 win Sunday at Globe Life Park, with Shawn Tolleson and Neftali Feliz each tossing a shutout inning to preserve the victory.

Roster Additions Abound with September Call-Ups

In order to make room for Holland on the active roster (as well as for Robbie Ross, who made a spot start in place of Miles Mikolas last week), right-hander Nick Tepesch was optioned to Triple-A Round Rock and first baseman Mike Carp was designated for assignment on Aug. 29.

Tepesch was recalled from Round Rock when rosters expanded just a few days later, as were pitchers Lisalverto Bonilla and Michael Kirkman and infielder Luis Sardinas.

The Rangers then selected the contract of reliever Spencer Patton from Triple-A on Thursday, and on Sunday veteran infielder Guilder Rodriguez had his contract purchased from Double-A Frisco.

On a dubious historical footnote, Derek Holland became the 60th different player to appear in a game for Texas this year, establishing a new big-league record for most players used by one team in a single season.

Rangers Notes: Offseason Needs Shift into Focus

Shin-Soo Choo could give the Rangers a left-handed power hitter in the outfield, something missing since the departure of Josh Hamilton.

Trying to move past another stumbling finish to a disappointing season (not to mention the loss of the most notable icon in franchise history), the Rangers will be in the unfamiliar position of trying to improve their offense via free agency or trades this winter.

The Texas lineup that lost Josh Hamilton, Mike Napoli and Michael Young heading into this year did not fare as well as many had hoped, and Nelson Cruz’s late-season suspension highlighted multiple weaknesses in the batting order.

Cruz is going to be an unrestricted ‘Type A’ free agent for the first time in his career this offseason, and while the Rangers are expected to make him a qualifying offer of roughly $14 million, the Dominican slugger could elect to seek a more lucrative multi-year contract from another club on the open market.

Alex Rios has already supplanted Cruz as the team’s everyday right fielder, and both Craig Gentry and Leonys Martin saw regular playing time down the stretch, but Texas could look to add a left-handed power bat to the outfield mix.

Some of the top names available to that end include Shin-Soo Choo, Jacoby Ellsbury, Curtis Granderson and Grady Sizemore, each of whom is 33 years old or younger and has reached double figures in home runs at least once in their career.

Barring a blockbuster trade this offseason, the Rangers appear to have most of their infield set with Adrian Beltre, Elvis Andrus and Ian Kinsler, but they are likely to seek a utility man to replace free agent Jeff Baker.

In addition, the club could look for a more reliable power source than Mitch Moreland at first base, with Kendrys Morales, Justin Morneau and former Texas slugger Mike Napoli among the top players available at that position.

Behind the plate, both A.J. Pierzynski and Geovany Soto are eligible for free agency in a class that features a considerable gap between the most coveted name on the market — Atlanta catcher Brian McCann — and the next-best option.

The Rangers figure to be in the running for McCann’s services, and it would not be surprising if they brought back Soto because of the successful rapport he appears to have developed with starter Yu Darvish.

Aside from Darvish, left-hander Derek Holland is about the only other sure bet to begin next season in the Texas rotation, although 22-year-old Martin Perez certainly earned himself strong consideration by posting a 10-6 record across 20 starts this summer.

Matt Garza, acquired from the Cubs in a July trade, is eligible for free agency after winning just four of his 13 starts with the Rangers, but he’s thought to be one of the better pitchers on the market this offseason.

Also drawing interest this winter will be a handful of serviceable veterans who have shown the ability to surpass 200 innings pitched in a season, including Dan Haren, Ubaldo Jimenez, Ricky Nolasco, Ervin Santana and Jason Vargas.

Finally, the Texas bullpen does not figure to see a great amount of turnover next year, although some roles could be shifted if closer Joe Nathan decides to turn down his 2014 contract option and become a free agent.

Davis to Serve as Controlling Owner

With Nolan Ryan resigning from his ownership post, Major League Baseball commissioner Bud Selig said last week that Ray Davis will replace Ryan as the controlling owner of the team.

Davis, who already serves as co-chairman of the organization with Bob Simpson, is expected to be bestowed with his new title at the annual meeting of MLB owners in mid-November.

Following six years as a Rangers executive, Ryan announced two weeks ago that he will be stepping down from his front-office position at the end of this month, at which time he will sell his stake in the team to Davis and Simpson.

Leyland Retirement Could Open Door for Maddux

While he does not appear to among the finalists for the vacant Cubs’ managerial job, Texas pitching coach Mike Maddux is now being discussed as a potential candidate to replace Jim Leyland in Detroit.

Leyland announced he would not return as manager just two days after his Tigers lost to the Red Sox in the American League Championship Series, and Maddux has said he would “absolutely be interested” in the Detroit opening.

“This team is built to win now,” Maddux said of the Tigers. “I would try to put my own brand on it and just try to fill Jim Leyland’s shoes — not that anyone will be able to fill his shoes.”

Rangers Notes: Cactus League Update No. 2

Infielder Jeff Baker (top) is enjoying a solid spring thus far, leading the club with 18 hits and 10 runs scored.

More than one month into full-squad spring training action, Texas has most of its everyday position players and starting pitchers in place, with just a few roster spots still up for grabs in the coming weeks.

The Rangers’ regular infield will consist of first baseman Mitch Moreland, second baseman Ian Kinsler, third baseman Adrian Beltre and shortstop Elvis Andrus. But beyond those four, no clear-cut candidate has emerged to claim the team’s reserve infielder role.

Non-roster invitee Jeff Baker has performed well in a Texas uniform so far, batting at a .529 clip (18-for-34) over 15 games while tying for the club lead with 10 runs scored and four doubles. Top-rated prospect Jurickson Profar, on the other hand, has just eight hits in 36 Cactus League at-bats this spring, and he and Mike Olt have combined for 20 strikeouts against 10 walks.

Switch-hitter Yangervis Solarte has received starts and played errorless ball at second, third and shortstop, and a pair of Brandons (Allen and Snyder) have each logged a sizeable number of innings behind Moreland at first base.

Following Josh Hamilton’s departure via free agency, David Murphy looks to settle in as the Rangers’ everyday left fielder, while Nelson Cruz — who is currently playing for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic — appears likely to remain the starting right fielder.

Craig Gentry and Leonys Martin have shared much of the playing time in center field for Texas this spring, with the more seasoned Julio Borbon hoping for another chance to make the big-league roster. Borbon is out of options and would have to clear waivers in order to be sent back to Triple-A Round Rock.

Despite being scratched from his scheduled start against the Padres last Saturday because of an inflamed toe, left-hander Matt Harrison is still penciled into the Rangers’ starting rotation to begin the season, and he could be a favorite to get the ball on Opening Day.

Second-year righty Yu Darvish would be another candidate to get the Opening Day start in Houston, while Derek Holland and Alexi Ogando figure to round out the middle of the Texas rotation.

Ryan Issues Brief Statement

On Sunday, chief executive officer Nolan Ryan made his first public remarks since the recent promotion of Jon Daniels to president of baseball operations, saying very little but seeming to indicate a desire to remain with the team.

“Over the last week, [owners] Ray Davis, Bob Simpson and I have been in discussion and met in-person,” Ryan’s statement read. “The conversations have been productive, and we have discussed my role as CEO of the organization. We agreed these discussions will continue as we go forward.

“I am very proud of what the Rangers have accomplished over the last several years, and I believe our preparations for the upcoming season are what is important.”

Eight Sent to Minor-League Camp

The ballclub on Tuesday sent outfielder Joey Butler and pitchers Jake Brigham, Justin Miller and Neil Ramirez to the Texas minor-league camp.

Earlier this month, four right-handers were also reassigned to the minors, among them Cody Buckel — the organization’s 2012 Minor-League Pitcher of the Year — as well as Roman Mendez, Yonata Ortega and Matt West.

On the flip side, right-handed relievers Lisalverto Bonilla and Ben Rowen were both promoted to the Rangers’ big-league camp this week, where they will hope to take advantage of an unsettled bullpen situation.

Rangers Notes: Greenberg Steps Down as CEO

Chuck Greenberg’s brief stay in Texas included a bankruptcy auction and World Series appearance.

In an unexpected turn of events, the Rangers announced Friday that Chuck Greenberg – who spent several months and millions of his own dollars trying to secure partial ownership in the franchise – is resigning from his duties as the team’s CEO and managing partner.

Club president Nolan Ryan will assume Greenberg’s role as chief executive officer, and he will now oversee all baseball and business operations for the Rangers while reporting directly to the team’s Board of Directors.

“We thank Chuck for his many contributions to the organization, and wish him well in his future endeavors,” said Ray Davis and Bob Simpson, Co-Chairmen of Rangers Baseball Express LLC, in a press release. “At the same time, we are very confident in the continued success and further development of the Texas Rangers under Nolan’s leadership.”

Greenberg’s departure comes less than seven months after he led a group of investors – including Ryan – that submitted the winning bid to purchase the ballclub at a bankruptcy court auction late last summer.

Since then, he had become a popular public face for the Rangers as they marched through the American League playoffs and into the first World Series appearance in team history.

“I have great respect for the Texas Rangers franchise and am enormously proud of all we have accomplished together since August,” Greenberg said in the press release. “Unfortunately, Nolan Ryan, the Co-Chairmen, and I have somewhat different styles.

“While I am disappointed we did not work through our differences, I remain wholeheartedly committed to doing what’s right for the franchise. Together we concluded it is best for all concerned for me to sell my interest back to Rangers Baseball Express and move on.”

No specific details of the apparent falling-out were released, although according to Sports Illustrated baseball writer Jon Heyman (via Twitter), “Greenberg managed to upset a lot of people as managing partner but [his] undoing came after he upset Nolan Ryan.”

Team Makes First Roster Cuts

With less than three weeks to go until Opening Day, the Rangers on Saturday announced their first round of spring cuts while adding veteran pitcher Brett Tomko to the big-league roster.

Texas optioned four players from the 40-man roster to different levels of minor-league camp, including left-hander Zach Phillips (Triple-A Round Rock), outfielder Engel Beltre and right-hander Fabio Castillo (Double-A Frisco), and right-hander Wilmer Font (Class-A Myrtle Beach).

In addition, right-hander Brett Tomko – who signed a minor-league contract with Texas last month – was added to the team’s major-league camp as a non-roster player. Tomko, 37, missed all of the 2010 season while recovering from a nerve problem in his right arm.

Saturday’s moves leave the Rangers with a total of 52 players on their big-league spring training roster, including 36 on the 40-man roster and 16 non-roster invitees.

Beltre Close to Spring Debut

Third baseman Adrian Beltre, who has been sidelined with a calf strain throughout spring training, could see his first game action as soon as Monday, according to Richard Durrett of ESPN Dallas.

Beltre, a two-time Gold Glove award winner, signed a six-year deal with the Rangers in January worth $96 million, and his presence at third is expected to shift veteran Michael Young into a designated hitter/super utility role.