Rangers Notes: Replay to Give Washington More Options

Ron Washington has won more games than any other manager in Rangers franchise history.

A rule change was announced by Major League Baseball last week that will give managers the opportunity to challenge at least one call per game with instant replay.

If the manager’s argument is upheld, he will receive one extra challenge to use in the game, and the umpiring crew chief can ask for a video review on his own in the seventh inning or later.

The only exception to the expanded use of replay will be the “neighborhood play” at second base, in which an infielder making the pivot on a double play may come off the bag early (or miss it entirely) in order to avoid the sliding base runner.

The video reviews themselves will not be conducted by the umpires at the game, instead getting fed to MLB Advanced Media headquarters in New York where a rotating umpire crew will make the ruling.

Previously, video replay in use since 2008 was only allowed for calls on disputed home runs, such as determining fan interference or whether a ball was fair or foul.

The use of expanded replay, as announced last Thursday by commissioner Bud Selig in Arizona, was unanimously approved by all 30 MLB club owners, the Players Association and the World Umpires Association.

With replay now added to his in-game managerial duties, Texas skipper Ron Washington said he expects to rely on his coaching staff as well as his instinct when choosing whether or not to challenge a play.

“It will fall on all of us,” he said. “If I see something that I feel like I should go out there, I will. Everyone on the bench is yelling when they think something is wrong. If I feel like everyone saw the same thing I did, that will help.”

The first year of instant replay in Major League Baseball is also the final year of Washington’s current contract, but the winningest manager in club history says he won’t let his lame-duck status affect his preparation for spring training.

“I’m not worried about that,” Washington said. “That will take care of itself.”

Entering the 2014 season, nobody has won more games at the helm of the Texas ballclub (611) than Washington, who also led the franchise to its first two World Series appearances in 2010 and 2011.

“He’s been a huge part of what we’ve done here,” general manager Jon Daniels said of Washington. “It’s been a partnership from day one and I expect that to continue going forward. We’ll handle contracts and personal matters privately.”

Perez Agrees to Minor-League Deal

Texas signed left-handed pitcher Rafael Perez to a minor-league contract on Saturday, giving the longtime Indians reliever an invitation to major-league camp as well.

Perez appeared in 338 games out of the Cleveland bullpen from 2006-12 before spending last season between the Minnesota and Boston organizations, pitching for six different teams in the minors but never getting called up to the big leagues.

The 31-year-old will look to compete for a spot in the Rangers’ bullpen when spring training begins next month, although Neal Cotts and Robbie Ross are both back after emerging last season as solid left-handed relief options.

Cotts, Feliz, Ogando Avoid Arbitration

The ballclub agreed to deals with three arbitration-eligible pitchers late last week – Neal Cotts and right-handers Neftali Feliz and Alexi Ogando – and have just one case remaining in first baseman/designated hitter Mitch Moreland.

Cotts will earn $2.2 million after enjoying a personal resurgence with Texas last season, picking up a career-high eight victories out of the bullpen and posting a team-leading 1.11 earned run average.

Feliz and Ogando, who have each been used as starters and relievers in the past, are set to make $3 million and $2.625 million this year, respectively. While Feliz is likely to be used as a late-inning reliever, Ogando’s role on the staff is still undetermined.

Texas Adds Oliver to Staff

Veteran left-hander Darren Oliver spent roughly half of his 20-year career in the Rangers organization, so it was no surprise that he joined the Texas coaching staff as a special assistant within his first few months of official retirement.

“It was time,” Oliver said at a mini-camp for pitchers this week at Rangers Ballpark. “I’m definitely retired. It’s not there any more.”

Oliver, 43, was drafted by Texas in 1988 and made his major-league debut five years later. He returned to Arlington after two years with the Cardinals, then pitched for six other teams before again donning a Texas cap prior to the 2010 season.

The Kansas City native posted a career record of 118-98, and he holds the unique distinction of being the only player to be on the active roster for all of the Rangers’ postseason victories, dating back to October 1996.

Rangers Notes: Cactus League Wrap-Up

At just 22 years of age, Robbie Ross will be the youngest player on the Rangers’ Opening Day roster this Friday against the Chicago White Sox.

After struggling at the outset of spring training, the Rangers finished their Cactus League season on a high note by winning six of the final seven games in Arizona and three in a row overall before breaking camp Sunday.

Texas then beat its Triple-A affiliate, 10-8, in an exhibition contest Monday at Dell Diamond in Round Rock, and the team will take on Mexico City and Double-A Frisco over the next two days in preparation for Friday’s regular-season opener against the White Sox at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington.

Right-hander Colby Lewis will be the Opening Day starter for Texas, which is not surprising since — at age 32 — he’s the only member of the rotation older than 26 and has by far the most career big-league experience.

Lewis will be followed in the Rangers’ rotation by the team’s two left-handed starters, Derek Holland and Matt Harrison, before Yu Darvish makes his MLB debut on Monday against Seattle. Neftali Feliz will then round out the staff when he makes his first major-league start Tuesday versus the Mariners.

Julio Borbon was optioned to Triple-A Round Rock on Wednesday, likely indicating that Josh Hamilton will get a significant amount of playing time in center field, flanked by David Murphy in left field and Nelson Cruz in right.

Aside from backup catcher Yorvit Torrealba, bench roles were also claimed in Spring Training by infielder Alberto Gonzalez, first baseman Brandon Snyder and outfielder Craig Gentry.

Ross Wins Spot on Big-League Club

Although Sunday was April Fools’ Day, it was no joke when left-hander Robbie Ross was informed that he had made the Opening Day roster as the lone southpaw in the Texas bullpen.

Ross, 22, beat out veterans Joe Beimel and Mitch Stetter and in-house candidate Michael Kirkman for the role that has been filled at various times over the last two years by lefties Mike Gonzalez, Darren Oliver and Arthur Rhodes.

“I’m like a kid on Christmas,” Ross said. “It’s just amazing. I couldn’t believe it. I was sitting in there thinking it was April Fools’. It has been awesome.”

Thirty-two-year-old Neal Cotts was in the mix until suffering a strained left lat muscle during last Saturday’s game against the Indians.

(UPDATE: As part of finalizing their roster Wednesday, the Rangers placed reliever Yoshinori Tateyama on the 15-day disabled list with a muscle strain in his lower back, retroactive to Mar. 30.

Texas also signed veteran right-hander Aaron Heilman to a minor-league deal Wednesday and assigned him to Triple-A Round Rock. The 33-year-old Heilman had been released by Seattle on Sunday.)

Rangers Notes: Torrealba Draws Suspension for Hitting Umpire

Rangers catcher Yorvit Torrealba was handed a 66-game suspension Monday for hitting a Venezuelan League umpire during a Dec. 23 game in Caracas.

It was announced Monday that Texas catcher Yorvit Torrealba had been suspended 66 games by the Venezuelan League after he hit umpire Dario Rivero, Jr. in the face following a disputed strikeout last week.

Torrealba, playing for Leones de Caracas in his native Venezuela, struck out swinging during a game Friday and immediately began jawing at Rivero, who was the home plate umpire. While unloading a heated verbal barrage on Rivero, Torrealba suddenly hit the umpire in the facemask with his right hand.

“I wanted to express my sincere apologies to all parties for my actions during the Venezuelan Winter League game on Friday,” Torrealba said in a statement he issued Monday. “I am embarrassed for my conduct, and personally relayed that feeling to [Rivero] after that night’s game.

“On the field, I strive to be an example for children, especially those in my native Venezuela, and I regret my actions. I understand the reactions to the incident and will make every effort to set a positive example in the future.”

It remains to be seen whether the Rangers or Major League Baseball will impose any penalty on the 33-year-old Torrealba for his outburst, although Texas general manager Jon Daniels said the club is looking into the incident.

Torrealba batted .273 for the Rangers last season with 27 doubles, 37 RBIs and 40 runs scored, seeing most of his playing time when regular catcher Mike Napoli started at first base or got a day off.

Blue Jays Sign Veteran Oliver

Darren Oliver’s third stint with Texas came to an end Friday when the veteran left-hander was signed by the Toronto Blue Jays to a one-year contract that includes a club option for the 2013 season.

Oliver, 41, had been a consistent late-inning presence in the Rangers’ bullpen over the past two years, appearing in a total of 125 games while posting a 6-7 record with a 2.40 earned run average and three saves.

With the departure of Oliver, Texas is likely to seek another left-hander to complement southpaw Michael Kirkman in the bullpen. Some of the remaining free-agent options include Mike Gonzalez – who spent part of last season with the Rangers – Damaso Marte and Brian Tallet.

Former First-Rounder Kiker Released by Texas

Left-handed pitching prospect Kasey Kiker was released by the Rangers last Thursday, bringing to an end the tenure of the former first-round pick with Texas.

Kiker, taken by the Rangers with the No. 12 overall pick in the 2006 first-year player draft, went 3-4 across 30 games at High-A Myrtle Beach last season.

After beginning his professional career as a starter, Kiker has made 36 relief appearances against just eight starts with an unsightly 7.33 ERA over the last two years between Myrtle Beach and Double-A Frisco.

Rangers Notes: Cards Complete Stunning Comeback to Win Title

Texas starter Matt Harrison reacts after giving up a solo home run to Allen Craig at Busch Stadium on Friday. St. Louis won Game 7 by a final of 6-2.

Despite being just a strike away from the first World Series title in franchise history on two separate occasions Thursday, Texas allowed an improbable comeback win by St. Louis before falling to the Cardinals on Friday, 6-2, to lose its second straight Fall Classic.

David Freese was the hero for the Cardinals in Game 6, which was delayed from Wednesday until Thursday by a threat of rain in the St. Louis area. The Rangers broke a 4-4 tie with three runs in the top of the seventh inning – highlighted by consecutive solo homers from Adrian Beltre and Nelson Cruz – only to watch the Cardinals score two in the eighth and one more in the ninth to force extra frames.

With one out in the 10^th, Josh Hamilton put Texas back ahead with a two-run homer off St. Louis reliever Jason Motte, but Darren Oliver and Scott Feldman combined to let that lead slip away as well.

Facing Rangers right-hander Mark Lowe in the bottom of the 11^th, David Freese worked a full count before clubbing a game-winning home run over the center field wall, which gave the Cardinals a 10-9 come-from-behind victory.

Both teams scored a pair of first-inning runs in Friday’s decisive Game 7, but St. Louis went on to add four additional runs while Chris Carpenter and four relievers combined to keep Texas off the board, paving the way for the Cardinals’ 6-2 win and 11^th World Series title in club history.

The Rangers become the first American League team to lose back-to-back World Series since the New York Yankees did so in 1963-64. The only other modern-era A.L. clubs to achieve such infamy were the 1921-22 Yankees and the 1907-09 Detroit Tigers.

Freese was named the World Series MVP after batting .348 (8-for-23) with three doubles, four runs scored and seven RBIs.

Rangers Notes: Adams, Uehara Acquired in Deadline Deals

Koji Uehara held opponents to a meager .152 batting average while producing a 1.72 ERA in 43 games with the Baltimore Orioles this season.

Texas was active in the hours leading up to Sunday’s non-waiver trade deadline, dealing Chris Davis and Tommy Hunter to Baltimore in exchange for right-hander Koji Uehara on Saturday before acquiring reliever Mike Adams from the Padres on Sunday for minor-league pitchers Robbie Erlin and Joe Wieland.

The Rangers seemed willing to part with Davis and Hunter as both were blocked at their current positions (corner infielder and long reliever, respectively) while Uehara will provide the team with another hard-throwing righty to complement Mark Lowe in the Texas bullpen.

Across 47 innings pitched for the Orioles this season, the 36-year-old Uehara – who relies on a fastball and split-finger combination – posted a 1-1 record with a 1.72 earned run average in 43 appearances.

Less than 24 hours after acquiring Uehara, the Rangers completed another trade Sunday that sent prospects Erlin and Wieland to San Diego in exchange for right-hander Mike Adams, who had tallied one save and 23 holds over 48 innings of work as the primary setup man for Padres’ closer Heath Bell this year.

Adams, a Texas native from the Corpus Christi area, has a career mark of 11-9 in parts of seven seasons with San Diego and the Milwaukee Brewers, who had originally drafted him as an amateur free agent in 2001.

Of all major-league pitchers with at least 120 innings of work since the ’09 season, Adams can lay claim to the lowest ERA (1.31), opponents’ batting average (.163) and opponents’ on-base percentage (.221) while also racking up an MLB-leading 76 holds over that span.

While there was much talk leading up to the deadline involving the Rangers and Heath Bell, the Padres’ asking price for the All-Star was reported to be too high, including left-hander Martin Perez in a package along with Robbie Erlin and Joe Wieland.

Erlin, a 20-year-old lefty who was taken by Texas in the third round of the ’09 draft, went 8-4 with an earned run average of 3.34 in 20 combined games at the two levels this season. The right-handed Wieland, 21, was in his fourth year with the organization after being drafted in June 2008, and he had racked up a 10-3 record with a 1.80 ERA in 21 appearances between Myrtle Beach and Frisco.

Rhodes Designated for Assignment

In order to clear a spot on the active roster for Adams, the Rangers designated veteran southpaw Arthur Rhodes for assignment on Monday, which gives the team 10 days to trade, release, or outright him to Triple-A Round Rock.

Rhodes, 41, seemed the likeliest candidate to be demoted or designated for assignment, as he and his 4.81 earned run average had been one of the weaker points of the Rangers’ bullpen this season.

In addition, Texas still has a veteran southpaw in the form of 40-year-old Darren Oliver, who has a more polished 2.23 ERA across 36-plus innings of work.

Blanco, Teagarden Re-Join Active Roster

Reserve infielder Andres Blanco was activated from the 15-day disabled list prior to Sunday’s finale in Toronto, essentially filling the roster spot left vacant by Chris Davis’s departure to Baltimore.

Blanco had been on the DL since July 8 with a stress reaction in his lower back, and Omar Quintanilla has seen sporadic playing time as the Rangers’ backup infielder over the ensuing three-plus weeks.

Before the team left for Toronto, catcher Taylor Teagarden was recalled from Triple-A Round Rock as outfielder Craig Gentry landed on the seven-day concussion disabled list following a hard slide into second base on July 24.

In 39 games with Texas this season, Gentry is batting .265 with five doubles, seven RBIs and 14 runs scored while going a perfect 12-for-12 in stolen base attempts.