The Ranger Reporter

In an expected move, the Rangers offered starting pitcher C.J. Wilson arbitration.  After a 16-7 season, Wilson qualified as a Type A free agent so the Rangers will get two picks before the newer new rules go into effect.

The odds of Wilson coming back look pretty slim and the Rangers are already shuffling to fill the gap left by his departure.  Neftali Feliz is moving to the rotation and he’ll take Wilson’s spot with the signing of Joe Nathan. I like the move and with the team starting to sell Rangers tickets, they need to do everything they can to make the fans feel confident.

Darren Oliver wasn’t offered arbitration but the Rangers still get a pick because of these new rules.  There were four other nonranked players which included Brandon Webb, Michael Gonzalez, Endy Chavez and Matt Treanor.  None of those guys were offered arbitration.

The Rangers shored up their bullpen once again by signing former closer Joe Nathan to a two year deal.  Nathan missed all of 2010 and came back in 2011 and after a rough start, he had a productive season and he eventually slipped back into the closer spot for the Twins.  Nathan will make $14.5 million over two years and there’s a club option for a third year so he’s definitely closer money.

With the move, the Rangers also announced that Neftali Feliz is going to be in the rotation next year.  With C.J. Wilson most likely on his way out, the Rangers needed to fill a spot and Feliz is going to be the guy.  Then again, this is what was supposed to happen last year but it never materialized.

I like the move and Feliz gives the Rangers more value in the rotation.  Nathan used to be a stud and even if he’s taken just one step back it’ll be fine for the pen.  Good moves all the way around.