Right-hander Yu Darvish, the Japanese star who is in negotiations for a multiyear contract with Rangers, is in the Metroplex with his father to gain a better understanding of the area and get a first-hand look at the operations of the reigning American League champions.
General manager Jon Daniels confirmed that Darvish is in town after news of a visit surfaced overnight in the Japanese media. Daniels declined to discuss the details of Darvish's trip, but he isn't expected to be in town much longer. Darvish is planning to start his preseason workouts this week in Japan.
Daniels also declined to discuss the state of the contract negotiations, but a source suggested there's still work to do.
"He isn't [there] for a press conference," the baseball source said.
The Rangers bid $51.7 million for the right to negotiate with Darvish, and the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters accepted posting fee Dec. 19. The two sides have until the afternoon of Jan. 18 to reach a deal. The Rangers have been working with agents Arn Tellem and Don Nomora, who represented Darvish in Japan.
-- Jeff Wilson
Instead of spending $51.7 million for the right to negotiate with this unknown why didn't the spend this money on two or three good pitchers of known quality????
Posted by: John Q | January 09, 2012 at 11:21 AM