Lee Stevens continues to be the correct answer to an obsure bit of Texas Rangers trivia.
He's the last player to go an arbitration hearing with the Rangers, in 2000. The club had three chances to go this year entering Wedensday, but they signed Elvis Andrus and Nelson Cruz on Wednesday and Thursday and on Saturday signed Mike Napoli to a one-year deal worth $9.4 million.
Napoli had submitted a contract figure of $11.5 million last month, and the Rangers submitted $8.3 million. An official announcement of the 2012 contract is expected Sunday.
Napoli had a breakthrough season in his first year with the Rangers. He hit .320 with 30 homers and 75 RBIs -- all career-highs -- while playing catcher, first base and designated hitter. He had the second-best average in baseball after the All-Star break, and by September had become the Rangers' regular catcher.
-- Jeff Wilson
A well earned raise Mike. (c:
Posted by: JohnQ | February 12, 2012 at 07:58 AM
YA JUST CANT DO IT WITHOUT THIS GUY. GLAD TO SEE THEM GET IT DONE. ALL THE PIECES OF THE PUZZLE ARE ON THE BOARD. NOW IT'S WASH'S TURN TO PUT IT ALL TOGETHER.
Posted by: old guy | February 14, 2012 at 10:54 AM