It's official: Brandon Webb and Arthur Rhodes are Texas Rangers
The Rangers introduced today their latest pitching signings.
Brandon Webb, the 31-year-old right-hander who won the 2006 National League Cy Young Award, and Arthur Rhodes, the 41-year-old lefty entering his 20th season, have passed their physicals and will help the Rangers defend their American League title in 2011.
Webb signed a one-year deal for a reported $3 million, but could earn as much as $8 million in incentives. Rhodes' deal is for $3.9 million and a vesting option for $4 million in 2012.
Webb is 87-62 with a 3.27 ERA over 199 games in his big league career, all with Arizona. He went 16-8 with a 3.10 ERA in 33 starts in his Cy Young year, a performance he followed up with second-place finishes in Cy Young voting the next two seasons. He won a career-high 22 games in 2008.
The Rangers are taking a chance on Webb, who has only pitched four innings in the last two years. General Manger Jon Daniels expects Webb to be fully healthy by spring training.
Rhodes, a Waco native, was an All-Star in 2010 for the first time in his career and finished the season 4-4 with a 2.29 ERA in 69 appearances for a Cincinnati club that won the NL Central. From April 13 to June 26 of last season, Rhodes put together a scoreless streak that spanned 33 games and 30 innings, matching the most consecutive appearances without allowing a run in Major League history.
Catcher Max Ramirez and left-hander Clay Rapada were designated for assignment to make room on the roster.
The Rangers have 10 days to trade, release, or outright both Ramirez and Rapada to the Minor Leagues.
