Rangers Snag Beltre To Six-Year Deal

Adrian Beltre (in uniform) gives the Rangers' offense some added pop, while providing the defense with a Gold Glove caliber fielder at third base. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

After losing Cliff Lee to the Philadelphia Phillies and missing out in acquiring starter Zach Grienke from Kansas City, the Texas Rangers needed to secure an impact signing to make sure this offseason would not be a failure.

That's exactly what they accomplished, signing third baseman Adrian Beltre to a six-year, $96 million contract. Playing for the Boston Red Sox last season, Beltre hit .321 with 28 homers and 102 RBI in winning his first career American League Silver Slugger award.

"We all know that the Rangers have a really good team. I want to win," Beltre said. "This team is willing to do whatever it takes to get to that next step. That's one of the factors to make my decision to come here easier."

We'll delve into how Beltre's signing helps this Rangers' ballclub in a myriad of ways, but first lets get into how his contract will work.

So Long Lee, We Hardly Knew Ye

It appears as though the "mystery team" involved throughout the negotiations has snatched Cliff Lee (right) from the grasp of both the Texas Rangers and New York Yankees, and it's a team he's played for before - the Philadelphia Phillies. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum, File)

Well, at least he didn't sign with the Yankees.

Various reports surfaced late Monday night that Texas Rangers' ace Cliff Lee is set to sign with the Philadelphia Phillies.

The left-hander Texas traded for at the deadline last season, and whom subsequently led the Rangers to their first World Series appearance, is expected to sign a five-year, $100 million contract with a player-option for a sixth year.

Show Lee The Money

Rangers must do everything they can to sign Cliff Lee (left) and remain relevant in the landscape of Major League Baseball. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa, File)

As the bidding war escalates between the American League Champion Texas Rangers and 27-time World Champion New York Yankees, it's time for the Rangers' brass to do what that did in acquiring Cliff Lee out from under the Yankees in the first place: up the ante.

Show Lee the money!

I've read some grumblings from Dallas-area sports columnists about how this signing is similar to the epic-fail courtship and record-setting contract given to Alex Rodriguez by former owner Tom Hicks just nine seasons ago.

This is a not a fair comparison, in fact, it's a vast underestimation of Lee's talents and what he brings to a team.

The End - Giants Are World Series Champs After 3-1 Victory

Texas gave it all they had but, in the end, San Francisco is simply the better team. Tim Lincecum (above holding World Series trophy) dominated Texas for eight innings to lead the Giants to victory. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

With one pitch in the seventh inning, the San Francisco Giants changed the complexion of what was a 0-0 pitchers duel through 7 1-3 innings.

World Series MVP Edgar Renteria belted a 2-0 pitch right down the middle of the plate from Texas Rangers' starter Cliff Lee that gave the Giants a 3-0; just enough for the game five win and their first World Series title since moving to San Francisco in 1958.

Bumgarner'd - Rangers Shut Out 4-0

Giants' starter Madison Bumgarner (above) shut the Rangers down for eight inning, leading San Francisco to a 3-1 series lead. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

The San Francisco Giants are one game away from winning their first World Series since the team moved to San Francisco in 1958.

The Texas Rangers, on the other hand, find themselves in the unenviable situation of trying to become only the seventh team in MLB history to come back from down 3-1 in the World Series.

"With a win, I usually sleep pretty good in the playoffs, with a loss pretty shaky. Hopefully we sleep good tonight. We've got a big challenge tomorrow with Cliff Lee," Giants first-baseman Aubrey Huff, who knocked in two RBI in game five, said. "We got him last game, but you know he's going to come out and really want to get us."

That is the one thing Texas has going for it going forward: Cliff Lee starts tomorrow night. As for Sunday night's game, Giants' starter Madison Bumgarden showed why he is one of the best young pitchers in the game.

Back On Track - Rangers Win 4-2

Rangers finally show up for World Series thanks to a three-run homer from Mitch Moreland (18) and a dominant start from Colby Lewis. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

With one swing of the bat, the Texas Rangers have made this a series again.

Mitch Moreland's nine pitch at-bat with two-on, two-outs and a 2-2 count in the second inning culminated with a three-run shot that gives this Texas team hope going forward. Moreland fouled off four straight pitches before blasting a 397 foot shot into the stands in left field and putting the Rangers' up 3-0.

"I knew I had a runner in scoring position, so he was going to try to pitch me tough and I fouled off some off speed stuff and just tried to battle back, and I got the fastball," Moreland said.

And to think this guy wasn't even on the Major League roster to begin the season.

Statement Made - Giants Thrash Rangers 9-0

San Francisco dominates again behind a dominant start from Matt Cain to take a 2-0 World Series lead. Edgar Renterria (above, far right) had a solo home run and three RBI to lead the Giants. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg)

One of these two teams looks like they don't belong here through two games of the World Series.

The San Francisco Giants have left no question as to who the better team is so far as the Texas Rangers look like they are shaken by the bright lights of the World Series. The Giants have won the first two games by a combined 20-7 as the series moves to Arlington Saturday night, but Rangers' manager Ron Washington insists his team isn't fazed after being blown out to start the series.

"We certainly don't feel like we're defeated. We're heading home. They took care of us in their ballpark; now we're headed to ours," Washington said.

Hell Freezes Over - Giants Rough Up Lee, Win 11-7

San Francisco belted out 11 runs on 14 hits in routing the Rangers in the first game of the World Series. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Game one of the World Series between the Texas Rangers and San Fransisco Giants was supposed to be a pitcher's duel between two former Cy Young winners. It turned out to be a high scoring affair in which Cliff Lee and Tim Lincecum combined to allow 10 runs on 16 hits in 10 1-3 innings pitched.

"It wasn't quite the game we thought it would be," Giants manager Bruce Bochy said. "Great pitchers, sometimes they're a little bit off."

Unfortunately for the Rangers, the previously impenetrable Lee was a little bit more off than Lincecum, and Texas was unable mount a comeback in time.

A New Era - Rangers Advance To World Series

A ginger-ale shower engulfs members of the Rangers after a 6-1 win over the Yankees, securing a trip to the first World Series in team history. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Stop pinching yourself, this really just happened.

The Texas Rangers, winners of a grand total of one playoff game in the franchise's 50 years of existence coming into the season, have beaten the New York Yankees, the current champs and winners of 27 World Series titles along with 40 pennants.

"The World Series is coming to Texas," said Michael Young, the longest-tenured Ranger in his 10th season. "These fans have waited longer than we have. I know how bad we wanted it, and they must have wanted it more."

As they've done throughout the American League Championship Series (ALCS), the Rangers closed out the Yankees with a lethal combination of excellent starting pitching and clutch hitting.

Going Back To Texas - N.Y. Wins 7-2

Yankees bounce back in must-win game, roughing up C.J. Wilson and shutting down the Rangers' vaunted offense to send the series back to Arlington. (Above: Derek Jeter reacts after catching Elvis Andrus slipping on second base in the seventh inning. AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

You had to expect this result.

As much as the Texas Rangers dominated the last three games of the series, the New York Yankees weren't going to lose three straight games in the Bronx. This game was a forgone conclusion as the Yankees were geared up and ready with their collective backs against the wall.

"It's not disappointing. It's a seven-game series." Rangers manager Ron Washington said. "Those guys over there are champs. We didn't expect them to lay down, and they came out today and they were very aggressive."

Washington is right, and the Rangers now have two shots to put away the defending champs at home. Unfortunately, the series could have been over Wednesday afternoon, but a poor start on the mound and the lack of timely hitting made sure the series was coming back to Arlington.

One Game Away - Texas Tops N.Y. 10-3

Josh Hamilton (above) powered the Rangers with two home runs as Texas again gave themselves distance late in the game. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

Something that was so inconceivable coming into the postseason is now a reality: the Texas Rangers are one win away from the World Series.

In dominating fashion, the Rangers have taken a 3-1 series lead against the defending World Series champion New York Yankees. Texas has outscored the Yankees by a combined 30-11 in the first four games, but this team isn't resting on it's laurels quite yet.

"We're going to keep focused. We haven't done anything yet," Nelson Cruz said.

Statement Made - Rangers Crush Yankees 8-0

Cliff Lee strikes out record 13 batters, Rangers bat around in the ninth to seal game three blowout. (Above) Neftali Feliz and ninth inning hero Mitch Moreland celebrate with teammates after going up 2-1 in the seven game series against New York. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

Your Texas Rangers have won four straight road playoff games. What a difference a postseason makes as this team continues to put the pressure on the reigning world champion New York Yankees.

Rangers' starter Cliff Lee continued his postseason roll, breaking records and causing people to run out of superlatives to describe his dominant starts.

Not This Time - Rangers Spank Yanks 7-2

Texas roughs up another New York starter, taking a 5-0 lead early again, but this time the Rangers held onto it for the first home playoff win in franchise history. Neftali Feliz (above) and the beleaguered Rangers' bullpen pitched 3 1-3 scoreless innings to preserve the win. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

For the first two games of the American League Championship Series, at least, the Texas Rangers don't appear to be intimidated by the pedigree of the New York Yankees starting pitchers.

The Rangers jumped out to a 5-0 lead for the second straight game, this time against starter and 18-game winner Phil Hughes, who previously hadn't allowed a run at the Ballpark in Arlington.

Yankees Win 6-5 Behind Huge Inning

Texas blows five run lead in 10th straight playoff loss to Yankees. Mariano Rivera (above) got three straight outs to end the Rangers' comeback hopes in the ninth. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

No lead is safe is against the New York Yankees.

The Yankees proved that during the regular season, coming from behind to win a Major League best 48 games, and N.Y. proved it again in game one against the Texas Rangers. The Yankees batted around in the eighth inning, scoring five runs to spoil an outstanding start from C.J. Wilson and net the decisive game one victory.

Making History - Texas Tops Tampa 5-1

The Rangers celebrate (above) after reaching the American League Championship Series (A.L.C.S.) for the first time in franchise history. Texas won with some clutch hitting and elite pitching from Cliff Lee. (AP Photo/Steve Nesius)

The legend of Cliff Lee continues to grow after an epic, complete game series clinching performance has the Texas Rangers (3-2) heading into the A.L.C.S.

"It was a lot of fun, I know that much," Lee said.

Back To Square One- Rays Force Game 5 With 5-2 Win

The Rays have forced a do-or-die game Tuesday night as the Rangers have negated what they accomplished in the first two games of the series with two straight demoralizing losses at home. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

The Texas Rangers (2-2) ball club that showed up and spanked the Tampa Bay Rays (2-2) by a combined 12-1 in St. Petersburg over the first two games of the American League Divisional Series must have missed the flight back to Texas.

The Rangers' offense has been shut down and the team has been dominated 11-5 at the Ballpark in Arlington. Now all of the momentum is in the Rays' favor as the Rangers must beat Tampa at home for the third straight time.

"It's down to one game, we've got Cliff going and certainly feel good about that," Rangers manager Ron Washington said. "We have proved that we can win there."

Nearly nothing has gone right for the Rangers since the eighth inning of game four.

Until Next Time - Rangers Lose 6-3

Carlos Pena (above) led the way as the Rays offense snapped out of it's slump. Tampa Bay mounted a rally with five runs over the last two innings of the ballgame, forcing game five tomorrow in Arlington. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Up 2-1 in the eighth inning, with one of the best bullpens in baseball and only five outs remaining, the Texas Rangers (2-1) appeared poised to exercise previous playoff demons with the first playoff series victory in team history.

Unfortunately for the Rangers, the combination of Darren Oliver - who hadn't allowed a hit in three innings over the first two games of the series - and Neftali Feliz allowed the Rays to climb back into the series by allowing three runs on five hits in 1 2-3 innings pitched.

"I don't think we gave them anything. I think the runs they put on the board they earned," Washington said. "The eighth and the ninth, they took it. We'll bounce back (Sunday)."

One Win Away - Rangers 6 Rays 0

Michael Young (10) joins the celebration in the Rangers dugout after blasting a three run home run in the fifth inning. Texas is now one win away from the first playoff series victory in franchise history. (AP Photo/Mike Carlson)

I think it's safe to say the Texas Rangers (2-0) are not just happy to be in the American League Divisional Series. The only active franchise in Major League Baseball without a playoff series victory is going back to Arlington with two chances to close out the series at home against the Tampa Bay Rays (0-2).

"Being up 2-0 is huge, especially winning two on the road. But we still haven't accomplished anything yet," Rangers manager Ron Washington said. "Our goal is to get as far as we possibly can, and we're just going to take it back to Texas and come out and try to play as hard as we can again."

While the first playoff game was dominated by stellar performances from the new additions to the Rangers this season, this game featured some of the more tenured Rangers.

Rangers Rock Rays, Take Game One 5-1

Unlikely hero Bengie Molina (11) led the Rangers with three hits as Texas fired on all cylinders in the first game of the American League Divisional Series (A.L.D.S.). (AP Photo/Mike Carlson)

In one dominant first game performance, the Texas Rangers have doubled their previous playoff win total. The Rangers, losers of nine straight postseason games, were able to take down the Tampa Bay Rays behind a dominant start from Cliff Lee and some timely hitting from a few newcomers to the lineup.

"I like pitching on a big stage," Lee said. "Just pitching in the big leagues alone is an honor, but when you get an opportunity to make it to the postseason that's what it's all about. That's what you play all year for. I enjoy it, and I try to have fun with it."

Lee started the game with a rocky first inning in which he allowed three hits, all soft singles, and loaded the bases with only one out.

Playoff Schedule Set

Texas and Tampa Bay kick off the playoffs Wednesday afternoon in St. Petersberg Florida. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Well, good luck to anyone that works or goes to school for the majority of the day seeing any part of the first two games of the American League Divisional Series (A.L.D.S.) between the Tampa Bay Rays (96-66) and Texas Rangers (90-72). Without Tivo, and an adequate amount of patience, it's going to be difficult for most people to tune in to a 12:37 p.m. start time on a Wednesday.