Yu Darvish is visiting Texas for the first time during a 30-day window – which began Dec. 20 – that the AL champion Rangers have to negotiate a contract with the Japanese pitcher.
Rangers general manager Jon Daniels confirmed reports that Darvish was in the Dallas-Fort Worth area Tuesday. Daniels wouldn’t discuss the state of negotiations with Darvish or any plans for meetings during the visit by the 25-year-old right-hander.
“He felt it was appropriate to make the trip at this time,” the Rangers said.
The 6-foot-5 Darvish pitched in the 2008 Beijing Olympics and was a member of the Japanese team that won the 2009 World Baseball Classic. Darvish, who turned pro in 2005 at age 18, has superb control and throws seven effective pitches.
SHORT HOPS
Reliever Robinson Tejeda has agreed to a minor league contract with the Cleveland Indians and was invited to major league spring training. … A person familiar with the negotiations says infielder Greg Dobbs has agreed to a two-year contract to remain with the Miami Marlins. … The Chicago Cubs and outfielder Reed Johnson have agreed to a $1.15 million, one-year contract. … The Baltimore Orioles have obtained outfielder Jai Miller from the Athletics for cash.
