The Rangers have given pitcher CJ Wilson and outfielder Nelson Cruz contracts to avoid arbitration with both of those players. Wilson agreed to a $7 million salary and Cruz gets $3.65 million, and each are 1 year deals. They also have some incentives built into the contracts for both players. Cruz would have had a monster year last season if is was not for some hamstring issues, and CJ became a successful starting pitcher in 2010. Both contracts were earned (in my opinion) and I look forward to seeing if CJ can keep on rolling (my guess is that he will be the opening day starter) and if Nelly can go the whole season without any hamstring issues.
The Rangers have 3 players left to sign and avoid arbitration with:
Darren O’Day
Frank Francisco
Josh Hamilton.
I am pretty confident that the Rangers will get deals done with all three of those players before too long.
