The Texas Rangers will receive reliever Chris Ray as well as a player to be named later. Chris Ray ERA was 7.27 last year, but the previous seasons it was 2.73 and 4.43. Not really an equal trade for Millwood, but the Rangers are also rumored to be getting a pitching prospect as the player to be named later, and this will also clear up some room to sign some free agents.

Here comes the good part, with Millwood’s contract off the books, the Rangers are signing Rich Harden to a 1-year deal worth 7.5 million for the upcoming year, and this deal will also have an option for 1 more year at 11.5 million. Rich Harden is un-hittable when he is on and healthy, the problem has been that Harden hasn’t been able to stay healthy. Rich Harden made it through 26 games last year posting a 4.09 ERA, Harden’s ERA the previous year was 1.77 and has been under 3 every year except for last year. In comparison Millwood pitched 31 games last year with a 3.67 ERA, but he was in a contract year, and his ERA was above 5 in both of the previous years.

Update: 1310 the Ticket has reported that the Rich Harden deal is final.

I like this move, the Texas Rangers pitching staff becomes younger and more talented if Rich Harden can stay healthy. An added bonus is that this deal did not involve Milton Bradley, thank you John Daniels.

Another move that is being rumored is the Rangers getting Mike Lowell from the Boston Red Sox for the Texas Rangers Max Ramirez. This deal is not official, mostly because the Texas Rangers have some worries over Mike Lowell and his problematic 36 year old hip. Mike Lowell would add a much needed right handed batter to the Rangers lineup, and losing Max Ramirez is not that big of a deal due to the fact that the Rangers are so strong at the catching position.

Resources:
YahooSports! – Mike Lowell rumor
Evan Grant – Millwood and Harden