Mercury News
USA Today is reporting that a Bengie Molina deal to Texas is done. The Giants would get right-hander Chris Ray and a player to be named later.
UPDATE: The Star-Telegram is now confirming the report after speaking to Rangers sources. Still no official word from the Giants, but this is a done deal. It won’t be approved by MLB until tomorrow, apparently. Richard Durrett of ESPN Dallas tells me the Giants will send the Rangers cash in the deal to offset the remaining salary difference between Molina and Ray. So roughly $2 million.
The deal still needs to be approved by the Commissioner’s office, which is no rubber stamp if the Rangers will be responsible for paying the roughly $2.5 million still owed Molina this season. That’s because the Rangers are for sale and in dire financial shape.
I am told that Ray, 28, has a minor league option, which is important. He also is making $975,000 this year, so taking him could be big for Texas’ finances.
Ray was 2-0 with a 3.41 ERA and one save in 35 games (34.1 IP) for the Rangers this season. He’d allowed just 24 hits, but a 16/16 K/BB ratio doesn’t look so great. The Rangers acquired him this winter from the Orioles in the deal that sent Kevin Millwood to Baltimore.
Ray was the Orioles’ closer in 2006 (33 saves) and part of ‘07 (16 saves). He missed nearly all of ‘08 rehabbing from “Tommy John” elbow reconstruction surgery.
Rangers GM Jon Daniels did not address Molina with reporters in Anaheim. He only said there has been trade dialogue. Ray is still on the roster and in the bullpen. Don’t expect him to get into the game, though.
Comment Talkin' Giants: Bengie Molina was a good Giant. Good luck Bengie.
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