Scott Feldman, Rangers agree at $2,425,000

ARLINGTON, Texas -- Texas Rangers right-hander Scott Feldman, a 17-game winner season, agreed Friday to a one-year contract worth $2,425,000 and avoided an arbitration hearing. Feldman began last season in the bullpen before the Rangers moved him into their starting rotation April 25. All 17 of his victories came as a starter. Only four pitchers in the majors had more total victories and his 12 wins on the road matched the most in the majors. When they exchanged figures last week, Feldman was seeking $2.9 million and the Rangers offered $2.05 million. Feldman, the last Rangers player in arbitration, agreed at $50,000 under the midpoint. Feldman (17-8, 4.08 ERA), who turns 27 next month, became only the third player in Rangers history to win at least 17 games in 31 starts or less, even though he lost his final three starts. He joined Kenny Rogers (17 wins in 31 starts in 1995) and Ferguson Jenkins (18 wins in 30 starts in 1978). A 30th-round amateur draft pick by the Rangers in 2003, Feldman made 73 relief appearances from 2005-07 while splitting time in the minor leagues. He had three stints with the Rangers in 2008, going 6-8 with a 5.29 ERA in 28 appearances (25 starts).