Arlington, TX

The Texas Rangers and free agent closer Joe Nathan reached an agreement on a two-year contract. Financial terms of the deal were not released.

A former All-Star with the Minnesota Twins, Nathan had 14 saves last season in Minnesota after missing the entire 2010 campaign after having Tommy John surgery.

With the addition of Nathan to the bullpen, the Rangers will move hard-throwing Neftali Feliz into the starting rotation.

Feliz took over closer duties for Texas for the 2010 season and won the Rookie of the Year Award in the American League with 40 saves, He finished with 32 saves last season to help the Rangers reach the World Series for the second straight year.

"We're looking at this as two acquisitions," Texas general manager Jon Daniels said.. "We're getting a guy with big-time makeup, big-time pedigree and big-time stuff in Joe Nathan and also moving one of the best arms in professional baseball to the rotation.

"This is a move that we have thought about for last two years, but the timing had to be right, and we feel the timing is right now. We feel Neftali has a chance to be a big-time starter sooner than later."

Daniels and manager Ron Washington both spoke to Feliz a few days ago about the possibility of becoming a starter and Feliz is on board.

"I was a starter for my whole career before I came to the Major Leagues," Feliz said in a statement released through the Rangers from his home in the Dominican Republic. "I am happy to know the team's decision this early, and I have plenty of time to get ready. I have already started running.

"I have time to work on my changeup and all my pitches. I know I have to work hard to be ready to help my team as a starter so we can get back to the playoffs."

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