Webb, Rangers Agree to Deal

By Justin Worsley,

Scrambling to fill the void left by ace pitcher Cliff Lee, the Texas Rangers have reached out to another former Cy Young Award winner.

According to sources, the Ranges have agreed to a one-year deal with right-handed pitcher Brandon Webb. The deal is pending a physical.

Lee was courted by both Texas and the New York Yankees until a "mystery team" emerged two weeks ago. One of Lee's former teams, the Philadelphia Phillies were revealed to be that team and it was announced shortly after that he signed with them.

Webb, 31, won the Cy Young in 2006 while pitching for the Arizona Diamondbacks. In that season, Webb went 16-8 with a 3.10 ERA and 178 strikeouts.

Over the next two seasons, Webb proved his Cy Young campaign was no fluke, posting a 40-17 record over that span and a 3.15 ERA.

Webb has not pitched since opening day of the 2009 season after injuring his right shoulder. The Diamondbacks picked up the option on his 2010 contract and he stayed on the roster as a pitching instructor.

Now with a clean bill of health, Webb told clubs who were interested in him that he was only seeking a one-year deal in order to restore his value for next season. Along with Texas, the Chicago Cubs, the Washington Nationals and a mystery team believed to be the Cincinnati Reds were interested in him.

Webb possesses a sinker which is considered one of the league's best in his repertoire. The Rangers, who lost to the San Francisco Giants in last October's World Series, also have C.J. Wilson, Colby Lewis, Tommy Hunter and Derek Holland on their roster. Wilson, Lewis and Hunter all won at least 12 games last season.