Jon Daniels
Encyclopedia
Jon Daniels is the current General Manager
(GM) of the Texas Rangers
, a Major League Baseball
. When hired, at age 28, he was the youngest GM in Major League Baseball history. And as of 2011 was still the youngest GM.
, New York
. He went to college at Cornell University
, majored in Applied Economics and Management, and joined the Delta Chi Fraternity. After graduating from Cornell University in 1999, Daniels went into business development for Allied Domecq
.
, when he landed an internship with the Colorado Rockies
. After the baseball season concluded that year, Daniels was informed of an opening in the Rangers organization. He applied and was hired by then GM John Hart
as assistant director of baseball operations. In July 2004, Grady Fuson left the organization and Daniels was promoted to assistant GM.
Daniels' first major deal as general manager was trading Alfonso Soriano
to the Washington Nationals
for Brad Wilkerson
, Terrmel Sledge
, and Armando Galarraga
, a move that perplexed many Rangers fans in the DFW area at the time. The move had many pros and cons. Soriano hit 46 homers and went on to steal 41 bases the next season and Wilkerson played most of the season injured and ended with a .222 batting average. On the other hand, trading Soriano opened up a spot for rookie Ian Kinsler
and freed up money that would have been spent on Soriano's salary to be more flexible in offering Kevin Millwood
a large contract. Still, Kinsler’s position could have been opened up by moving Soriano into the outfield. In fact, after completion of the trade Soriano went to the outfield. He originally held out from baseball activities with the Nationals before agreeing to play left field.
Another move that still upsets many Rangers fans was a trade that Daniels made in December of 2005
, sending pitcher Chris Young, outfielder Sledge and first baseman Adrian Gonzalez
to the San Diego Padres for pitchers Adam Eaton
and Akinori Otsuka
, and catcher Billy Killian. While Otsuka filled a valuable role as the Rangers closer
, the oft-injured Eaton only pitched 65 innings with an ERA of 5.12. Dallas-native Chris Young pitched 180 innings for the Padres, racking up 164 K's and posting an ERA of 3.46. Adrian Gonzalez (considered a prized prospect) batted .304 for the Padres while hitting 24 home runs. Many Rangers fans consider this deal even worse than the Soriano deal.
Some of Daniels' other moves have been better received. On the eve of the 2006
season, after losing #2 starter Eaton to injury, Daniels made a three-way deal, sending Juan Dominguez to the Oakland Athletics
for John Rheinecker
and Freddie Bynum
, the latter of which he turned and traded to the Chicago Cubs
for John Koronka
. Koronka and Rheinecker helped shore up the Rangers rotation in April and May, while Dominguez stayed at Oakland's AAA affiliate for the entire year.
Another trade Daniels made was sending Laynce Nix
, Kevin Mench
, and Francisco Cordero
to the Milwaukee Brewers
for minor leaguer Nelson Cruz, and All-star left fielder Carlos Lee
. The trade was completed just before the trade deadline of the 2006 season. Lee was the most sought after trade target during the season and was supposed to provide the Rangers with a strong bat in the middle of the lineup. Lee was only in a Ranger uniform for a couple of months before the season ended, and did not live up to the high expectations of Rangers fans. Lee then signed a $100 million free agent contract with the Houston Astros
, giving the Rangers the #17 and #35 draft picks (Blake Beavan
and Julio Borbon
, respectively) and in 2007 as compensation. Cordero had a career resurgence with the Brewers, making the All-star team in 2007 before signing a four year contract averaging more than 10 million annually with the Cincinnati Reds. Cruz emerged as a power-hitting All-Star in the 2009 season for the Rangers.
In late December 2006, Daniels collaborated with White Sox General Manager Kenny Williams, engineering a trade that caught many within baseball's inner circles off guard. The Rangers acquired young starter Brandon McCarthy
in exchange for the even younger John Danks
. This may be one of the worst trades in the Daniels era. Danks proved to be one of the key pieces for the White Sox rotation in 2008 and beyond, while McCarthy became an injury-riddled right-hander who did not live up to expectations.
The Texas Rangers received a total of five first round and supplemental draft picks for the 2007 draft. The Rangers would have had an additional pick (#18), but they forfeited it to Toronto by signing Frank Catalanotto
.
17th RHP Blake Beavan
(received from Astros for signing Carlos Lee
)
24th RHP Michael Main (received from Angels for signing Gary Matthews Jr.)
35th OF Julio Borbon
(Supplemental pick for type A free agent Carlos Lee
)
44th RHP Neil Ramirez (Supplemental pick for type A free agent Gary Matthews Jr.)
54th RHP Tommy Hunter
(Supplemental pick for type B free agent Mark DeRosa
)
On July 31, 2007, Daniels made two possibly career-defining trades, one with the Atlanta Braves
, the other with Boston Red Sox
. Daniels first agreed with Atlanta Braves General Manager John Schuerholz
to trade coveted slugger Mark Teixeira
and relief pitcher Ron Mahay
for catching prospect Jarrod Saltalamacchia
. The Rangers were also able to obtain four minor leaguers in the trade. The first of these prospects, left-hander Matt Harrison
, emerged as a starter in the 2009 Ranger rotation. The second of the these prospects acquired from the Braves, Elvis Andrus
, now widely hailed as an elite young shortstop. Another, Neftali Feliz, is a well regarded power pitcher who joined the Rangers bullpen in 2009. Both Andrus and Feliz were named as All-Stars in 2010, a season in which Feliz was voted rookie of the year.
But there was another substantive trade that day, which occurred just before the trade deadline, Daniels agreed to send closer Eric Gagné
to the Boston Red Sox for young starting pitcher Kason Gabbard
, Triple-A prospect David Murphy and rookie-league outfielder Engel Beltre.
Not receiving as much attention at the time, Daniels also made a third trade prior to the deadline sending center fielder Kenny Lofton
to the Indians for catching prospect Max Ramirez
.
As a result of the 2007 draft, trades and Latin America free agent signings, the Rangers jumped to the #4 system in Baseball America 2008 organization rankings. This represented the biggest jump since Baseball America began ranking MLB farm systems.
Before the 2008 Season, Daniels traded the 2nd member of what was once dubbed the "DVD trio," sending Edison Volquez to the Reds for Outfielder Josh Hamilton. This trade has received positive reviews for both sides, as each player made an All-star appearance with their new team and both teams made the playoffs in the 2010 season.
Baseball America recognized the Rangers as having the best farm system following the 2008 season. Notable additions to the system in 2008 included draft picks Justin Smoak, Robbie Ross, and Joe Wieland.
At the 2009 Winter Meetings, many media analysts expected the Rangers to be wallflowers, as the team was up for sale, leaving Daniels with minimal budget. In order to free up salary, Daniels orchestrated a deal with the Baltimore Orioles
, dealing veteran starting pitcher Kevin Millwood
for young reliever Chris Ray
and left-handed pitcher Ben Snyder. With the salary freed up by the departure of Millwood, the Rangers signed free agent Rich Harden
. The initial fan and media reaction to the deal were mostly positive, even though both Ray and Harden were recovering from arm injuries. Daniels also signed free agents Vladimir Guerrero
and Colby Lewis
.
On July 1, Daniels acquired catcher Bengie Molina
from the San Francisco Giants
for relief pitcher Chris Ray
and prospect Michael Main. On July 9, Daniels acquired pitchers Cliff Lee
and Mark Lowe
from the Seattle Mariners
for Blake Beavan
, Matt Lawson, Josh Lueke
, and prized prospect Justin Smoak
. On July 29, Daniels acquired Jorge Cantú
from the Florida Marlins
for prospects Evan Reed and Omar Poveda
. On July 30, Daniels acquired Cristian Guzmán
from the Washington Nationals
for prospects Ryan Tatusko and Tanner Roark. On July 31, after high expectations and several disappointments, Daniels traded away the Texas Rangers
2010 opening day starting catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia
to the Boston Red Sox
for prospects Chris McGuiness, Roman Mendez, a player to be named later
, and cash considerations equaling near $350,000.
On October 22, Daniels and the Texas Rangers won the American League Penant when they eliminated the New York Yankees in 6 games of the ALCS.
On December 8, Daniels was named the Baseball America Major League Executive of the Year.
General manager (baseball)
In Major League Baseball, the general manager of a team typically controls player transactions and bears the primary responsibility on behalf of the ballclub during contract discussions with players....
(GM) of the Texas Rangers
Texas Rangers (baseball)
The Texas Rangers are a professional baseball team in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, based in Arlington, Texas. The Rangers are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League, and are the reigning A.L. Western Division and A.L. Champions. Since , the Rangers have...
, a Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
. When hired, at age 28, he was the youngest GM in Major League Baseball history. And as of 2011 was still the youngest GM.
Biography
Daniels was born and raised in QueensQueens
Queens is the easternmost of the five boroughs of New York City. The largest borough in area and the second-largest in population, it is coextensive with Queens County, an administrative division of New York state, in the United States....
, New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
. He went to college at Cornell University
Cornell University
Cornell University is an Ivy League university located in Ithaca, New York, United States. It is a private land-grant university, receiving annual funding from the State of New York for certain educational missions...
, majored in Applied Economics and Management, and joined the Delta Chi Fraternity. After graduating from Cornell University in 1999, Daniels went into business development for Allied Domecq
Allied Domecq
Allied Domecq PLC was an international company, headquartered in Bristol, UK that operated spirits, wine, and quick service restaurant businesses. It was once a FTSE 100 Index constituent but has been acquired by Pernod Ricard.-History:...
.
Baseball career
His baseball career began in 20012001 in baseball
-Major League Baseball:*Regular Season Champions*World Series Champion - Arizona Diamondbacks*Postseason - October 9 to November 4Click on any series score to link to that series' page....
, when he landed an internship with the Colorado Rockies
Colorado Rockies
The Colorado Rockies are a Major League Baseball team based in Denver, Colorado. Established in 1991, they started play in 1993 and are in the West Division of the National League. The team is named after the Rocky Mountains...
. After the baseball season concluded that year, Daniels was informed of an opening in the Rangers organization. He applied and was hired by then GM John Hart
John Hart (baseball)
John Henry Hart is an American Major League Baseball executive. In addition, he is the former general manager of the Cleveland Indians and Texas Rangers; now he currently serves as senior adviser, baseball operations, for the Rangers...
as assistant director of baseball operations. In July 2004, Grady Fuson left the organization and Daniels was promoted to assistant GM.
General manager
On October 4, 2005, Hart announced he was stepping down as GM and the Rangers replaced him with Daniels. At the age of 28 years and 41 days, Jon Daniels became the youngest GM in baseball history.2006 Season
Daniels' first major deal as general manager was trading Alfonso Soriano
Alfonso Soriano
Alfonso Guilleard Soriano is a Major League Baseball outfielder for the Chicago Cubs....
to the Washington Nationals
Washington Nationals
The Washington Nationals are a professional baseball team based in Washington, D.C. The Nationals are a member of the Eastern Division of the National League of Major League Baseball . The team moved into the newly built Nationals Park in 2008, after playing their first three seasons in RFK Stadium...
for Brad Wilkerson
Brad Wilkerson
Stephen Bradley "Brad" Wilkerson is a former American college and professional baseball player who was an outfielder and first baseman in Major League Baseball for eight seasons in the 2000s. Wilkerson played college baseball for the University of Florida, and was selected by the Montreal Expos...
, Terrmel Sledge
Terrmel Sledge
Terrmel Sledge is a former outfielder in Major League Baseball, who currently plays for the Yokohama BayStars of Nippon Professional Baseball in Japan. Sledge's career began in with the Montreal Expos. He moved with the team to Washington, D.C...
, and Armando Galarraga
Armando Galarraga
Armando Antonio Galarraga is a Venezuelan professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. Galarraga made his Major League Baseball debut with the Texas Rangers on September 15, 2007...
, a move that perplexed many Rangers fans in the DFW area at the time. The move had many pros and cons. Soriano hit 46 homers and went on to steal 41 bases the next season and Wilkerson played most of the season injured and ended with a .222 batting average. On the other hand, trading Soriano opened up a spot for rookie Ian Kinsler
Ian Kinsler
Ian Michael Kinsler is a Major League Baseball All-Star second baseman for the Texas Rangers.Despite having been drafted in only the 17th round out of college, Kinsler has risen to become a two-time All Star, and a member of the Sporting News 2009 list of the 50 greatest current players in baseball...
and freed up money that would have been spent on Soriano's salary to be more flexible in offering Kevin Millwood
Kevin Millwood
Kevin Austin Millwood is an American professional baseball pitcher. He has previously played for the Atlanta Braves, Philadelphia Phillies, Cleveland Indians, Texas Rangers, Baltimore Orioles and Colorado Rockies.-Personal life:Millwood graduated from Bessemer City High School in North Carolina...
a large contract. Still, Kinsler’s position could have been opened up by moving Soriano into the outfield. In fact, after completion of the trade Soriano went to the outfield. He originally held out from baseball activities with the Nationals before agreeing to play left field.
Another move that still upsets many Rangers fans was a trade that Daniels made in December of 2005
2005 in baseball
-Headline events of the year:*Chicago White Sox swept the Houston Astros to win the 2005 World Series.*2005 also marked the inaugural season of the Washington Nationals, who relocated from Montreal and were formerly known as the Expos....
, sending pitcher Chris Young, outfielder Sledge and first baseman Adrian Gonzalez
Adrián González
Adrian Gonzalez is an American professional baseball first baseman with the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball.Gonzalez was the first overall pick in the 2000 Major League Baseball Draft by the Florida Marlins. He was traded to the Texas Rangers, and later to the San Diego Padres, where he...
to the San Diego Padres for pitchers Adam Eaton
Adam Eaton
Adam Thomas Eaton is a former Major League Baseball pitcher.-High school:Eaton graduated from Snohomish High School in 1996 where he went 8–0 with a 0.67 earned run average as a senior, and earned second team High School All-America honors from Baseball America. Ranked the No...
and Akinori Otsuka
Akinori Otsuka
is a currently inactive Japanese Major League Baseball player. He was formerly the set-up man for the San Diego Padres and the Texas Rangers...
, and catcher Billy Killian. While Otsuka filled a valuable role as the Rangers closer
Closer (baseball)
In baseball, a closing pitcher, more frequently referred to as a closer , is a relief pitcher who specializes in closing out games, i.e., getting the final outs in a close game. Closers often appear when the score is close, and the role is often assigned to a team's best reliever. A small number of...
, the oft-injured Eaton only pitched 65 innings with an ERA of 5.12. Dallas-native Chris Young pitched 180 innings for the Padres, racking up 164 K's and posting an ERA of 3.46. Adrian Gonzalez (considered a prized prospect) batted .304 for the Padres while hitting 24 home runs. Many Rangers fans consider this deal even worse than the Soriano deal.
Some of Daniels' other moves have been better received. On the eve of the 2006
2006 in baseball
-Headline Event of the Year:*The 2006 World Baseball Classic final 4 teams are Japan, Cuba, Korea and the Dominican Republic, with the United States at 3–3 failing to qualify for the semi-finals. Under the leadership of manager Sadaharu Oh and veterans Ichiro Suzuki and Daisuke Matsuzaka, Japan ...
season, after losing #2 starter Eaton to injury, Daniels made a three-way deal, sending Juan Dominguez to the Oakland Athletics
Oakland Athletics
The Oakland Athletics are a Major League Baseball team based in Oakland, California. The Athletics are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From to the present, the Athletics have played in the O.co Coliseum....
for John Rheinecker
John Rheinecker
John Philip Rheinecker is a former Major League Baseball pitcher.-High school years:Rheinecker attended Gibault Catholic High School in Waterloo, Illinois, and was a student and a letterman in baseball. He grew up in Hecker, Illinois and first starred at the Hecker Dome...
and Freddie Bynum
Freddie Bynum
Freddie Lee Bynum Jr. is a shortstop playing in the St. Louis Cardinals organization. He is known for his blazing speed and excellent defensive abilities which include the ability to field several different positions in the infield and outfield...
, the latter of which he turned and traded to the Chicago Cubs
Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs are a professional baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League. They are one of two Major League clubs based in Chicago . The Cubs are also one of the two remaining charter members of the National...
for John Koronka
John Koronka
John Vincent Koronka is a left-handed baseball pitcher who currently is a free agent.-Cincinnati Reds:...
. Koronka and Rheinecker helped shore up the Rangers rotation in April and May, while Dominguez stayed at Oakland's AAA affiliate for the entire year.
Another trade Daniels made was sending Laynce Nix
Laynce Nix
Laynce Michael Nix is a Major League Baseball outfielder. Nix plays all three outfield positions, but plays most of his games at left field. His younger brother is Jayson Nix, a utility player for the Toronto Blue Jays....
, Kevin Mench
Kevin Mench
Kevin Ford Mench is a Major League Baseball outfielder who is currently a free agent.-High school and college career:...
, and Francisco Cordero
Francisco Cordero
Francisco Javier Cordero is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds...
to the Milwaukee Brewers
Milwaukee Brewers
The Milwaukee Brewers are a professional baseball team based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, currently playing in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League...
for minor leaguer Nelson Cruz, and All-star left fielder Carlos Lee
Carlos Lee
Carlos Noriel Lee is a first basemen in Major League Baseball who plays for the Houston Astros. He bats and throws right-handed....
. The trade was completed just before the trade deadline of the 2006 season. Lee was the most sought after trade target during the season and was supposed to provide the Rangers with a strong bat in the middle of the lineup. Lee was only in a Ranger uniform for a couple of months before the season ended, and did not live up to the high expectations of Rangers fans. Lee then signed a $100 million free agent contract with the Houston Astros
Houston Astros
The Houston Astros are a Major League Baseball team located in Houston, Texas. They are a member of the National League Central division. The Astros are expected to join the American League West division in 2013. Since , they have played their home games at Minute Maid Park, known as Enron Field...
, giving the Rangers the #17 and #35 draft picks (Blake Beavan
Blake Beavan
Blake Beavan is a Major League Baseball starting pitcher for the Seattle Mariners.-Professional:Beavan drafted from Irving High School in the 1st round, 17th overall by the Texas Rangers in the 2007 Major League Baseball Draft...
and Julio Borbon
Julio Borbon
Julio Alberto Borbon is a Major League Baseball center fielder for the Texas Rangers.-Baseball career:...
, respectively) and in 2007 as compensation. Cordero had a career resurgence with the Brewers, making the All-star team in 2007 before signing a four year contract averaging more than 10 million annually with the Cincinnati Reds. Cruz emerged as a power-hitting All-Star in the 2009 season for the Rangers.
2007 Season
In late December 2006, Daniels collaborated with White Sox General Manager Kenny Williams, engineering a trade that caught many within baseball's inner circles off guard. The Rangers acquired young starter Brandon McCarthy
Brandon McCarthy
Brandon Patrick McCarthy is a Major League Baseball right-handed starting pitcher for the Oakland Athletics.-Early life:He graduated from Cheyenne Mountain High School in Colorado Springs, Colorado in 2001....
in exchange for the even younger John Danks
John Danks
John William Danks is a left-handed starting pitcher in Major League Baseball currently playing with the Chicago White Sox....
. This may be one of the worst trades in the Daniels era. Danks proved to be one of the key pieces for the White Sox rotation in 2008 and beyond, while McCarthy became an injury-riddled right-hander who did not live up to expectations.
The Texas Rangers received a total of five first round and supplemental draft picks for the 2007 draft. The Rangers would have had an additional pick (#18), but they forfeited it to Toronto by signing Frank Catalanotto
Frank Catalanotto
Frank John Catalanotto is a former Italian American baseball outfielder. Nicknamed "Little Cat", the Long Island native bats left-handed and throws right-handed...
.
17th RHP Blake Beavan
Blake Beavan
Blake Beavan is a Major League Baseball starting pitcher for the Seattle Mariners.-Professional:Beavan drafted from Irving High School in the 1st round, 17th overall by the Texas Rangers in the 2007 Major League Baseball Draft...
(received from Astros for signing Carlos Lee
Carlos Lee
Carlos Noriel Lee is a first basemen in Major League Baseball who plays for the Houston Astros. He bats and throws right-handed....
)
24th RHP Michael Main (received from Angels for signing Gary Matthews Jr.)
35th OF Julio Borbon
Julio Borbon
Julio Alberto Borbon is a Major League Baseball center fielder for the Texas Rangers.-Baseball career:...
(Supplemental pick for type A free agent Carlos Lee
Carlos Lee
Carlos Noriel Lee is a first basemen in Major League Baseball who plays for the Houston Astros. He bats and throws right-handed....
)
44th RHP Neil Ramirez (Supplemental pick for type A free agent Gary Matthews Jr.)
54th RHP Tommy Hunter
Tommy Hunter (baseball)
Raymond Thomas "Tommy" Hunter is a Major League Baseball right-handed starting pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles....
(Supplemental pick for type B free agent Mark DeRosa
Mark DeRosa
Mark Thomas DeRosa is a Major League Baseball player. DeRosa is a utility player who has been primarily a second baseman, but can play other positions, including the outfield; he played six positions for the Chicago Cubs. He bats right-handed.DeRosa was selected by the Atlanta Braves in the 7th...
)
On July 31, 2007, Daniels made two possibly career-defining trades, one with the Atlanta Braves
Atlanta Braves
The Atlanta Braves are a professional baseball club based in Atlanta, Georgia. The Braves are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Braves have played in Turner Field since 1997....
, the other with Boston Red Sox
Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox are a professional baseball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, and a member of Major League Baseball’s American League Eastern Division. Founded in as one of the American League's eight charter franchises, the Red Sox's home ballpark has been Fenway Park since . The "Red Sox"...
. Daniels first agreed with Atlanta Braves General Manager John Schuerholz
John Schuerholz
John Schuerholz is the President of the Atlanta Braves of the National League. Before joining Atlanta, he spent twenty-two years with the Kansas City Royals organization, including nine as the club's General Manager. Among the teams he has built are the 1985 Royals and 1995 Braves, both world...
to trade coveted slugger Mark Teixeira
Mark Teixeira
Mark Charles Teixeira , nicknamed "Tex" is an American Major League Baseball player for the New York Yankees. Mostly a first baseman, he has also played third base and in the outfield...
and relief pitcher Ron Mahay
Ron Mahay
Ronald Matthew Mahay is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He has previously played for the Boston Red Sox, Oakland Athletics, Florida Marlins, Chicago Cubs, Texas Rangers, Atlanta Braves, Kansas City Royals, and Minnesota Twins....
for catching prospect Jarrod Saltalamacchia
Jarrod Saltalamacchia
Jarrod Scott Saltalamacchia , nicknamed "Salty" is an American professional baseball catcher with the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball.His last name is the longest in Major League Baseball history...
. The Rangers were also able to obtain four minor leaguers in the trade. The first of these prospects, left-hander Matt Harrison
Matt Harrison
Matthew Reid Harrison is a Major League Baseball left-handed starting pitcher for the Texas Rangers.-Baseball career:Harrison attended South Granville High School in Creedmoor, North Carolina...
, emerged as a starter in the 2009 Ranger rotation. The second of the these prospects acquired from the Braves, Elvis Andrus
Elvis Andrus
Elvis Augusto Andrus Torres is a Major League Baseball shortstop for the Texas Rangers.Entering , he was rated by Baseball America as the No. 2 prospect in the Atlanta Braves organization...
, now widely hailed as an elite young shortstop. Another, Neftali Feliz, is a well regarded power pitcher who joined the Rangers bullpen in 2009. Both Andrus and Feliz were named as All-Stars in 2010, a season in which Feliz was voted rookie of the year.
But there was another substantive trade that day, which occurred just before the trade deadline, Daniels agreed to send closer Eric Gagné
Éric Gagné
Éric Serge Gagné is a former Major League Baseball pitcher.Signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers as a free agent in 1995, Gagné began his career as a starting pitcher...
to the Boston Red Sox for young starting pitcher Kason Gabbard
Kason Gabbard
Kason Ronald Gabbard is a starting pitcher who is a free agent. He bats and throws left-handed.-High school:Gabbard played high school baseball at Royal Palm Beach High School in Royal Palm Beach, Florida...
, Triple-A prospect David Murphy and rookie-league outfielder Engel Beltre.
Not receiving as much attention at the time, Daniels also made a third trade prior to the deadline sending center fielder Kenny Lofton
Kenny Lofton
Kenneth Lofton is a former Major League Baseball outfielder known for his great speed on the base paths as well as in the field, award-winning defensive play , timely hitting, and playful spirit. He batted and threw left-handed...
to the Indians for catching prospect Max Ramirez
Max Ramírez
Maximiliano R. Ramírez is a Venezuelan professional baseball catcher for the San Francisco Giants of Major League Baseball.-Atlanta Braves:...
.
As a result of the 2007 draft, trades and Latin America free agent signings, the Rangers jumped to the #4 system in Baseball America 2008 organization rankings. This represented the biggest jump since Baseball America began ranking MLB farm systems.
2008 Season
Before the 2008 Season, Daniels traded the 2nd member of what was once dubbed the "DVD trio," sending Edison Volquez to the Reds for Outfielder Josh Hamilton. This trade has received positive reviews for both sides, as each player made an All-star appearance with their new team and both teams made the playoffs in the 2010 season.
Baseball America recognized the Rangers as having the best farm system following the 2008 season. Notable additions to the system in 2008 included draft picks Justin Smoak, Robbie Ross, and Joe Wieland.
2010 Season
At the 2009 Winter Meetings, many media analysts expected the Rangers to be wallflowers, as the team was up for sale, leaving Daniels with minimal budget. In order to free up salary, Daniels orchestrated a deal with the Baltimore Orioles
Baltimore Orioles
The Baltimore Orioles are a professional baseball team based in Baltimore, Maryland in the United States. They are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's American League. One of the American League's eight charter franchises in 1901, it spent its first year as a major league...
, dealing veteran starting pitcher Kevin Millwood
Kevin Millwood
Kevin Austin Millwood is an American professional baseball pitcher. He has previously played for the Atlanta Braves, Philadelphia Phillies, Cleveland Indians, Texas Rangers, Baltimore Orioles and Colorado Rockies.-Personal life:Millwood graduated from Bessemer City High School in North Carolina...
for young reliever Chris Ray
Chris Ray
Christopher Thomas Ray is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent.-Early life and career:...
and left-handed pitcher Ben Snyder. With the salary freed up by the departure of Millwood, the Rangers signed free agent Rich Harden
Rich Harden
James Richard Harden is a Canadian professional baseball pitcher.-Early years:Harden attended Claremont Secondary School in Victoria, British Columbia. He was drafted by the Seattle Mariners in the 38th round of the 1999 Major League Baseball Draft...
. The initial fan and media reaction to the deal were mostly positive, even though both Ray and Harden were recovering from arm injuries. Daniels also signed free agents Vladimir Guerrero
Vladimir Guerrero
Vladimir Alvino Guerrero is a free agent Major League Baseball right fielder and designated hitter.In , he was voted the American League MVP...
and Colby Lewis
Colby Lewis
Colby Preston Lewis is a Major League Baseball pitcher for the Texas Rangers.Lewis was originally a first-round draft choice of the Texas Rangers in the 1999 Major League Baseball Draft, and made his major league debut in...
.
On July 1, Daniels acquired catcher Bengie Molina
Bengie Molina
Benjamin José "Bengie" Molina , nicknamed "Big Money", is a former Major League Baseball catcher.He is the older brother of major league catchers José Molina and Yadier Molina....
from the San Francisco Giants
San Francisco Giants
The San Francisco Giants are a Major League Baseball team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the National League West Division....
for relief pitcher Chris Ray
Chris Ray
Christopher Thomas Ray is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent.-Early life and career:...
and prospect Michael Main. On July 9, Daniels acquired pitchers Cliff Lee
Cliff Lee
Clifton Phifer "Cliff" Lee is a Major League Baseball left-handed starting pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies. Lee has also played for the Cleveland Indians, the Seattle Mariners, and the Texas Rangers....
and Mark Lowe
Mark Lowe
Mark Christopher Lowe is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher for the Texas Rangers. He made his Major League debut for the Seattle Mariners on July 7, in relief against the Detroit Tigers, loading the bases before striking out the side. He bats left-handed and throws right-handed. His fastball...
from the Seattle Mariners
Seattle Mariners
The Seattle Mariners are a professional baseball team based in Seattle, Washington. Enfranchised in , the Mariners are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Safeco Field has been the Mariners' home ballpark since July...
for Blake Beavan
Blake Beavan
Blake Beavan is a Major League Baseball starting pitcher for the Seattle Mariners.-Professional:Beavan drafted from Irving High School in the 1st round, 17th overall by the Texas Rangers in the 2007 Major League Baseball Draft...
, Matt Lawson, Josh Lueke
Josh Lueke
Joshua William Lueke is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays of Major League Baseball.-Professional career:Lueke was drafted by the Texas Rangers in the 16th round of the 2007 Major League Baseball Draft...
, and prized prospect Justin Smoak
Justin Smoak
Justin Kyle Smoak is an American Major League Baseball first baseman for the Seattle Mariners.-High school career:...
. On July 29, Daniels acquired Jorge Cantú
Jorge Cantú
Jorge Luís Cantú Guzmán is an American professional baseball first baseman.Cantú bats and throws right-handed. He was born in McAllen, Texas, went to Sharyland High School, but was raised and makes his home in Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico.-Tampa Bay Devil Rays:Cantú was spotted by a scout while...
from the Florida Marlins
Florida Marlins
The Miami Marlins are a professional baseball team based in Miami, Florida, United States. Established in 1993 as an expansion franchise called the Florida Marlins, the Marlins are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Marlins played their home games at...
for prospects Evan Reed and Omar Poveda
Omar Poveda
Omar Poveda is a Minor League Baseball pitcher in the Miami Marlins organization.Poveda was on the Texas Rangers 40-man roster while recovering from Tommy John surgery in early 2010....
. On July 30, Daniels acquired Cristian Guzmán
Cristian Guzmán
Cristian Antonio Guzmán is a Dominican baseball player who plays second base and shortstop, who is currently a free agent.-Minnesota Twins:...
from the Washington Nationals
Washington Nationals
The Washington Nationals are a professional baseball team based in Washington, D.C. The Nationals are a member of the Eastern Division of the National League of Major League Baseball . The team moved into the newly built Nationals Park in 2008, after playing their first three seasons in RFK Stadium...
for prospects Ryan Tatusko and Tanner Roark. On July 31, after high expectations and several disappointments, Daniels traded away the Texas Rangers
Texas Rangers (baseball)
The Texas Rangers are a professional baseball team in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, based in Arlington, Texas. The Rangers are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League, and are the reigning A.L. Western Division and A.L. Champions. Since , the Rangers have...
2010 opening day starting catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia
Jarrod Saltalamacchia
Jarrod Scott Saltalamacchia , nicknamed "Salty" is an American professional baseball catcher with the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball.His last name is the longest in Major League Baseball history...
to the Boston Red Sox
Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox are a professional baseball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, and a member of Major League Baseball’s American League Eastern Division. Founded in as one of the American League's eight charter franchises, the Red Sox's home ballpark has been Fenway Park since . The "Red Sox"...
for prospects Chris McGuiness, Roman Mendez, a player to be named later
Player to be named later
The concept of the "player to be named later" is most often associated with Major League Baseball and Minor League Baseball trades.-Description:...
, and cash considerations equaling near $350,000.
On October 22, Daniels and the Texas Rangers won the American League Penant when they eliminated the New York Yankees in 6 games of the ALCS.
On December 8, Daniels was named the Baseball America Major League Executive of the Year.