Confirming earlier rumors, the Chicago Cubs no longer look like a solid bet to sign Brandon Webb. Instead, it’s looking increasingly likely that Webb will end up with the Texas Rangers.
The Texas Rangers and Washington Nationals continued to show strong interest in Brandon Webb on Tuesday, while a third reported suitor, the Chicago Cubs, fell off the pace in their pursuit of the free-agent starter.
A source confirmed that Webb, the 2006 National League Cy Young Award winner, planned to talk by phone Tuesday with Rangers manager Ron Washington and pitching coach Mike Maddux. General manager Jon Daniels has already spoken with Webb to gauge the pitcher’s interest in coming to Arlington, a source said. ESPN Chicago.
Jon Paul Morosi indicated earlier today that Webb might be close to choosing a team – as close as today, in fact – but Crasnick’s article suggests it might not be for another week or so.
The Rangers seem like a questionable choice for a guy looking to up his value on a one-year deal, but you can’t argue with the opportunity to jump into the rotation there.