Texas Rangers rumors: Scott Baker close to deal with Rangers

Texas Rangers rumors:  Pitcher Scott Baker is close to a deal with the Texas Rangers, according to Chris Cotillo.

Baker, 32, was with the Minnesota Twins until the end of the 2012 season, when he signed with the Chicago Cubs.  Baker had a career 4.15 ERA and 102 ERA+ with the Twins, though he missed all of 2012 after undergoing Tommy John surgery in April, 2012.

Baker appeared in three games for the Cubs in 2013, and signed with the Seattle Mariners as a free agent this offseason.  Baker took his release yesterday after refusing an assignment to AAA.

Baker would presumably be signing a major league deal with the Rangers, and would be plugged into either the rotation or the bullpen.  He'd seemingly take the place of Tommy Hanson, who has disappointed this spring, and doesn't appear to be in the Rangers' plans going forward.

If Baker makes the rotation, and Yu Darvish starts the season on the disabled list, the Rangers would be starting the season with a rotation of Martin Perez, Tanner Scheppers, Robbie Ross, Joe Saunders and Scott Baker.

Just a reminder...this team is currently the favorite to win the A.L. West, per Bovada.