Texas Rangers Offer Arbitration to CJ Wilson

NEW YORK (AP) — The Texas Rangers have offered salary arbitration to C.J. Wilson, guaranteeing them two extra draft picks next year if the free agent left-hander signs with another team.

Teams faced decisions on just seven Type A free agents as the Wednesday midnight EST deadline approached. A new team signing one of those players would lose a top pick in June's amateur draft, and a team that offers arbitration and loses one of those players would receive two extra selections as compensation.

The others were Milwaukee first baseman Prince Fielder, Boston designated hitter David Ortiz, Philadelphia pitcher Roy Oswalt, St. Louis first baseman Albert Pujols, Mets shortstop Jose Reyes and Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins.

Reliever Jonathan Papelbon, the eighth Type A player, already has left Boston to sign a $50 million, four-year deal with the Phillies.

San Diego offered arbitration to closer Heath Bell, who had been a Type A player but was reclassified under Tuesday's labor deal. If he signs elsewhere, the Padres will gain two draft picks but Bell's new club won't lose any.

Also offered arbitration were Padres pitcher Aaron Harang and Chicago White Sox left-hander Mark Buehrle.