Hot stove begins.

Well, Adrian Beltre picked up some more hardware yesterday with a Silver Slugger award. He really seems to be cleaning up this year.

While Beltre was receiving his awards the Rangers were rewarding Colby Lewis. Lewis, seen here on a signed 2000 Royal Rookies card, could have been a free agent this year. However instead of testing the market he can spend the winter resting and getting ready for next season since the Rangers exercised their option on his contract for next season.

The same day that Texas insured Lewis' return they also picked up the option on reliever Yoshinori Tateyama. Apparently they felt he is worth bringing back in spite of his late season struggles.

Texas still has several players who are free agents this off season. C.J. Wilson heads the list. Endy Chavez, Michael Gonzalez, Darren Oliver, and Matt Treanor round out players who were on the post season roster. Minor leaguers include: Omar Quintanilla, Brett Tomko, and Brandon Webb. Tim Wood has already signed a minor league contract with the Pirates.

In addition to releasing Ryan Tucker the Rangers have also out-righted Omar Beltre, Merkin Valdez, Eric Hurley, Andres Blanco, and Esteban German off the 40-man roster. That doesn't mean that these guys won't be back - just that they need to clear waivers. Darren O'Day didn't clear as the Orioles stepped in and grabbed him.

Even with the core of the team returning the Rangers look to be busy this off season. C.J. Wilson, or another front-line starter, is the priority. However, shoring up the bullpen is a big point as well. As Jon Daniels said, "Pitching, pitching, pitching." Good. The offense is in place and pitching is how you win ballgames.