MLB Notebook: Rangers hire Clint Hurdle as hitting coach

Clint Hurdle plans to have a simple philosophy as the new hitting coach of the Texas Rangers, emphasizing a team-oriented approach and doing whatever it takes to score one more run than the opponent.

Texas views Rudy Jaramillo’s replacement as more of an offensive philosophy coach than a hitting coach. With improved pitching and defense, the Rangers don’t feel they have to be sluggers.

"We want to ingrain in them a team-first responsibility and your responsibility at any point in the game. Your at-bat is the team at-bat. … It’s just maybe helping them rechannel and redirect some thoughts,” Hurdle said Thursday after being introduced by the Rangers. "The significance of a run has taken on a new value, a new meaning, in Texas.”

Outfielder Matt Holliday, a Stillwater native, and pitcher John Lackey were among 79 players who filed for free agency Thursday, the first possible day. Outfielder Jason Bay, first baseman Carlos Delgado, pitcher John Smoltz, reliever Billy Wagner and Westmoore product Jamey Wright also filed.

Former Oklahoma State standout Josh Fields, an infielder with the Chicago White Sox, has been mentioned as part of a possible trade with the Kansas City Royals.

Reports in Chicago and New York on Thursday indicated the White Sox were prepared to send Fields and infielder Chris Getz to the Royals for infielder Mark Teahen. But there has been no confirmation from either team, and the Kansas City Star reported that Teahen and Getz each said they had heard nothing about a trade, while Fields’ agent, Jeff Berry, said much the same..

Fields hit 23 homers as a rookie in 2007 but spent most of 2008 in the minors when Joe Crede reclaimed his job at third base. Fields began 2009 as the White Sox’s third baseman, but was replaced by rookie Gordon Beckham. Fields batted .222 in 79 games with seven homers and 30 RBIs.

The Boston Red Sox acquired outfielder Jeremy Hermida from the Florida Marlins for left-handers Jose Alvarez and Hunter Jones. Hermida was the Marlins’ first-round draft pick in. He hit .259 this year with 13 home runs and 47 RBIs. He’s a career .265 hitter with 57 homers.

Alvarez went 9-4 in Class A this year with a 2.26 ERA in 12 starts and 14 relief appearances. Jones spent most of this year in Triple-A but had a 9.24 ERA in 11 relief appearances for the Red Sox.

Giants right-hander Tim Lincecum is facing misdemeanor marijuana charges following a traffic stop.

Washington State Patrol spokesman Steve Schatzel said the 2008 Cy Young Award winner was pulled over for speeding on Interstate 5 about four miles north of the Oregon border on Oct. 30. An officer approached Lincecum’s 2006 Mercedes and smelled marijuana. Schatzel says Lincecum immediately complied with a request to hand over the drug and a marijuana pipe.

The amount measured was 3.3 grams. Schatzel says police consider that a small amount for personal use. Lincecum could face potential fines totaling $622 for the misdemeanor possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia counts.

Outfielder Bobby Abreu agreed to a $19 million, two-year contract to stay with the Angels rather than test the free-agent market again. ... The Dodgers have declined a $10 million mutual option on pitcher Jon Garland for next season, making him eligible for free agency. ... Pitcher Tim Hudson and the Atlanta Braves are nearing agreement on a three-year contract.

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