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Rudy Jaramillo, who has been the Rangers hitting coach since 1995, was signed to a 2-year extension earlier in the week. By the time his new contract is up he will have spent 15 years as the Rangers hitting coach.

Suddenly ace reliever Joaquin Benoit was also signed to a 2 year contract extension worth six million dollars. A somewhat large contract for a guy who barely has a winning record, and has a career ERA near 5.00. He has apparently finally realised the potential that the Rangers had seen all along though. In 2007 he had a career year going 7-4 with a 2.85 ERA and striking out 87 batters in 82 innings of work. He is also hoping to have a shot at the closer role for 2008. Considering Aki Otsuka's injury problem, and Benoit's stellar '97 season, the chances look pretty good. Although C.J. Wilson will probably have something to say about that as well.