Tacked on to the $51.7 million the Rangers paid for exclusive negotiating rights through the posting system, the total outlay is $111.7 million – and could jump another $10 million if Darvish reaches incentives in the deal.

While the posting system gives the parties 30 days to finalize a contract, negotiations didn’t advance much past the cursory stage until about 24 hours before the 5 p.m. ET deadline, according to sources. With the stakes high for both sides – the Rangers’ need for a potential frontline starting pitcher and Darvish’s desire to pitch in the major leagues – they feinted one another’s offers until settling on the terms about 15 minutes before time expired.

Darvish joins a Rangers rotation loaded with high-ceiling arms, including left-hander Derek Holland and right-hander Neftali Feliz, who will transition to starter from his closer’s role. Along with Colby Lewis and Matt Harrison, the Rangers could have Alexi Ogando, an All-Star as a starter last season, and Scott Feldman, a 17-game winner in 2009.- http://sports.yahoo.com/