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The MLB Rangers have been working this offseason amid an uncertain ownership future, but those concerns appear to have cleared up some with Tom Hicks granting the team's exclusive negotiating rights to a group led by Chuck Greenberg and Nolan Ryan. The proposed deal is believed to be in excess of $500M, and the hopes are that the transaction will be complete by Opening Day. Hicks will retain a “significant investment” in the team, but he will no longer have the final say on baseball decisions. The inclusion of Ryan in the deal is seen as the “best possible outcome” for the Rangers, as it gives the ownership group instant credibility and the franchise some front-office stability. There are still some hurdles that need to be cleared, and the Greenberg-Ryan group needs to be approved by MLB, but Hicks is being praised for “doing the right thing” and not engaging in a prolonged bidding war.

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THE DAILY offers the first installment of our three-part Year In Review, including ideas we liked, memorable ads and the year in marketing.