T.R.'s Memoirs: Retracing the steps taken by Texas Rangers as they built World Series teams (Part II)

The Cliff Lee trade was the headlining deal in 2010, but trades for two catchers were also key to the Rangers' first American League pennant.

Cliff Lee was one of the missing pieces added in 2010 who helped the Rangers reach the World Series for the first time (The Associated Press/Chris O'Meara).

Editor’s note: T.R. Sullivan covered the Texas Rangers over 32 years for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram and MLB.com and is sharing his “memoirs” with this newsletter. In this installment, Sullivan continues to review the moves made to build a championship team in 2010 and 2011.

The Rangers signed Kevin Millwood to a five-year, $60 million deal Dec. 26, 2005, to be their No. 1 starter. Millwood, one of the finest guys to ever wear a Rangers uniform, tried his best to fill that role, but it was tough on a bad team and in a pitcher friendly ballpark.

Over four years, he was 48-46 with a 4.47 ERA and a 1.45 WHIP, as well as providing invaluable leadership and mentoring for a young pitching staff.

Then the Rangers devised a plan at the 2009 winter meetings.