Sammy Sosa's second stint with the Texas Rangers is officially over.
Rangers general manager Jon Daniels confirmed Saturday that Texas will not pursue the free-agent outfielder for this season.
"Sammy provided a lot to the club and our fans last year," Daniels said via e-mail. "We wish him the best going forward."
Texas had some interest in bringing back Sosa in a limited role, but he was seeking around $7 million. His base salary with the Rangers in 2007 was $500,000.
Sosa, 39, signed a one-year deal with Texas before last season and provided a spark as a designated hitter. He hit 21 homers and drove in 92 runs, despite having his playing time reduced at the end of the season. Among his hits was the 600th homer of his career.
Sosa, who started his career with Texas in 1989 before being traded to the Chicago White Sox, was not offered salary arbitration by the Rangers after the season.
I still like Sammy, but he has not really done much in the past few years. I really don't think anyone will pay his price, unless they really feel he can contribute. I think his best days are behind him.
Maybe he should sign for a base of 2 mill a year and have the contract loaded with incentives .. that way .. if he produces, both the team and he wins!