The Rangers, who clinched their first division title in 11 years over the weekend, just might start making this an annual routine considering their giant financial windfall.

The Rangers, cash-strapped for years with owner Tom Hicks, have signed a 20-year extension with Fox Sports Southwest that will guarantee them $3 billion, according to three high-ranking baseball officials, two of whom have seen the contract. All spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly discuss the deal.

It is the highest TV package for a team that doesn't own its own channel. And yes, that's $150 million a year before even playing a game, plenty enough to re-sign ace Cliff Lee, bring in free-agent outfielder Carl Crawford, or whoever else they wish.

In comparison, the Dodgers make about $45 million a year off their TV deal with Fox.

The deal was completed just after the Rangers were sold to Chuck Greenberg and Nolan Ryan's group in August, according to three officials. Greenberg smiled, but declined comment, when asked about the specifics of the deal.

"I think this franchise is in pretty good shape,'' says Michael Young, who's about to experience the first postseason of his career.

By Bob Nightengale