Notes on Berkman and FanFest

Lance Berkman, a free agent first baseman/designated hitter who drew mild interest from the Orioles, has agreed to terms on a one-year contract with the Texas Rangers, according to FOXSports.com. Berkman reportedly will receive $11 million guaranteed, including a $1 million buyout, and his contract includes a vesting option for 2014. The Orioles kicked the tires on Berkman, but he figured to sign with the Rangers if he decided to put off retirement. He lives in Houston and preferred to stay close to home. There may not be many new faces at the Orioles' FanFest on Jan. 19, but all of the autograph vouchers sold out today in less than an hour. This is the first time since the Orioles implemented this format that vouchers sold out on the first day. One of my Twitters followers wrote that they sold out in approximately 40 minutes and the Manny Machado vouchers were gone in five minutes. Tickets still remain for FanFest, to be held at the Baltimore Convention Center on Jan. 19, but they're apparently going fast. "The response from fans today has been overwhelming," said Greg Bader, the Orioles' director of communications. "In addition to the quick sellout of autograph vouchers, FanFest ticket sales are also running well ahead of previous seasons. We're thrilled to see our fans are as excited about 2013 as we are."