"Andruw Jones was told by Texas Rangers brass Sunday that they want him to be a part of their team, and the center fielder is going to stick around possibly until spring training ends for a chance to make the Opening Day roster.

The five-time All-Star is not going to opt out of his minor-league contract today and take his free agency, even though the Rangers have no plans of putting him on the 40-man roster.

General manager Jon Daniels and manager Ron Washington met with Jones before the team bus headed to Glendale, Ariz., for a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

They again told him that his only shot at the roster is as a bench player, and Jones told them he is willing to accept a reduced role. But he also knows there are no guarantees he will be on the roster when the season begins April 6.

For now, though, it appears Jones could remain with the Rangers until spring training ends April 2.

"Yeah, they want me on the team, but it's a tough decision to make right now," Jones said. "So, they told me to take a few more days and see what happens."

The Rangers want to see if Jones, a right-handed power hitter, can continue to improve at the plate and emerge as an upgrade over Frank Catalanotto.

If so, Jones could become the Rangers' fifth outfielder and a part-time designated hitter who is likely to play primarily against left-handed pitchers.

He would find most of his at-bats when subbing for DH Hank Blalock or first baseman Chris Davis against certain lefties, and for center fielder Josh Hamilton when he needs a day off.

The left-handed-hitting Catalanotto is Jones' primary competition for what is expected to be the final roster spot. The Rangers owe Catalanotto $4 million this season plus a $2 million buyout next year. So far, no team has stepped forward as a trade partner, even though the Rangers would likely be willing to take on 80 percent of the contract.

Something has to give to create a vacancy for Jones.

"To his credit, he's told us that he's willing to play any role on the club that we see fit and do anything that Ron needs him to do," Daniels said. "We're looking at the best configuration for our bench, and we have to make that decision."

Jones has sensed a misconception about his approach to Rangers camp. At no time did he expect to be competing for a starting job. He simply wanted a chance to work with hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo and attempt to resurrect a career that hit rock bottom last year."