Texas Rangers News

Rangers have first spring shutout in more than three years
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March 14
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
 
"Four Texas pitchers combined on a 5-0 shutout of Cleveland as the Rangers posted their first spring training blanking in more than three years.The last spring shutout was March 4, 2007. The starter in that game was Brandon McCarthy. It was McCarthy's start again Saturday, and he was sharp in his three innings, giving up three hits and striking out three."His cutter was really working well today," Texas manager Ron Washington said. "He was running it in on lefties and running it away from righties. He was using his fastball on both sides of the plate."McCarthy's momentum carried over as Darren Oliver, Luis Mendoza and Guillermo Moscoso followed him and completed the four hitter."
Kinsler sidelined at least a week
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March 14
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
 
"Maybe Ian Kinsler's injury bug will cure itself in spring training this year. Kinsler, who has been on the disabled list in each of the past four seasons, will miss at least a week because of a high right ankle sprain.The Rangers second baseman hurt the ankle in pregame warm-ups Friday. He was evaluated by team doctor Keith Meister on Saturday. Assistant general manager Thad Levine said the team would re-evaluate Kinsler in a week.The news caught the Rangers by surprise."He seemingly felt generally OK [Friday]," Levine said. "He came in here [Saturday] a little more stiff and Meister took a look at it."Kinsler, who spent Saturday icing the ankle, didn't seem too concerned by the ..."
Spotlight on ... Charley Pride
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March 14
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
 
"It's become an annual event for the Texas Rangers, but that doesn't mean it's any less special.Charley Pride finished his stay in camp with a clubhouse concert.The event is still as much a treat for the players as it's always been, as they spent their post-concert time watching video clips of Pride's performance, which included "Kiss an Angel Good Morning" and closed with "There's a Hole in the Bottom of the Sea.""It's cool because you get to know the lyrics every year," said C.J. Wilson, who was one of the players who taped the concert. "He's got so many songs that it gets in your head. It's a tradition in our camp and it's unique to our camp. That's cool.""
Texas Rangers have many options for their bullpen
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March 14
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
 
"There's nothing better than having seven solid arms to rely on in a major league bullpen.The problem comes when it's three weeks before the season and you have 24 possibilities for those seven spots. It's a good problem to have, and one that's facing the Texas Rangers.There are givens in the bullpen. Four of the spots are all but locked down, with Frank Francisco the closer, Darren Oliver and Darren O'Day slated for short relief and Dustin Nippert the likely long man.But how do the other arms shake out? Here's a look at the other 20 possibilities."
Old friends on hot seat
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March 14
San Francisco Chronicle
 columnist John Shea
"The Rangers say they're better. The Brewers say they're better. What team doesn't this time of year? In these teams' cases, would that mean improving on last year's records - 87 wins for Texas, 80 for Milwaukee? Pushing for a division title? Keeping their managers employed? Ron Washington and Ken Macha, both with deep A's roots, have contracts that expire after the 2010 season. In October, the Brewers added a 2011 club option to Macha's contract, which is far from a guarantee. In June, the Rangers exercised Washington's option for this season. Either way, for Washington and Macha to get contracts for 2011, their teams probably can't repeat what they did in 2009. The Brewers were two games ..."
Texas Rangers have plenty of bullpen options
Comment
March 14
Dallas Morning News
 
"There's nothing better than having seven solid arms to rely on in a major league bullpen. The problem comes when it's three weeks before the season and you have 24 possibilities for those seven spots. It's a good problem to have, and one that's facing the Rangers. There are givens in the bullpen. Four of the spots are all but locked down, with Frank Francisco the closer, Darren Oliver and Darren O'Day slated for short relief and Dustin Nippert the likely long man."
Rangers add infielder
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March 14
Dallas Morning News
 
"The battle for the utility infielder spot has a new candidate. The Rangers claimed infielder Hernan Iribarren off waivers from the Milwaukee Brewers. To make room for Iribarren on the roster, the club put Eric Hurley on the 60-day disabled list. Iribarren is out of minor league options."
Kinsler out a week
Comment
March 14
Dallas Morning News
 
"Maybe Ian Kinsler's injury bug will cure itself in spring training this year. Kinsler, who has been on the disabled list in each of the past four seasons, will miss at least a week because of a high right ankle sprain. The Rangers second baseman hurt the ankle in pregame warm-ups Friday. He was evaluated by team doctor Keith Meister on Saturday. Assistant general manager Thad Levine said the team would re-evaluate Kinsler in a week. The news caught the Rangers by surprise. "He seemingly felt generally OK [Friday]," Levine said. "He came in here [Saturday] a little more stiff and Meister took a look at it." Kinsler, who spent Saturday icing the ankle, didn't seem too concerned by the ..."
Rangers 5, Indians 0
Comment
March 14
Dallas Morning News
 
"Four Texas pitchers combined on a 5-0 shutout of Cleveland in Goodyear, Ariz., as the Rangers posted their first spring training blanking in more than three years. The last spring shutout was March 4, 2007. The starter in that game was Brandon McCarthy. It was McCarthy's start again Saturday, and he was sharp in his three innings, giving up three hits and striking out three. "His cutter was really working well today," Texas manager Ron Washington said. "He was running it in on lefties and running it away from righties. He was using his fastball on both sides of the plate.""
Rangers could clean up with Vlad Guerrero hitting second
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March 14
Dallas Morning News
 
"The Texas Rangers couldn't be certain what they were getting when they signed Vladimir Guerrero this winter. At 35, with mileage on those knees and wear and tear on those amazing gloveless hitting hands, Guerrero represented all kinds of possibilities. But I don't think "better No. 2 hitter than Michael Young" was something the Rangers really had in mind. Guerrero batted cleanup Saturday in a 5-0 win against the Cleveland Indians just as he had done Friday against San Diego. Manager Ron Washington plans to have him right there in the No. 4 spot, behind Josh Hamilton and in front of Ian Kinsler, when the regular season begins April 5. And why not? With the Rangers using him primarily as ..."
Saltalamacchia close to returning
Comment
March 13
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
 
"The Texas Rangers lost a starter Friday while another one is closer to making his return. Ian Kinsler was a late scratch for Friday's game after turning his right ankle during pregame warmups. Kinsler was replaced at second base by Ray Olmedo.The injury to Kinsler isn't considered serious, but he said he doesn't expect to play today because it is his regular day off.Jarrod Saltalamacchia went through all workouts Friday, and could return to action this weekend. His right shoulder has been sore."I'd rather let it rest through spring training than playing through pain for the first two months of the season," Saltalamacchia said. "If I let it rest now and get the pain out of it, I won't have ..."
David Murphy bides his time on Texas Rangers' bench
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March 13
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
 
"There's no doubting David Murphy's credentials.The Texas Rangers outfielder was an All-American at Baylor. He followed that by being a first-round draft pick in 2003 by the Boston Red Sox.After he was traded to the Rangers in 2007, Murphy hit .340 in 43 games, and was the team's rookie of the year. The next season he hit .275 with 15 home runs and 74 RBI in just 415 at-bats. Last year he hit .269 with 17 homers and 57 RBI.And more than likely, all of that will get Murphy a spot on the bench when the Rangers open the season April 5 in Toronto.While Murphy's numbers the past three seasons could warrant a starting spot in a lot of outfields, that's not the case with Texas. Josh Hamilton, ..."
Spotlight on ... Michael Young
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March 13
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
 
"If Michael Young's family weren't in town, he would have been at U.S. Airways Center on Friday, watching his beloved Los Angeles Lakers play the Phoenix Suns."They [the Mavericks] are playing great and I'm happy for them," Young said. "But they are my second favorite team. It's like asking a kid from Dallas who his favorite football team is. The Lakers are in my blood. I can't shake it.""
Saltalamacchia close to returning
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March 13
Dallas Morning News
 
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The Rangers lost a starter Friday while another one is closer to making his return. Ian Kinsler was a late scratch for Friday's game after turning his right ankle during pregame warm-ups. Kinsler was replaced at second base by Ray Olmedo. The injury to Kinsler isn't considered serious, but he said he doesn't expect to play today because it is his regular day off. Jarrod Saltalamacchia (sore right shoulder) went through all workouts Friday and could return to action this weekend.

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Newest Ranger Ramirez ready to go
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March 13
Dallas Morning News
 
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It didn't take Edwar Ramirez long to get involved with his new team. Ramirez, acquired Tuesday from the New York Yankees, pitched in the B game against Kansas City. He allowed two hits and struck out a batter. Ramirez, who played three seasons with the Yankees, knows he has work to do if he's going to find a spot in a crowded Texas bullpen. "I have to come and play baseball and come back like I've pitched before," Ramirez said.

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Pitching still a puzzle for Rangers, but pieces are there
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March 13
Dallas Morning News
 columnist Tom Cowlishaw
"Just because the Rangers found some quality pitching in 2009 doesn't mean the search is over. One season after the team produced its lowest ERA and its most shutouts since moving to The Ballpark in Arlington, the Rangers' quest for arms knows no bounds. In fact, the team is playing extra "B" games to provide innings for all the candidates. In a 6-2 win over San Diego on Friday, Matt Harrison threw three shutout innings. He looked sharp, much like the young left-hander who won nine games in 15 starts for Texas in 2008 before struggling with shoulder injuries last season. Tommy Hunter, 9-6 with a 4.10 ERA as a rookie in 2009, was also solid Friday afternoon, allowing just one run in three ..."
Game report: Rangers 6, Padres 2
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March 13
Dallas Morning News
 
"

Chris Davis' hot hitting continued, while Matt Harrison and Tommy Hunter had their longest outings of the spring Friday in the Rangers' victory over the San Diego Padres in Surprise, Ariz. Davis had three singles to extend his consecutive hits streak to eight before striking out looking in the sixth. "It was a ball, dude," Davis said. "I don't swing at balls anymore." He's hitting .550 this spring (11-for-20). "When you get out here, you want to have a comfortable feel in the box and you can worry about your timing down and see some pitches," Davis said. Harrison pitched three innings, allowing three hits and striking out two. Hunter also went three innings, surrendering two hits ..."

Hurdle enjoys Tucson homecoming
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March 12
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
 
"New Texas hitting coach Clint Hurdle didn't have a hard time finding his way around Hi Corbett Field on Thursday. Now, navigating through the visiting clubhouse was a different story.Hurdle spent 15 seasons with the Colorado Rockies in Tucson, including managing from 2002 until he was fired last year. Hurdle, who still owns a house in Tucson, was glad to see some familiar faces."It's fun being back, but it's completely different," Hurdle said. "I love Tucson, and I wanted to make sure I came back to pay my respects to a lot of people. I got a lot of support out of this city and the Rockies organization. It's great to come back."Hurdle was the busiest Ranger during batting practice, working ..."
Young, Kinsler try to hit all the notes in video
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March 12
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
 
"Michael Young's cellphone has been ringing constantly the last couple of days, and it has nothing to do with his start to spring training.Young and Ian Kinsler were singers in the Super Bowl XLV Host Committee's version of Faith Hill's This Kiss.They were obviously selected because they're high-profile athletes -- not for their singing voices."I have absolutely no talent on the singing front," Young said. "That's why I wasn't nervous. I know exactly what it's going to sound like so I cut it loose."Young's part included him coughing instead of singing. Young said he coughs when he can't reach a high note.At least he had company in his struggle, although Kinsler said he wasn't at his best ..."
Texas Rangers pound out 23 hits in 16-5 rout of Rockies
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March 12
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
 
"The Rangers snapped their four-game losing streak in a big way, crushing the Colorado Rockies on Thursday.Chris Davis and Elvis Andrus had four hits each, and Michael Young added three. The Rangers had 23 hits and seven doubles."We can have days like this," manager Ron Washington said.Davis finished with three RBI. Taylor Teagarden had three RBI and Elvis Andrus added two RBI."
Work ethic has Tommy Hunter ready to deliver for Texas Rangers
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March 12
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
 
"Fans who expected Tommy Hunter to take it easy after a breakout rookie season don't know much about the right-hander.They didn't see Hunter spending his off-season days in Arlington working with the team's strength and conditioning coach.They didn't see Hunter spend his nights on a treadmill at a south Arlington gym, hoodie over his head and running in solitude.They might not know that Hunter, but the Texas Rangers certainly do. It's that kind of work ethic after a nine-win season that has Hunter and the Rangers excited about the kind of production he's capable of in a full season of major-league action."Tommy Hunter busted his tail all winter long," Rangers pitching coach Mike Maddux ..."
Rangers' Clint Hurdle back in familiar territory
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March 12
Dallas Morning News
 
"New Rangers hitting coach Clint Hurdle didn't have a hard time finding his way around Hi Corbett Field. Navigating through the visiting clubhouse was a different story. Hurdle spent 15 seasons with the Colorado Rockies in Tucson, including managing from 2002 until he was fired last year. Hurdle, who still owns a house in Tucson, was glad to see some familiar faces."
Rangers' Chris Davis off to a solid start
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March 12
Dallas Morning News
 
"Chris Davis knows every hit and every strikeout he has this spring will be scrutinized. Davis, who hit a monster homer to right-center Thursday and is hitting .500 on the spring, isn't getting caught up in anything. He feels like he may have done that last year, and he's not going to let it happen again. "I can't read too much into the results," he said. "To me, it's more about how I feel than how I do in the field.""
Rangers 16, Rockies 5
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March 12
Dallas Morning News
 
"The Rangers snapped a four-game losing streak, crushing the Colorado Rockies, 16-5, in Tucson, Ariz. Chris Davis and Elvis Andrus had four hits each, and Michael Young added three. The Rangers had 23 hits and seven doubles. Davis finished with three RBIs. Taylor Teagarden and Elvis Andrus each added two. Scott Feldman was pulled after throwing 57 pitches in 2 1/3 innings. He allowed five hits and three earned runs. He walked two and struck out three."
Rangers being careful with promising pitcher Tanner Scheppers
Comment
March 12
Dallas Morning News
 
"Given Tanner Scheppers' relative inexperience as a pitcher, it's remarkable that he could be pitching in the major leagues in his first full season as professional. He was playing shortstop as recently as 2006, his freshman season at Fresno State. Two years later, he emerged as one of the top five prospects in the draft as a hard-throwing right-hander. An injury, though, clouded his future. Not signing with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2008 clouded it more as he didn't pitch for almost a year. An extended negotiation after being the 44th pick of last year's draft added a little more drama. Not even a month into spring training, Scheppers' future is as bright as anyone's in the Rangers' ..."
Three-inning stint longest for Wilson since 2006
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March 11
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
 
"C.J. Wilson's bid for a spot in the starting rotation lasted three innings Wednesday, his longest outing since April 21, 2006.Wilson allowed two runs as Texas lost to Seattle 6-3. He surrendered only one hit with two strikeouts, but walked one and threw two wild pitches."I ended up throwing my full allotment of pitches, which was good," said Wilson, who threw 50 pitches (29 strikes). "The thing they've been stressing to me is minimizing the big innings and trying to go get guys out right away.""
Saltalamacchia not concerned about soreness
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March 11
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
 
"Texas Rangers catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia was out of the lineup again Wednesday, but he isn't too concerned about the soreness around his surgical incision.Saltalamacchia said he started feeling pain in his chest Tuesday during a B game, but still wanted to play Wednesday. The Rangers are going to give him a couple of days to rest and get treatment, which includes ice, heat and ultrasound."It's just scar tissue breaking up," Saltalamacchia said. "It's just a sharp pain breathing and moving. It's nothing that's serious that can cause any more damage. There are no symptoms from the surgery. I've never felt better."Saltalamacchia said he would have played if it were the regular season. ..."
Pride still loves playing a little baseball
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March 11
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
 
"Texas manager Ron Washington likes to use the phrase "picking machine" when he talks about his infielders and their ability to make plays.Country Music Hall of Famer Charley Pride, who has been coming to spring training with the Rangers since 1972, can still fit in that category.Pride, 71, grew up a baseball player before an elbow injury derailed that dream and led him to music. That doesn't mean he still can't play a little bit."I could be in Hawaii or Europe or wherever and I'm here," said Pride, a Grammy Award winner. "This is a happiness thing. I can still play and throw. If I went out and got in really top, top shape I could get it up to about 75. When I played, I could throw in the ..."
Rangers catcher Saltalamacchia still sore
Comment
March 11
Dallas Morning News
 
"Catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia was out of the lineup again Wednesday, but he wasn't too concerned about the soreness around his surgical incision. Saltalamacchia said he started feeling pain in his chest Tuesday during a B game, but still wanted to play Wednesday. The Rangers are going to give him a couple of days for rest and treatment, which includes ice, heat and ultrasound. "It's just scar tissue breaking up," Saltalamacchia said. "It's just a sharp pain breathing and moving. It's nothing that's serious that can cause any more damage. There are no symptoms from the surgery. I've never felt better.""
Rangers 8, Athletics 8: Harden starts sharp, finishes slow
Comment
March 10
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
 
"Rich Harden showed the Texas Rangers flashes of what they hope to see once the season begins Tuesday against Oakland.Harden was sharp for two innings before struggling in the third inning of an 8-8 tie against the Athletics. The start was delayed by 44 minutes because of rain.Harden, expected to be Texas' Opening Day starter, struck out three of the first six batters he faced before walking three and allowing a three-run homer by Kevin Kouzmanoff in the third inning."
Nolan Ryan is a little bit Jerry Jones
Comment
March 10
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
 
"See if this sounds familiar. Like in Jerry Jones familiar.Or do you belch when you hear a local team owner say, "I will be here basically all of March, because we've got a lot of tough decisions to make, and I need to be as informed as I can be when the discussions start."Nolan Ryan, about-to-be-owner of the Rangers, do you plan on becoming our next large-and-in-charge Jerry?"Uh... no," said Ryan, laughing.As one of the greatest pitchers of all time, as a first-ballot Hall of Famer, it is OK, right, if Nolan throws in a strong ownership opinion on anything baseball-wise, and certainly the pitching?Or is that meddling?Jerry, you remember, did play football on the college level.Does that ..."
Work in the pen won't restrict Texas Rangers' Neftali Feliz
Comment
March 10
Dallas Morning News
 
"Out here on the interwebs, a debate rages. Should Neftali Feliz start or relieve this season? This, of course, leads to a secondary debate on whether leaving Feliz in the bullpen this season means that he'll forever be a reliever. And that leads to frantic panting that the Rangers may be about to waste a true ace. To all this (especially my good friends at my favorite independent Rangers blog Lonestarball.com), I say relax. It will work itself out. For those concerned that another year of relief work would mean Feliz would forever be locked into the back end of the bullpen (which, by the way, isn't a terrible thing), let me give you a cautionary tale. It's about another child prodigy of a ..."
Rangers obtain reliever from Yankees
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March 10
Dallas Morning News
 
"The Rangers added another arm to their bullpen, acquiring right-hander Edwar Ramirez from the New York Yankees for cash considerations. The Yankees had designated Ramirez to clear a roster spot for Chan Ho Park. Ramirez, who turns 29 on March 28, split the 2009 season between Triple-A and the Yankees. With New York, he appeared in 20 games and was 0-0 with a 5.73 ERA."
Saltalamacchia scratched from start
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March 10
Dallas Morning News
 
"Jarrod Saltalamacchia was scratched from the starting lineup Tuesday because of soreness near his ribs. The soreness is in the area where Saltalamacchia had surgery last year because of thoracic outlet syndrome. Team doctor Keith Meister believes the soreness isn't serious and is the result of the loosening of scar tissue."
Rangers' utility infielder race remains wide open
Comment
March 10
Dallas Morning News
 
"There is no clear leader in the bid to find a utility infielder who can play up the middle. Joaquin Arias and Ray Olmedo are leading candidates. "Everything is feeling good," said Arias, who has already played second, shortstop and third base. "I felt good at third base. If you can play shortstop, you can play whatever position in the infield. I haven't played at third too much, but it feels normal." Arias came into Tuesday with six at-bats, four more than Olmedo. Manager Ron Washington said Arias has seen more action than Olmedo because he has more experience. Nothing's been decided."
With healthy legs, Vladimir Guerrero can carry Rangers
Comment
March 10
Dallas Morning News
 
"Over in the visitor's dugout Monday afternoon, Angels manager Mike Scioscia felt a chill. How could you not? It was another nasty, gusty, gray day in the Valley of Mostly Cloudy. The chill, however, was not weather related. It came from watching Vladimir Guerrero run. In the fourth inning of the Rangers-Angels exhibition game, Guerrero, the Ranger killer turned Ranger, easily loped around the bases from first to score on Ian Kinsler's double. Seeing Guerrero on the field at all last year was slightly uncommon for Scioscia and the Angels. Seeing him score from second was something of a rarity. But seeing him run easily? About as rare as seeing one of those rumored Phoenix sunsets. "He ..."
Rangers obtain reliever from Yankees
Comment
March 10
Dallas Morning News
 
"The Rangers added another arm to their bullpen, acquiring right-hander Edwar Ramirez from the New York Yankees for cash considerations. The Yankees had designated Ramirez to clear a roster spot for Chan Ho Park. Ramirez, who turns 29 on March 28, split the 2009 season between Triple-A and the Yankees. With New York, he appeared in 20 games and was 0-0 with a 5.73 ERA."
Back in blue: Ranger Vlad faces his former team
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March 9
Orange County Register
 
"If there are any deep resentments or thoughts of revenge festering in Vladimir Guerrero's mind this spring, he is keeping them as well hidden as everything else behind his wide smile. "No, nada," Guerrero said when asked before facing the Angels for the first time Monday if there was any resentment about their decision not to re-sign him following the 2009 season. "There are no hard feelings at all," he said through an interpreter. "I had good years there. I just hope God keeps me healthy and lets me have a good year with the Rangers." Guerrero clearly did more than hope and pray this winter while waiting for a contract offer from the Angels that never came. The 35-year-old Guerrero ..."
Hamilton returns, goes 2-for-3 in spring debut
Comment
March 9
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
 
"Josh Hamilton, who hadn't played in a game for the Rangers since Sept. 26, made his spring debut Monday against the Angels.Hamilton, who has been slowed since suffering a left shoulder contusion, went 2-for-3 and played in left field."It was as good as I thought it would be," he said. "Body-wise, I felt good, at-bat wise I felt great. I felt like I really hadn't missed any time. I felt like I was calm at the plate."Hamilton received a workout on the base paths, too. He singled to right-center in his first at-bat. That was the lone Texas hit until he beat out an infield single in the fourth inning. He scored from second two batters later on Ian Kinsler's two-run double to left.He didn't ..."
Texas Rangers' Holland struggles in spring debut
Comment
March 9
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
 
"Derek Holland retired only one hitter in the eighth inning before reaching his 25-pitch limit, and he was charged with four runs in a 13-9 loss to Los Angeles.The defense didn't help as three of Holland's runs were unearned in his Cactus League debut."I'm not going to lie: I had some jitters in my stomach," said Holland, a left-hander who is competing for a spot in the rotation. "You want to come out shooting and do everything right. I'm just glad that one is over."Fellow lefty Zachary Phillips also allowed four runs in his Cactus League debut, in the fifth inning.The Angels struck for two runs in the first against Brandon McCarthy as the first four hitters reached base. Three reached via ..."
No extra motivation needed for Rangers' DH Vladimir Guerrero
Comment
March 9
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
 
"The story goes like this:Vladimir Guerrero, cast off as an injury risk by the Montreal Expos, signs a lucrative deal with the then-Anaheim Angels.He then proceeds to win the MVP in his first season in the American League -- and thinks it might be nice to invite some Expos executives to the MVP news conference.Whether the story is true, whether revenge was on his mind, Guerrero was motivated by something in 2004 as he hit .337 with 39 homers and 126 RBI.Maybe it was proving the Expos wrong. More likely, though, it was Guerrero proving something to himself.That appears to be what is motivating Guerrero this year, his first with the Texas Rangers after the Angels decided not to re-sign him ..."
Angels defeat Rangers, 13-9
Comment
March 9
Los Angeles Times
 
"An offense that hit .215 in the first three exhibition games broke out for 19 hits, including Mike Napoli's solo home run to center field in the third inning and Brandon Wood's two-run shot to right-center in the fifth. Juan Rivera had an RBI single and an RBI double, and Kendry Morales, in his first spring start, hit a pair of RBI singles. Maicer Izturis had two singles, both of which sent leadoff man Erick Aybar from first to third. ON THE MOUND: Ervin Santana looked sharp in his first spring start, throwing two hitless innings in which his fastball topped out at 94 mph, a good sign for a right-hander who lost considerable velocity while battling an elbow sprain in 2009. Matt Palmer ..."
Guerrero says he has no hard feelings toward Angels
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March 9
Los Angeles Times
 
"If new Texas designated hitter Vladimir Guerrero is bitter about the way his distinguished six-year career with the Angels came to an end, he hid those feelings well on Monday, when he faced his former team for the first time. Though there were conversations between the Angels and Guerrero's agent this winter, the Angels did not make a formal contract offer to the 35-year-old slugger, opting instead to sign Hideki Matsui to a one-year, $6-million deal to be their DH. Guerrero's one-year, $6.5-million deal with the Rangers includes a $9-million mutual option for 2011. "There are no hard feelings at all," Guerrero, speaking through an interpreter, said before the Angels' 13-9 Cactus League ..."
Rangers' Colby Lewis has come a long way
Comment
March 9
Dallas Morning News
 
"By all accounts, the Colby Lewis who was brought back to the Rangers in January is the same kind of person who was in the organization from 1999 to 2004. High character. Good to have in the clubhouse. But by all accounts, this Lewis is nothing like the pitcher who departed for Japan to realize his talents. Lewis is scheduled to pitch today, his second appearance of the spring but his first start. If all goes according to plan, he will make 30-plus starts for the Rangers in his second act in the majors. The right-hander, who battled control issues and endured surgery on his rotator cuff during his first stint with the Rangers, enjoyed a renaissance the last two years in the Far East. Now ..."
Texas Rangers pitcher Matt Harrison has increased velocity following surgery
Comment
March 9
Dallas Morning News
 
"Rangers left-hander Matt Harrison doesn't have a bionic arm following his surgery last year. But Harrison, who had surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome, does have more velocity on his fastball. "The doctor told me when I had the surgery I might have a few extra mph on my fastball," Harrison said. "They said it usually happens with pitchers." Dr. Greg Pearl, who performed the surgery, was right. Harrison said he noticed it in the Arizona Fall League when his fastball, which normally tops at around 94 mph, hit 97 regularly. That was the case Saturday too as his fastball topped out at 97."
Texas Rangers' Josh Hamilton is pleased by spring debut
Comment
March 9
Dallas Morning News
 
"Josh Hamilton, who hadn't played in a game for the Rangers since Sept. 26, made his spring training debut in Monday's game against the Los Angeles Angels. Hamilton came through his five innings of play healthy. Hamilton, who has been slowed in camp since suffering a left shoulder contusion, went 2-for-3 and made his Texas debut as a left fielder. "It was as good as I thought it would be," he said. "Body-wise I felt good, at-bat wise I felt great. I felt like I really hadn't missed any time. I felt like I was calm at the plate." Hamilton got a workout on the basepaths too. He singled to right-center in his first at-bat. That was the lone Texas hit until he beat out an infield single in ..."
Spotlight on ... Jon Daniels
Comment
March 8
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
 
"Texas Rangers general manager Jon Daniels did a different kind of scouting Saturday.Daniels flew home Friday night so he could be in Southlake on Saturday for his son Lincoln's BlastBall debut.BlastBall is an introductory version of T-ball for 3-year-olds in the Southlake Baseball Association.Daniels' report on Lincoln?"He's a righty-righty," said Daniels, whose son plays for the Raptors.Daniels said he wasn't going to miss his son's BlastBall debut. BlastBall is a little different than the game Daniels is used to watching.There's only one base, and the ball is made of foam. The object is to hit the ball and reach the base, which honks when a batter reaches. If a fielder reaches the base ..."
Rain delays Hamilton
Comment
March 8
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
 
"Rain forced the Rangers to cancel their scheduled game with Cleveland in Goodyear and postpone a B-game with Kansas City.The biggest problem with the rainout was that it forces the Rangers to push back their pitchers. Texas will make up the B-game with Kansas City at 10 a.m. today, with Brandon McCarthy, Luis Mendoza, Darren O'Day, Alexi Ogando, Pedro Strop and Guillermo Moscoso expected to pitch.The Rangers now have to find work for Tanner Scheppers, Michael Kirkman and Zach Phillips, who were supposed to pitch in Sunday's B-game.The Rangers will not change their scheduled pitchers for their game against the Los Angeles Angels."
Rays on verge of signing former Rangers infielder Hank Blalock
Comment
March 8
St. Petersburg Times
 
"The Rays were very close Sunday night to finalizing a deal with former two-time All-Star INF Hank Blalock. The longtime Ranger will sign a minor-league contract but will provide the Rays depth and the option of another left-handed bat at the major league-level. Blalock, 29, hit .234 with 25 homers and 66 RBIs for Texas last season, splitting time between first base and DH, but had only a .277 on-base percentage. He missed major portions of the 2007-08 seasons with a series of injuries. SHIELDS ON TARGET: The only reason James Shields hasn't been named the Rays' opening day starter yet, manager Joe Maddon admitted, is because he hasn't gotten around to officially telling him. "I've got to ..."
Rangers' Colby Lewis has come a long way
Comment
March 8
Dallas Morning News
 
"By all accounts, the Colby Lewis who was brought back to the Rangers in January is the same kind of person who was in the organization from 1999 to 2004. High character. Good to have in the clubhouse. But by all accounts, this Lewis is nothing like the pitcher who departed for Japan to realize his talents. Lewis is scheduled to pitch today, his second appearance of the spring but his first start. If all goes according to plan, he will make 30-plus starts for the Rangers in his second act in the majors. The right-hander, who battled control issues and endured surgery on his rotator cuff during his first stint with the Rangers, enjoyed a renaissance the last two years in the Far East. Now ..."