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SURPRISE, Ariz. -- We are forever having this discussion about leadership in sports and its importance to a team.

We believe the Cowboys struggle, in part, because we don’t respect their leadership in the locker room. We believe the Rangers fight through their adversity because of the leadership guys such as Michael Young.

“I’m not afraid to make one of my teammates uncomfortable, if I have to,” Young said.”If something needs to be said, then I’ll say it. But I’ll say it in private and I’ll say it quickly and one I say it, we’re done with it and we’re back to having fun.

“I’m not the only leader on this team. I’m not the only guy who will say something to someone. we have a lot of guys like that.”

You can see some tangible aspects of Young’s leadership.

He’s the same guy whether he went 5-for-5 the previous day or 0-for-5 with five strikeouts. And he’s the same guy whether the Rangers have won five in a row or lost five in a row.

That’s invaluable during the course of a 162-game season that’s always filled with highs and lows.

“I say stuff to guys, when it needs to be said. And if someone needs to say something to me, they’ll say it,” Ian Kinsler said. “If Mitch Moreland says something to me, I look him in the eye and take it with the same respect as if Michael said it because he’s my teammate and I respect him.”

It’s that type of relationship among players that has helped this team become one of the best in baseball.

* Talk to enough players and it’s not just Game 6 that drives them crazy. It’s having a 2-0 lead in Game 7 and not doing quite enough to get Chris Carpenter out of the game, when they had him on the ropes.

And it’s giving up two runs after having two outs in the first inning because it prevented them from putting pressure on the Cardinals.

* Ron Washington places more emphasis on run production -- runs scored + RBI -- than just about any other individual offensive statistic. He figures if you’re producing runs, then the rest of your offensive statistics will take care of themselves.

In general, producing 170 is a good year, 180-190 runs is an excellent year and 200 is an elite offensive player.

Here are the top five run-producers for the Rangers last season: Kinsler (198), Young (194), Adrian Beltre (187), Josh Hamilton (174) and Nelson Cruz (151).

Julio Borbon is staking his claim to the Rangers ' starting center field job.

Again.

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This time he's prepared to keep it more than a few weeks.

Talk to the people that matter -- manager Ron Washington, outfield coach Gary Pettis and hitting coach Scott Coolbaugh -- and each will tell you Borbon has been among the camp’s best players.

Borbon has moved ahead of Craig Gentry, and it has nothing to do with the sprained wrist Gentry suffered attempting a diving catch Tuesday.

Borbon has more overall talent than Gentry, and he’s finally maximizing it.

He's making all the routine plays and throwing to the right bases as a center fielder. And he's consistently taking the right approach to each at bat in spring training, which is why he's hitting .385 with four walks and just two strikeouts, thus far.

He had a single and a walk and scored a run Wednesday in a loss to Colorado on Wednesday.

“I’m finally playing my game the way I want to play,” Borbon said. “I’m not trying to do what I think the Rangers want me to do.

“I’m not trying to impress anybody or overdo anything. Sometimes, you work yourself to exhaustion trying to do everything you can - and then you can’t perform.”

Borbon’s task is to well enough to persuade the Rangers to keep Hamilton in left field and proven contributor David Murphy, a superior hitter to Borbon, on the bench.

The goal is to keep Hamilton in left field because he doesn't have to run nearly as much as he does in center field, theoretically lessening his injury risk. Of course, Hamilton jammed his heel chasing a ball in the corner Wednesday against Colorado and left in the second inning.

Borborn has hit well each of the past two springs, but he always entered the season with at least twice as many strikeouts as walks.

“He’s going through the process each at-bat and doing what it calls for him to do,” Coolbaugh said. “If he needs to bunt, he can do it. If he needs to turn on a ball and hit in the gap he can do that to.

“He’s taking advantage of all of his skills right now, and he’s been one of the best players we’ve had.”

Washington is pleased, but not surprised. When Borbon opted to spend two and one-half months playing winter ball, even though he struggled instead of coming home it impressed the manager.

“He fought through it. That showed me something,” Washington said pounding his fist over his heart. “A lot of guys leave winter ball early when they struggle, but he showed some mental toughness and stayed. That’s what this game is all about.

“Then he found his stroke at the end and really played well. When we showed up to spring training he was ready to play ball because he’d been playing all off-season. He started well and he hasn’t let up.”

The Rangers could platoon Borbon and Gentry in center field. Or they could move Hamilton, one of the best in the game, and play Murphy in left.

Or Borbon could earn the job.

His job is simply to make the club's decision as difficult as possible.

Ron Washington has changed the way the Rangers approach the game, and general manager Jon Daniels has provided the athletes to play Washington’s style.

Remember when the Rangers used to be the epitome of a station-to-station team, forever waiting for a homer to score runs?

Those days are long gone.

Few teams ran the bases better than the Rangers last season.

The Rangers took 157 bases on fly balls, passed balls, wild pitches, etc. last season.

Detroit (166) and Chicago (158) were the only AL teams with more. The Rangers went from first to third on a single 95 times. Only Minnesota did it more (100 times).

But the most important number is 46. That’s how many times the Rangers were thrown out on the bases, which was the third lowest number in the American League. The league average is 55 outs.

So no AL team runs the bases more than the Rangers, yet they're among the most difficult teams to throw out on the bases.

That’s a winning combination.

“We’re going to keep running the bases, but I want them to be more careful late in the game,” Washington said. “You can still be aggressive, but after the sixth inning you have to be 100 percent sure you can make it.

“Otherwise, you’re taking the bat out of the hands of Hamilton. Or Beltre. Or Young. Or Cruz. Or Napoli. Early in the game, we can live with it. Late in the game we can’t because we don't want pitchers to be able to run from our guys.”

A few days ago against Cleveland, Yangervis Solarte, filling in for Ian Kinsler, led off the third inning against Cleveland with a single to left, bringing Josh Hamilton to the plate. When pitcher Kevin Slowey bounced a ball to the plate, Solarte took off for second, though the ball was just a couple of feet from catcher Carlos Santana.

Solarte slid safely into second, moved to third on Hamilton’s groundout and scored on Adrian Beltre’s single to center.

“That’s what we do,” base-running coach Gary Pettis said. “We take bags. We’re always looking for an opportunity to run and make something happen, and we’re going to keep doing it. We like putting pressure on the defense.”

Since Ron Washington arrived in 2007, the Rangers' pitchers have been the worst in the American League when it comes to fielding.

In that span, the Rangers rank 14th in the AL with 85 errors, 14th in fielding percentage (.930) and 12th in putouts (373).

"It's not about technique, it's about want to," Washington said. "It's about having some personal pride in your job and making the plays you're supposed to make. It's about doing your job. Our pitchers have done a great job so far in spring training, but we're going to stay on them because they have to be better."

Last season, the Rangers' pitchers committed 16 errors. Only two teams had more, and their .930 fielding percentage was second-worst in the AL.

Among starters, Matt Harrison and Colby Lewis each made four errors; Derek Holland committed three.

Obviously, fielding has been a point of emphasis in spring training, especially with Greg Maddux, who earned a MLB-record 18 Gold Gloves being added to the Rangers' organization. He's talking to the pitching staff about everything from being in the proper position to make a play after throwing a pitch to looking through the sun to catch a pop up.

So far, so good.

The Rangers' pitchers have yet to make an error in spring training - their opponents have committed six - and Washington said they have done a nice job of covering first base and making the plays they're supposed to make.

"You just can't get the ball and throw it down the right field line, when it's supposed to be an out," Washington said. "Now, you've given the team an extra out that might lead to a run. You have to throw more pitches, so you might get pulled from the game an inning earlier, which means we have to go to the bullpen sooner than we wanted. When your pitchers make errors, a lot of bad things happen."

SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Mitch Moreland homered in his first spring training at-bat. Then he went 15 at-bats without a hit.

That's why Ron Washington's goal Sunday morning was to help Moreland find his stroke. After Moreland struggled during the second half of last season with a wrist injury that limited his effectiveness and required offseason surgery, Washington didn't want his first baseman falling into a funk three weeks into spring training.

Moreland had the same idea, which is why he took some swings off Neftali Feliz in live batting practice Sunday morning. And it's why he was receptive to playing in a 'B' game later that morning at Washington's suggestion.

Then he started the Rangers' 6-1 win over Cleveland. It made for a long day, but the results were encouraging.

Moreland went 3-for-3 in the 'B' game and 2-for-2 against Cleveland.

"I just wanted to feel my hands and get back more than anything," Moreland said. "I felt like my hands have been drifting and not really staying back, so I went into that and kind of got a feel this morning. I just ran with it today and it felt a lot better.

"I felt it throughout the spring and I'm just trying to fix it. Sometimes bad habits hurt, and it’s kind of tough to break. But if you stick with it, that’s what we’re out here for. If I can just stay right there and keep building on the small stuff and sticking with it, then I should be heading in the right direction."

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Manager Ron Washington wants to see progression from his starting pitchers their second time around in spring training.

Pitcher Colby Lewis got the group off to a perfect start Saturday in a 3-2 loss to the Chicago White Sox. In his second Cactus League start, Lewis was scheduled to pitch three innings.

He was pitching so well, Lewis went back on the mound in the fourth. And he still had zeros on his stat line when his day was over.

“I left it up to me which one I would like to do, and I chose to go back into the game,” Lewis said.

The adrenaline was pumping for Lewis, who struck out five batters in four innings. Granted, it was a split-squad day for the White Sox, but he was still dealing against many of the team’s regulars.

Leadoff second baseman Brent Lillibridge struck out to start the game. Lewis also struck out the side in the second inning on the White Sox’s No. 4, 5 and 6 hitters -- first baseman Paul Konerko, designated hitter Adam Dunn and catcher A.J. Pierzynski.

When Lewis decided to pitch the fourth, he picked another strikeout off centerfielder Kosuke Fukudome for the second out. Lewis got right fielder Alex Rios to ground out to second, completing his perfect day of work.

“You want to go out there and get outs, and that’s the main focus when you step between the lines,” Lewis said. “If you are still working on something, you still want to get that guy out, regardless.”

Lewis was pleased with his command on all of his pitches. He was able to locate his fastball inside and outside on hitters. He is also pleased with the way his changeup is coming along.

“Same grip, just trying to throw it more,” Lewis said about his changeup. “I think just to get that in the mix and keep guys off the rotational stuff with the slider and curveball, I think it’ll help my fastball a lot.”

Other observations:

Gentry exits: Outfielder Craig Gentry left the game in the fifth inning due to tightness in his left hamstring.

“He was out there grabbing his hamstring, so we just got him off the field precautionary,” manager Ron Washington said. “When he got in, he said he was fine.”

Kyle Hudson replaced Gentry in right field with one out in the bottom of the inning.

Gentry went 0-for-3 at the plate before his injury. Hudson was 0-for-2.

Feldman delivers: The perfect game was broken up on the first batter pitcher Scott Feldman faced, but it was one of just two hits he allowed. Feldman pitched three scoreless innings in relief for Lewis and struck out three.

Profar plays: Highly touted shortstop Jurickson Profar played 3 ½ innings Saturday. The seventh-best prospect on Baseball America’s Top 100 entered as a defensive substitution in the sixth inning for Alberto Gonzalez. Profar drew a walk in his first at-bat but was caught stealing second base. His final plate appearance resulted in a ground out.

Profar had a chance to keep the game tied with two outs in the ninth inning. It was a tough play, but Profar somehow came up with the ball in his glove, but his off-balance throw wasn’t on target.

“It’s a great experience,” Profar said. “It’s good for me. I’m learning.”

Moreland 0-for-4: Washington moved first baseman Mitch Moreland into the cleanup spot with the regulars out of the lineup. He went 0-for-4 with a strikeout at the plate.

De Los Santos struggles: Pitcher Miguel De Los Santos dealt with command issues on the mound again. Up 2-0 in the ninth inning, De Los Santos blew the lead. He gave up a run on two hits and a walk before recording his first out.

De Los Santos was up 0-2 on third baseman Dallas McPherson with the bases loaded and two outs. He threw a wild pitch, which brought home the tying run. De Los Santos eventually walked McPherson and was pulled by Washington for Justin Miller, who gave up the game-winning run.

SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Texas Rangers first baseman/outfielder Brad Hawpe said his right hamstring, which has been sore the past few days, feels better. He participated in batting practice and took ground balls Sunday and said he also did some light running.

He'll run again today, along with the grounders and batting practice.

"I should be able to play in games in the next day or two," Hawpe said. "I'm ready to get back out there."

Other injury notes:

* Catcher Yorvit Torrealba (illness) is fine and he's starting at catcher in today's game against the Royals.

* LHP Joe Beimel (elbow stiffness) is scheduled to throw a simulated game today and is feeling fine. He's been throwing and going through his normal routine the past few days.

ARLINGTON, Texas -- Rangers general manager Jon Daniels talked briefly with the media on Friday. Some thoughts:

* Daniels said "we'll go to 12 pitchers at some point," but didn't want to put a timetable on it. He acknowledged that the change does limit manager Ron Washington's options, but believes that's temporary.

* When asked if the club needs a third catcher once Tommy Hunter or Brandon Webb are ready for the rotation, Daniels said it depends. "Let's see how we get off here and what the needs are."

* Scott Feldman is throwing off a mound Saturday. Daniels said he would then go to Arizona to rehab and ramp up.

* Webb could go out for a few innings in a game after he throws to hitters on Monday. That will probably be Arizona to start, but could end up being Triple-A Round Rock or Double-A Frisco after that. Daniels said typically starters would pitch in one of those locations, but then join the big club and do their side work under the watchful eye of pitching coach Mike Maddux and bullpen coach Andy Hawkins.

* The Rangers traded minor league infielder Marcus Lemon to Atlanta for a player to be named later.

* Texas released a gaggle of minor leaguers:

Alfonzo, Edward (RHP)
De La Rosa, Starling (LHP)
Earls, Justin (LHP)
Gutierrez, Danny (RHP)
Hogan, Doug (C)
Kaase, Jake (UTL)
Koncel, Ed (OF)
Meiners, Travis (UTL)
Nelo, Hector (RHP)
Podraza, Cody (OF)
Santana, Cristian (OF)
Steggall, Tim (RHP)
Taubenheim, Ty (RHP)

ARLINGTON, Texas -- Rangers manager Ron Washington doesn't really have an eighth-inning setup guy in his bullpen. He's hoping he has several.

The manager said a few hours before the first pitch of Opening Day that he will "mix and match" his veterans. That means if the game is close late today, expect to see lefties Darren Oliver or Athur Rhodes or right-hander Darren O'Day. That makes O'Day the primary right-handed eighth-inning guy for now.

Washington said that Mason Tobin will get in the game in low-pressure situations as a means of easing him in. Mark Lowe and Pedro Strop will "get more innings as we go along." That means Washington will have to pitch them when he can and let their performance dictate how much more time they get on the mound and when.

The uncertainity in the bullpen (and Tommy Hunter's groin) is what led to the trade of Matt Treanor so that the club could carry eight relievers and try to get things figured out down there.

ARLINGTON, Texas -- One of the surprises of the Rangers opening day roster is right handed reliever Mason Tobin's selection to the team.

Tobin was a long shot to make the club, considering he was coming back from Tommy John surgery and hadn't pitched beyond Class A.

But this spring, Tobin posted a 1.86 ERA in eight games.

"It hasn’t quite hit me yet," said Tobin, who the Rangers acquired at the Rule 5 Draft in December. "I'm pretty sure it will hit me when I get to run out on the field. I had no expectations. I didn’t expect to make the club, I knew I had the ability but I didn’t expect to make the club being where I came from and having no time over A ball. Besides spring training, I threw in big league games in spring training with the Angels and stuff like that."

When and if Tobin pitches it will be the first time he's entered a game in the major leagues. He pitched in 25 minor league games going 6-4 with a 2.43 ERA. But injuries slowed him down and he had Tommy John surgery in June 2009.

"For my first outing, I got into a game and when I was finished I felt nothing and it went all away," he said. "I wasn't worried about my health, I was healthy. Now I worry about just pitching."

The Rangers have set their Opening Day lineup and Mike Napoli gets the start at first base against a left-handed pitcher (Jon Lester) and Michael Young will be fifth ahead of Nelson Cruz, something manager Ron Washington has been doing the last few weeks of spring training. Napoli hit .305 against lefties in 2010. The lineup:

2B Ian Kinsler
SS Elvis Andrus
LF Josh Hamilton
3B Adrian Beltre
DH Michael Young
RF Nelson Cruz
1B Mike Napoli
C Yorvit Torrealba
CF Julio Borbon

CJ Wilson, of course, is starting.

To give the club some depth at Triple-A Round Rock in the infield, the Rangers have signed Luis Cruz to a minor league contract.

Cruz, who played in Wendesday'a game in Round Rock, has played in 56 major league games for Pittsburgh and most recently Milwaukee. He signed a major league deal with the Brewers, but was outrighted off the 40-man roster earlier this week and elected to become a free agent.

He's 27 and has played every position but pitcher, catcher and first base in his professional career.

Keith Law got a chance to see Rangers pitching prospect Martin Perez and came away impressed. Some of Law's blog on Perez:

" I'd seen Texas lefty Martin Perez (the No. 18 prospect in my most recent top 100 ranking) before, but had always left wanting to see a little more -- scouts and execs would tell me they'd seen a version of him that I never quite caught. I think I caught that one on Tuesday, however, as he was lights-out, 92-95, getting the ball in on hitters, hitting 95 to the glove side like he was walking down the street. His changeup at 83-85 showed both good arm speed and hard fading action, and his curveball was average to a tick above, 72-76 with varying angles, some true 12-to-6 downers and some with more traditional two-plane break. His body also looked better, more mature and stronger, and his command was excellent. This is the guy who I had in my preseason top 10 going into 2010.

Law's thoughts on Barret Loux:

" Texas right-hander Barret Loux threw on an adjacent field, but his stuff wasn't as good as Texas execs had reported from previous outings. I had Loux at 87-91 with an ordinary mid-70s curveball and an average changeup; he's got good size and his arm works fine, but he has major damage in his shoulder and elbow that led Arizona to void their deal with him last June. The Rangers have every incentive to push him as quickly as his performance allows, and if he's 90-94 as he was earlier in the month, they'll be able to do that. If he's working with fringy stuff like I saw, they won't.

And a quick few sentences on Jurickson Profar:

Profar is more lithe and quick, with quick hands and good plate coverage. I'd be surprised to see him develop much power but hands like those should lead to lots of contact and a high average. He was just 4.33 down the line, less speed than I expected to see from him.

Check out this column by ESPNDallas.com's Richard Durrett about Adrian Beltre.

Beltre, the club's big free-agent pickup, is important to this year's team not only for his defense at third base, but because he's the cleanup hitter asked to protect Josh Hamilton. A big year by Beltre could have ripple effects.

The Texas Rangers finished off their exhibition season Wednesday with a 4-3 loss to the Round Rock Express, their Triple-A affiliate.

Derek Holland starter for the Rangers and allowed one run on six hits. Dave Bush followed, giving up a run on two hits and a walk. Pedro Strop pitched a scoreless inning before handing the ball off to Darren O'Day, who gave up two runs on three hits in his one inning of work.

Nelson Cruz, Elvis Andrus and Mitch Moreland drove in the Rangers' runs.

Express starter Michael Kirkman left the game after being hit near his left elbow by a Cruz line drive in the second inning. He suffered a contusion, but no X-rays were needed.

The Rangers will work out at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington on Thursday before opening the 2011 regular season against the Boston Red Sox on Friday at 3:05 p.m. C.J. Wilson will face Red Sox lefty Jon Lester in the club’s 40th opener in Texas, a complete sellout. The game will be carried by Fox Sports Southwest and 103.3 FM ESPN.