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Should a need arise with the Texas Rangers, first baseman/outfielder Brad Hawpe is ready.

The eight-year veteran had Tommy John surgery on his left elbow Aug. 5. He has since built up the arm strength and with that comes confidence while playing for Double-A Frisco in the Rangers' minor league system. He's more than nine months removed from the major surgery, and there are no limitations.

PODCAST
Brad Hawpe discusses his recovery from Tommy John surgery in Double-A Frisco and the Rangers' keys to success. Listen

"I was nervous making throws," Hawpe said about the way he felt about seven or eight months after the surgery. "Late in the game, if we were up by one run or something, I would look at manager (Steve Buechele) and say, 'Hey, you know, if a guy is on third and one out and a fly ball to right, I may not be your guy just yet to be able to throw him out,' because in the past that was my calling card.

"That’s not a question for me anymore."

Hawpe was a guest last weekend on Rangers Magazine on ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM. He said there wasn't a specific moment when he felt he was over the mental and physical obstacles of elbow surgery. However, he credits his Frisco teammates for encouraging him to play long toss, which is something he used to do three days a week pre-surgery.

The 32-year-old has played in 893 minor league games, mostly with the Colorado Rockies organization, but he has also played for San Diego and Tampa Bay. Hawpe, a Metroplex resident, is a career .276 hitter with 124 home runs and 490 RBIs. Three of those home runs came as a pinch-hitter.

Getting back to his "calling card," Hawpe led the National League with 16 outfield assists in 2006 and was second the year before with 10.

While Hawpe is trying to get back to the big leagues, he has the pleasure of being a teammate of highly touted prospects who are looking to get to the majors for the first time. When I brought up Jurickson Profar, Hawpe delivered quite the scouting report.

"Most 19-year-olds are what, freshman in college? Most kids can't handle the level he's at and the attention he gets. That kid is going to be incredible," Hawpe said.

"I don’t know how else to put it. He’s going to be a star, in my opinion. Not just because of his talent. His talent is off the charts. His work ethic is good. His mindset is right. He’s a very positive kid, but what people may not know about him when they are looking at stats and trying to figure this and that out about him is he’s very intelligent. He’s a very, very, very smart kid. For a 19-year-old to carry himself and handle himself like he does, I mean I am thoroughly impressed by that kid."

Hawpe talked more about his health, the difference between his athletic ability before and after surgery, his relationship with the Rangers in spring training and thereafter, playing for and the importance of a manager like Buechele and the difference in minor league ball in present day compared to his rise to the big leagues.

He also talked about a major key to Rangers success. Listen to the podcast and find out what he thinks.

Bryan Dolgin is the host of Rangers Magazine as well as the host of the Rangers radio pre and post game shows on the Texas Rangers ESPN Radio Network & ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM. Follow him on Twitter: @RangersRadioBD

Let’s go back in time to when Hall of Fame right-handed starting pitcher Ferguson Jenkins toed the pitching slab for the Texas Rangers as well as the Chicago Cubs, Philadelphia Phillies and Boston Red Sox in his 19-year career that spanned from 1965-1983. Sometimes you need the time travel to put the present in perspective, such as trying to figure out who Josh Hamilton is comparable to in baseball lore.

PODCAST
On Rangers Magazine, Hall of Fame pitcher Ferguson Jenkins compares Josh Hamilton to other baseball greats and discusses his time with the Rangers and other topics. Listen

“He’s like Willie Stargell with Pittsburgh or Billy Williams with the Cubs,” Jenkins said. “A guy that doesn’t strike out a lot, makes contact, hits home runs, drives in runs, clutch hitter. Willie McCovey was another player like that.”

Last weekend, the Rangers turned back the clock to 1974 and wore throwback uniforms when they play played the Los Angeles Angels. Also, the Rangers welcomed back several members of that 1974 Billy Martin-managed ballclub that placed second in the American League West with an 84-76 record.

Jenkins, among those who returned to Arlington over the weekend, won 25 games for that ’74 squad and finished second in the Cy Young voting behind Oakland’s Catfish Hunter and ahead of Nolan Ryan, who was pitching for the Angels. Jenkins was a guest on Rangers Magazine (weekends on ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM) when he talked about Hamilton and those Hall of Fame left-handed hitters.

Stargell played all of his 21 Major League seasons with the Pirates. The first baseman was a .282 career hitter, the 1979 National League MVP at the age of 39, and he won two World Series. Williams led NL left fielders in assists four times and was consistently among the top 10 RBI producers in the '60s. McCovey was the NL OPS leader from ’68-’70, earned the NL MVP in ’69, and the Giants' first baseman finished his career with 521 home runs.

In our Rangers Magazine conversation, Jenkins discussed being traded to the Rangers, working with rookie catcher Jim Sundberg, being managed by Martin, his teammates such as American League MVP Jeff Burroughs, the current Rangers including Yu Darvish, and more. Listen to the podcast.

Bryan Dolgin is the host of Rangers Magazine on ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM. He also hosts the Rangers radio pregame and postgame shows on the Texas Rangers ESPN Radio Network. Follow him on Twitter: @RangersRadioBD.

Texas Rangers prospect Mike Olt is experiencing plenty of firsts since the conclusion of his second pro season. He played in the Arizona Fall League, was invited to major league spring training and was told he will see time at first base. Here’s another first for the third baseman: He is in his first season at the Double-A level.

PODCAST
Rangers corner infield prospect Mike Olt talks about his first season at the Double-A level and how he fits in the organization. Listen

“Double-A is definitely a big jump from High-A. I guess my first impression is there’s definitely a lot of work I have to do in order to continue to climb the latter,” Olt said. “You’ve got step up your game mentally and try to figure out what they like to throw in certain situations.”

Olt was a guest on Rangers Magazine (ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM). The third-year pro out of the University of Connecticut was the Rangers' first-round pick (49th overall) in the 2010 June draft. Through 29 games, he is batting .287 with seven home runs and 19 RBIs. His on-base percentage is .394, and he has a .959 OPS.

Ahead of Olt in the organization is Adrian Beltre, who is locked into a long-term contract and is a Gold Glove third baseman. Versatility is important, whether it is the majors or minors. We have seen it with Michael Young and his super-utility role as well as the Rangers outfielders playing multiple spots instead of being planted in one position. In the minors, we see it with shortstop Jurickson Profar seeing time at second base and with Olt occasionally moving across the diamond to first base.

“I was excited,” Olt recalled of when the Rangers told him he would see time at first base. “Obviously, we have Mitch Moreland up at first base right now who is also a very good first baseman. So, basically I kind of took it as they are trying to make me more versatile in case something were to happen. I’m up for the challenge, and certainly first base is coming along.”

Olt also talked about Steve Buechele, spring training fun, being a teammate with Profar, and the AFL experience. Listen to the podcast.

Bryan Dolgin is the host of Rangers Magazine and the radio pre and postgame shows of the Texas Rangers on the Texas Rangers ESPN Radio Network. Follow him on Twitter @RangersRadioBD.

Last night for the Frisco RoughRiders, the Double-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers, 23-year-old right-handed starting pitcher Justin Grimm earned another win. He is 6-1 with a 1.60 ERA on the season. In defeating the Midland Rockhounds, Grimm pitched six innings, giving up one run on three hits, walking one and striking out five. He’s one of a bunch of names you should know about that are not far from Arlington.

PODCAST
Frisco RoughRiders pitching coach Jeff Andrews talks about the Rangers' Double-A mound prospects. Listen

“When you kind of look at the body of work for Justin, it’s been a monumental change in his delivery. He’s made great adjustments,” Frisco pitching coach Jeff Andrews said of Grimm, who won a total of seven games at two levels last year. “The guys in [High-A] Myrtle Beach and [Low-A] Hickory have done marvelous things with allowing him to get straightened out and setting him on the path.”

Andrews was a guest on Rangers Magazine (ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM). Not only did he talk about Grimm, but we also discussed 6-0 Barret Loux and Fabio Castillo, who has been invited to major league spring training twice, and we closed the individual conversation with Yohan Yan, who has eight saves.

One aspect of pitching that you always hear about with those at the major league level is the added confidence they have on the mound because of the fielding strength behind them. At Frisco, the pitchers have yet to consistently realize that third baseman Mike Olt and shortstop Jurickson Profar are among the strong defenders behind them.

“You know that’s one of the things that these guys come in and kind of get mad at themselves and they’re going, ‘Why don’t I trust these guys out there?'" Andrews said.

Andrews pointed out the speed in the outfield and infield strength on the right side, too.

“It is a very good defense," he said. "It really is. These guys are learning to trust that fact and not be so afraid of contact.”

Be sure to listen to the podcast.

Bryan Dolgin is the host of Rangers Magazine and the radio pre and postgame shows of the Texas Rangers on the Texas Rangers ESPN Radio Network. Follow him on Twitter @RangersRadioBD.

The Texas Rangers have a solid first-place standing in the American League West, but that doesn’t mean you can’t look at their minor league system. The current major league team could experience injuries, they may acquire new pieces via trade later this season and certainly there will be September call-ups when the minor league season ends.

PODCAST
Rangers senior director of player development Tim Purpura talks about Leonys Martin and others in the minor league system. Listen

Thus, it’s not too early to check in with Tim Purpura on what’s happening in the Rangers' farm system. Purpura is the Rangers' senior director of player development, and he was a guest on the recent edition of Rangers Magazine (ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM).

A player who creates plenty of conversation is outfielder Leonys Martin. Recently at Triple-A Round Rock, Martin tried bunting his way on and slid head first into first base. He tore a ligament in his left thumb and could miss up to eight weeks. The injury delays the plan for Martin that was implemented at the beginning of this season. That was to move him to the top of the lineup rather than be in the middle because he projects to being more of a top/bottom part of the lineup hitter. He also has been asked to bunt more often.

His injury contributed to the Rangers needing another major league-ready outfielder if a need arises, and that’s where the trade for outfielder Ryan Spilborghs comes into play.

“Ryan is a very versatile player, plays all three outfield positions and plays them well, runs and makes good routes in the outfield,” Purpura said. “Offensively, he’s more of a contact guy. Not a real big power guy, but has very good at-bats. Very competitive guy, and from what we heard a very good guy on the team.”

From a Triple-A perspective down to the high-A level at Myrtle Beach, right-handed starting pitcher Cody Buckel is a standout with his 3-1 record, 1.31 ERA, 41 strikeouts and 12 walks in six starts.

“He’s someone who is mature beyond is years. There’s no doubt about it ... as a pitcher and as a person,” Purpura said of the 19-year-old who was the Rangers' second round draft pick in 2010 out of Royal High School in California. “A very, very competitive guy. Has three plus pitches. Attacks the strikes zone and pitches down in the zone. He’s got some swagger about him.”

Purpura talked about Martin, Spilborghs, righty Neil Ramirez, first baseman/outfielder Brad Hawpe staying at Frisco rather than moving to Round Rock, whether Tanner Scheppers can be a contributor at the MLB level, the Cody Ross factor, the depth of the organization and more. Listen to the podcast.

Bryan Dolgin is the host of Rangers Magazine (weekends on ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM) and the radio pre and postgame show of the Texas Rangers. Follow him on Twitter: @RangersRadioBD.

What if the Texas Rangers had an experienced right-handed pinch-hitting option? What if they had a right-handed pinch hitter who was versatile fielder? Those were questions that have come up from time to time in the past. On Friday, the Rangers acquired outfielder Ryan Spilborghs from the Cleveland Indians in exchange for cash considerations.

PODCAST
Rangers minor leaguer Ryan Spilborghs joins Rangers Magazine to talk about pinch hitting, Clint Hurdle's influence and more. Listen

The right-handed hitter can play all three outfield positions and is a career .272 hitter in 619 major league games. He played all those games with the Colorado Rockies and played in the 2007 World Series when the Rockies lost to Boston.

“Once you get there, you understand how important it is and how big of a deal it is,” Spilborghs recalled of that World Series. “You’re talking about one or two percent of guys that have ever played baseball have actually won a World Series. We’re talking handfuls of guys. For the Rangers to be close two years in a row, I know it’s eating at them. They want to get back, and they want to win it. Just like it’s been eating at me for years.”

Former Rangers hitting coach and current Pittsburgh Pirates manager Clint Hurdle was the manager of that ’07 Rockies team. He played a pivotal role in the 32-year-old Spilborghs becoming a .305 career pinch hitter.

“Without Clint, I probably didn’t get the opportunities that I would have had to establish myself as a big leaguer. He obviously believed in me. Gave me opportunity when I was starting to come up to pinch-hit in situations, you know, with the game on the line,” Spilborghs recalled. “That led to other stuff. Without Clint believing in me the way he did, potentially I don’t have the type of career I have because of the opportunities. He means a lot to me.”

That .305 pinch-hitting average equates to being 53-for-174 with 39 RBIs and 32 walks. He has a .411 OBP and .837 OPS in his career as a pinch hitter.

“I love every opportunity to pinch hit,” Spilborghs said sincerely. “Usually, if you are pinch hitting, you are in a situation that’s important for the game. Those are moments that I live for.”

Currently, Spilborghs is not on the Rangers' 40-man roster. He has played two games for the Round Rock Express, the Rangers' Triple-A affiliate. He’s already 4-for-7 with two doubles, two stolen bases and three RBIs. He’s played left field in both games.

Spilborghs was a guest this past weekend on Rangers Magazine (ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM). Spilborghs also discussed the approach he takes in his new organization, why he was in the Cleveland Indians organization, his relationship with Rangers assistant general manager Thad Levine, trade rumors of the past and that 2007 World Series. Listen to the podcast.

Bryan Dolgin hosts Rangers Magazine on ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM and the Rangers radio pre and postgame shows on the Texas Rangers ESPN Radio Network. Follow him on Twitter: @RangersRadioBD.

Whether you are reading criticisms on Twitter or listening to comments from fans on the Rangers Insider postgame show, there seems to be doubt about the production of Mitch Moreland at the plate. He did produce a 5-for-16 (.313) homestand, and his hitting coach spoke optimistically about the first baseman this weekend.

PODCAST
Scott Coolbaugh joins Rangers Magazine to talk about Mitch Moreland's progress and starting his first full season as Rangers hitting coach. Listen

“Mitch is coming around. I just think he needs some consistent at-bats where, you know, he’s going to get in their regularly, get his timing back,” Scott Coolbaugh said. “He started off a little slow at the beginning of the year and then he had some things going on. He had to come back to Dallas with his [abscessed] tooth. I think it kind of caught him in between a little bit. Lost his timing there for a little while. That’s tough for a young hitter.”

Coolbaugh was a guest on Rangers Magazine (ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM) on Saturday morning. This was before Moreland had a couple of hits later that night against the Tampa Bay Rays. Moreland has a couple of home runs and just five RBIs in 16 games played this season. The left-handed hitting Moreland likely will be in the lineup Monday and Tuesday nights because Toronto is scheduled to start right-handed pitchers.

“I see big things happening for Mitch. He’s going to have a good year. He’s going to have a good, solid year this year,” Coolbaugh said. “He’s definitely a threat at the bottom of the order because he can put a good at-bat together, make a pitcher work. He also has that threat, obviously, to hit a home run.”

When it comes to those good at-bats, according to FanGraphs.com, Moreland is making contact with 90.8% of the pitches he swings at that are in the strike zone (Z-Contact%). That’s a better percentage than Michael Young, Josh Hamilton, Mike Napoli, David Murphy and Nelson Cruz. He only swings at 27.6% of the pitches out of the strike zone (O-Swing%). In that category, Cruz, Napoli, Elvis Andrus and Ian Kinsler have better percentages.

It’s fun to crunch the numbers, but it’s also enjoyable to listen to Coolbaugh talk about Hamilton, Napoli, being in “a good place,” the low-maintenance Ranger hitters, and working with the Rangers throughout spring training and from the start of the regular season for the first time. Listen to the podcast.

In Mickey Tettleton’s 14 seasons of playing Major League Baseball, he played for Tony La Russa in Oakland, Frank Robinson in Baltimore, Sparky Anderson in Detroit and Johnny Oates in Texas. That’s a group that compiled nearly 7,000 wins.

“These guys were awesome. I think each one of them had their own style, their own way of doing things. They were all great to play for. They were great people, too. They really cared about their players. I was very fortunate in playing for the managers I played for,” Tettleton said in an interview on Rangers Magazine (ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM).

PODCAST
Former Ranger Mickey Tettleton joins Rangers Magazine to talk about the outstanding managers he played for, Pudge Rodriguez, Froot Loops and more. Listen

The former catcher, first baseman, outfielder and designated hitter was in Arlington on Saturday to deliver the game ball before the Rangers beat the Tampa Bay Rays 7-2. He finished his career with the Rangers playing under Oates from 1995-1997, which included being part of the American League West winner in 1996 that finished the regular season with a 90-72 record.

“We were twenty-five that played as one. It’s just the easiest way for me to describe it. Probably the tightest group of players as far as a family-type atmosphere that I have ever been around,” Tettelton recalled.

Tettleton played college baseball at Oklahoma State University and he currently resides in the Oklahoma City area. His four children occupy his time these days. Tettleton’s son Tyler is the quarterback at Ohio University and passed for 3,306 yards and 28 touchdowns last season.

Tettleton also talked about playing for former A’s manager and current Rangers bench coach Jackie Moore, the evolution of becoming a switch-hitter, his batting stance, why he was a patient hitter, what he observed about Pudge Rodriguez, the transition to designated hitter and how Froot Loops factored into his success as a player. Listen to the podcast.

Jim Sundberg’s last season of Major League Baseball overlapped with the first season of pro ball for Ivan Rodriguez. Sundberg turned 38 years old during that season, the 16th season for the Rangers Hall of Fame catcher. Rodriguez was 17 years old and played for Class A Gastonia in the South Atlantic League, and his Hall of Fame-caliber career was just beginning.

PODCAST
Hall of Fame catcher Jim Sundberg recalls Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez's first season of professional baseball. Listen

“My last year in ’89, I was hearing about a guy we had in the minor leagues that was really good and was going to be a really good one,” Sundberg recalled when he was a guest Saturday on Rangers Magazine on ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM.

When Rodriguez made his Major League debut in 1991, Sundberg was working as an analyst on the Rangers TV broadcasts.

“He had quick feet. He needs them to block. He needs them to throw. He had a strong, accurate arm. And, plus he could hit. He was a good inside-out guy. He could hit the ball to right field. Just a tremendous player,” Sundberg said, and this is a six-time Gold Glove catcher talking about a 13-time winner of the award.

Sundberg also talked about how Rodriguez ranks among the top all-time catchers, and he included a Yankees catcher in this category and not the one you are probably thinking of. He also discussed a future role for Rodriguez with the Rangers.

For those who heard the original broadcast of this interview, you may recall that the information on Rodriguez closed the interview. Through the magic of editing, the podcast is inverted. It begins with Rodriguez talk followed by Sundberg’s analysis of current Rangers catchers Yorvit Torrealba and Mike Napoli as well as what Sundberg would like if he were catching the current Rangers' starting rotation. Listen to the podcast.

There’s a story behind every player. In the tale that’s told about the beginning catcher Ivan Rodriguez's career, I would like to recommend you listen to Tom Grieve. He was the Texas Rangers general manager when “Pudge” signed with the Rangers on July 27, 1988.

PODCAST
Former Rangers GM Tom Grieve on the beginning of Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez's career. Listen

“They put a radar gun on him when he was 16 years old throwing to second base, and it was like 92 miles per hour,” Grieve recalled about the tryout camp where members of his scouting staff watched Pudge’s talents.

Grieve was a guest on Saturday’s edition of Rangers Magazine on ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM. Grieve discussed the personnel involved with signing Rodriguez, the tryout camp where they saw Rodriguez, and the advancement of the catcher through the Rangers minor league system. Grieve was the general manager when Rodriguez made his Major League debut at the age of 19 on June 20, 1991.

“We knew that when we called him up that he would hold his own offensively because he was a contact hitter. He didn’t strike out. We didn’t know how much he would hit, but he wouldn’t embarrass himself, and he wouldn’t get buried offensively,” Grieve recalled about the eventual .296 career hitter. “But, we also knew that all the scouting reports on his defense were true, and that he could completely control the other team’s running game and make us a better team.”

According to baseball-reference.com, Rodriguez ranks 76th all-time catching 45.68% of potential base stealers. Rodriguez never had a 3-digit strikeout total in any of his 21 seasons in Major League Baseball. Furthermore, he earned 13 Gold Gloves which is the most all-time among catchers. Rodriguez played for the Rangers through the 2002 season and later returned in August of 2009.

Listen to the podcast for Grieve’s interesting memories pertaining to the start of Pudge’s pro career.

With the Texas Rangers off to a 12-3 start, you are probably not eagerly awaiting the arrival of the next minor league prospect who can contribute at the major league level.

PODCAST
Triple-A Round Rock hitting coach Brant Brown talks about the team's start and the developments of Leonys Martin and Julio Borbon. Listen

However, it doesn't hurt to take a peek as to what is happening in the Rangers farm system. The name amongt position players that draws the most interest at Triple-A Round Rock should be outfielder Leonys Martin.

"Mechanically, there's a lot of things that he's cleaned up that allows him to be a little more efficient to the baseball and then mentally kind of easing in to the way we play, the way things are, and getting used to his comrades," Round Rock hitting coach Brant Brown said. "Obviously, the hot start has helped with confidence."

Brown was a Saturday morning guest on Rangers Magazine (ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM). Later that night in New Orleans, Martin went 2-for-3 with a double, a two-run home run and three RBIs. He also walked once. The home run was his third of the season, and his batting average is up to .359.

Brown also coached Martin last season for 29 games at Double-A Frisco, where Martin batted .348 with four home runs and 24 RBI. He was promoted to Round Rock on July 9. On the field, Brown saw Martin last year make just one error in 71 outfield chances.

"I think the best thing about him is his arm, of course," said Brown, a former major league outfielder for the Cubs, Pirates and Marlins. "I think lateral movement and movement back and forth ... I think we can always improve on that. I believe that he knows that. His energy levels have been a lot better than they were last year. We are just hoping to see more consistency from that aspect."

Brown also discussed his own transition from being the hitting coach at Double-A Frisco to being at Round Rock, Julio Borbon, and working with Mike Bianucci and Tommy Mendonca.

It’s always a pleasure to catch up with the manager of the Double-A Frisco RoughRiders and former Texas Rangers third baseman Steve Buechele. He was a guest on Rangers Magazine this past Sunday on ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM. As you can imagine, RoughRiders third baseman Mike Olt was a primary focus of our conversation.

PODCAST
Double-A Frisco manager Steve Buechele joins Rangers Magazine to talk about Mike Olt and other Rangers prospects. Listen

“Number one, he’s a great kid. Number two, he’s super talented. You know, I think everyone talks about his power potential, which is a given. They’ve got him listed as a plus defender, which I think he will be. He’s got some way to go defensively and things to learn. That’s why he’s here,” Buechele said. “The good thing about him is that he’s willing to learn, and he’s not afraid to work. He’s going to be a good one. There’s no question about it.”

Of course, it makes sense that Buechele is assisting in the development of a third baseman. He played more 1,200 major league games at third base from 1985-1995 and most of those years with the Rangers. Buechele was a solid defender, but he also knows how to develop the baseball mind from his own experiences.

When you think about Olt, you also have to think about who is at third base for the Rangers. It’s Adrian Beltre, and he is signed to a long-term contract. When Buechele was in the minors, Buddy Bell manned the hot corner for the Rangers.

“I think in this game, you never know what’s going to happen. Buddy was traded [to the Cincinnati Reds], and I got the call. You never know with injuries or trades. It’s just the way this game goes. I think sometimes it can be frustrating to a player, but sure enough when you are ready to make it to the big leagues and play in the big leagues, there will be a spot for you,” said Buechele, who was 23 years old when he received the call-up to the big leagues.

Odds are extremely against Beltre being traded, but Olt, who is 23, saw playing time at first base in spring training and will eventually play some first base with the RoughRiders. As we know from over the years, the Rangers have not been shy about trading quality minor leaguers to bolster the major league club. It will be interesting to follow the development of Olt.

Buechele also talked more about the versatility of position players, Jurickson Profar’s first taste of AA, how far Olt and Profar are from the big leagues, Brad Hawpe’s progress, Engel Beltre’s improvement, Joe Wieland’s MLB debut, Barrett Loux, Justin Grimm and Tim Murphy. Listen to the podcast.

When it comes to Josh Hamilton playing center field on a regular basis, Texas Rangers general manager Jon Daniels has maintained a consistent belief over the years that the bulk of Hamilton’s games should be played in left field in order to avoid the wear and tear on Hamilton’s body and get him through each season healthy. Has Daniels' stance on this topic softened?

PODCAST
Rangers general manger Jon Daniels talks about letting Josh Hamilton play center, Yu Darvish and more. Listen

“Yeah, it has,” Daniels said. “The bottom line is right now that’s our best team with him in center field. We want to get off to the best start we possibly can. My sense is that over the course of the year that other guys will work in there based on their own performances, but we do feel there’s a good chance that’s our best club. I know Wash hasn’t formally announced it yet, but you can tell by the lineups that he’s putting out there that’s getting strong consideration.”

Daniels said that Hamilton’s contract situation and the possibility of not re-signing with Texas has nothing to do with his change in mindset. Has the play of Julio Borbon and Craig Gentry this spring been disappointing to the point where it has factored into this decision process?

“We know what these guys are. I’m not big on riding the wave of spring training,” Daniels said. “We know what Julio is and what he can do. He’s a quality major league outfielder. Same with Craig. They both have strengths. They both have weaknesses. I don’t want to take anything away from Josh or David [Murphy], either. I mean, David’s had a really good spring. He’s improved his defense. He’s working on his approach against left-handers. Basically, we have some good options.”

Daniels was a guest on Rangers Magazine on Saturday morning on ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM. He also discussed Yu Darvish, Robbie Ross, the bench, trade talk, Jurickson Profar and Mike Olt. Listen to the podcast.

Bryan Dolgin, the host of Rangers Baseball Tonight and Rangers Magazine, can be followed on Twitter: @RangersRadioBD.

Texas Rangers right-handed reliever Mike Adams is working on enhancing his repertoire of pitches for the 2012 season.

PODCAST
Rangers reliever Mike Adams talks about his pitching repertoire, his warm-up routine, Greg Maddux, the lasting impact of the World Series run and more. Listen

“I just want to be a little more consistent with my off-speed stuff," Adams said in a recent edition of Rangers Magazine, heard on ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM. "Last year I was strictly a fastball/cutter type guy, and this year I want to mix-in a changeup and keep guys a little more off-balance.”

As Adams prepares for 2012 and works on his changeup, he has the opportunity to get help from someone in Rangers camp who was a master of changing speeds and locating pitches. Adams, for the second time, has the luxury of listening to the advice of Greg Maddux, who is a special assistant in the Rangers organization. The two were teammates in 2008 with the San Diego Padres.

“He was kind of my lockermate. He was two lockers down from me. In between us, we had a catcher -- his catcher -- and I got to hear a lot of conversations on how they were going to approach their games, the mindset they were taking, and I would sit there and listen in on it -- take as much as I could,” Adams recalled of that 2008 season. “Trying to work on the changeup, listening to what he has to say on what his idea was on how he wanted to use it and what his concept was, it kind of simplifies to help me know what kind of approach I want to take.”

Adams also talked about the lasting impact of the World Series run last year, Mike Adams Day in Sinton, Texas, as well as the retirement of his No. 31 at Texas A&M-Kingsville, his good health, his extensive warm-up routine, Joe Nathan, more about Maddux and if Robbie Ross be on the big league roster. Listen to the podcast.

Bryan Dolgin, the host of Rangers Baseball Tonight and Rangers Magazine, can be followed on Twitter: @RangersRadioBD.

Spring training minor league games begin this afternoon in Surprise, Arizona. While the Texas Rangers at the major league level will have very few new names, the Rangers' affiliates will see new names on their rosters due to the natural progression of development. The headliner among minor league position players is 19-year-old shortstop Jurickson Profar and where he will play after 115 games for Low-A Hickory in 2011.

PODCAST
Rangers director of minor league operations Jake Krug discusses Jurickson Profar's future with the team. Listen

“We kind of live by the motto 'challenge the gifted’ and Jurickson certainly fits in that category,” said Rangers director of minor league operations Jake Krug during a recent edition of Rangers Magazine on ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM. “We keep it open-minded. Whether it’s Myrtle or Frisco, half in Myrtle … half in Frisco. It’s kind of up to Jurickson. He’s one of those guys. You really wouldn’t count anything out. Him playing in Double-A this year I know is a goal of his, and a goal of ours.”

As Profar continues his climb to Arlington, you are probably trying to figure out the major league roster when he is ready. Shortstop Elvis Andrus has three years (including 2012) left on his contract. At second base, Ian Kinsler has two years left on his deal, including a 2013 club option. Is a position change coming?

“I think there’s certainly talk of exposing him to second base in game situations,” Krug said of Profar.

This spring has seen the Rangers move a couple players around the diamond. Third baseman Mike Olt has played first base. Third baseman Tommy Mendonca is converting to catcher.

Soon the Rangers begin their quest for a third consecutive trip to the World Series, and five of the Rangers' top six minor league affiliates look to return to the playoffs. Even though the major league roster is loaded with talented players, development of minor leaguers will not slow down.

“The last thing we can do is sit back and just watch the major league team do their thing. We’ve got to get ready for the next wave,” Krug said. “Like [general manager Jon Daniels] says, you don’t want to regroup at any point, you want to reload when the time comes.”

Krug is an Arlington native who enters his 10th season working for the Rangers and his first in this role. Krug discussed the evolution of the Rangers the way he has experienced it. He talked more about Profar, the beginning of minor league camp, Mendonca as a catcher, starting pitcher depth that spills into Round Rock and Tim Purpura. Listen to the podcast.

Bryan Dolgin enters his third season as the Texas Rangers radio pre/postgame show host on the Texas Rangers ESPN Radio Network. Follow him on Twitter @RangersRadioBD.