SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Rangers catcher Taylor Teagarden is heading into spring training focused on doing whatever he can to secure a role on the club. He looks at the catching job as a wide open competition and he intends to show he deserves the job.

"Wash is giving us a pretty even playing field to come in and compete and not only make the team, but try to win a spot for the opening day job," Teagarden said.

The 26-year-old knows he has to show that he can hit more consistently as well as play solid defense and manage the pitching staff. Teagarden hit .217 with six homers and 24 RBIs in 60 games last season.

"The biggest thing for me is to get locked in during the spring and build off of that and not lose it," Teagarden said. "That's easier said than done, but if I can leave here feeling good and having a gameplan I'm really confident in, that's what I need. Then I can adjust it during the season when you hit those valleys. Last year, I just didn't feel good. There were times I hit OK, but for the most part I felt lost at the plate."

Teagarden said 2009 was a valuable learning experience for him.

"The biggest thing I learned was how long the season is and how much you really have to prepare," Teagarden said. "Sometimes you have to back off and conserve yourself for the long stretches. I wasn't used to playing 162 games. You have to brace yourself and take care of your body so you're ready."

Teagarden felt like he got a better feel for the league and the Rangers' pitching staff, not to mention what the opposing pitchers would do against him at the plate.

He said that he doesn't think about the possibility of starting in the minors if he doesn't win the job or the team feels that's what's needed. That may not happen, but Teagarden acknowledges it's a possibility.

"If I worry about that, I'm not making myself a better player," Teagarden said. "I have to come in here and be the best player I can be, be a leader and help everyone out. At the end of the day, as long as I approach it that way, I can't get down on myself."

Teagarden said his defense has steadily improved. He's focused on various aspects at different times, whether that's throwing runners out or blocking balls in the dirt.

"We take different elements and work it," Teagarden said. "There's always something else I try to add to my game each year and something I learn just being around the game and talking to guys."