ARLINGTON, Texas -- Rangers right-hander Neftali Feliz was told this offseason that he's going to start in 2012, so he's been working out and preparing himself -- mentally and physically -- to do just that. Part of the preparation was a conversation with Pedro Martinez, something Mike Daly (director of international scouting) and A.J. Preller (player personnel director) set up for Feliz this offseason.

"We talked about being a starter and working hard," Feliz said. "It's sometihng I have to make an adjustment with my body and my routines. He said it's going to take me a little bit of time to get ready to be a starter."

Feliz and Martinez are scheduled to meet again before Feliz arrives in Surprise so that Martinez can watch him throw and work on pitches. Feliz stressed that his slider and changeup have to be more consistent if he's going to succeed as a starter and Martinez, who had an excellent changeup, can certainly help with that.

"Coming form a guy like him who I always admired as a kid, I took it very seriously," Feliz said. "He gave me advice about mental things and toughness. He was sincere with me. He said 'Be patient and don't get anxious. You'll get adjusted to it.'"

Feliz, who turns 24 in May, said he's already started working out and has thrown one bullpen session. He'll take part in the club's pitching camp for a few days this week and will continue to build up arm strength heading into the Feb. 22 reporting date for spring training.