Evan Grant has an item up today about the different atmosphere in the Rangers camp this spring, and talks about how Michael Young, Ian Kinsler, and Hank Blalock came out to listen to Josh Hamilton talking to reporters about his battles with addiction:
It was a nearly identical show of support, albeit one of far lower profile, to the gesture by New York Yankees Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera and Jorge Posada on Monday. All three showed up when teammate Andy Pettitte discussed his use of performance-enhancing drugs.
"We respect what he's gone through," Young said of Hamilton.
"And we want to support him," Blalock said, finishing the sentence. "He wants to be treated like any other guy. We wanted him to know we are right there with him."
Jim Reeves has a column up on Hamilton's struggles...
Jeff Wilson discusses the bullpen, and the need for the Rangers to have 3 or 4 guys out there who can go 2-3 innings in relief if needed. Wilson indicates that Kam Loe is expected to get one of open bullpen slots.
The S-T also has a few notes on German Duran, A.J. Murray, Ben Broussard, Frank Catalanotto, and Elvis Andrus (and his achy back).