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T.R. Sullivan has a story on Josh Hamilton's appearance at spring training, his comments about where he is on his recovery, and his "I don't owe the Rangers" comment that got fans mad yesterday.
Jeff Wilson also has a story on the Hamilton arrival and comments, as does Evan Grant.
Here's the thing, though...Josh is right. He doesn't owe the Rangers anything other than to play hard when he's on the field right now. He doesn't have an obligation to cut them a deal on his next contract, or to take less than what he thinks he can get on the open market, because of the support they've given him since coming here. He probably shouldn't have said it, because of the reaction it would generate -- he probably should have just kept saying that he wanted the Rangers to be "fair," which of course is code for "willing to pay me what I'd get from the high bidder in the open market" -- but the bottom line is that he's absolutely correct. He doesn't owe the Rangers anything right now, and anyone who acts like he should take less on his next deal because of what Texas has done for him so far is wrong.
Jean-Jacques Taylor also thinks that Josh Hamilton is right, and that he doesn't owe the Rangers anything.
Hamilton says that Yu Darvish, as a rookie, will have to carry the princess backpack to the bullpen a couple of times and participate in the rookie dress-up.
The S-T's spring training recap includes a Q&A with Matt West.
Elvis Andrus will miss a couple of days of camp after having a wart removed.
Grant is looking at the five most intriguing non-roster players invited to camp, and leads off with Robbie Ross.
Richard Durrett offers his "Surprise Six" for yesterday.
Sullivan's notes includes stuff on Cody Eppley wanting to earn a roster spot, Koji Uehara impressing Ron Washington early, Nelson Cruz's goal of staying healthy, and Mitch Moreland wanting to limit his swings.
Anthony Andro's notes talk about Nelson Cruz, Joe Beimel's tattoos, Elvis Andrus's wart, and Ron Washington being happy that Ryan Braun's suspension was overturned.
Drew Davison's notes includes stuff on Nelson Cruz's health, David Murphy as a potential accountability partner for Josh Hamilton, and Adrian Beltre's arrival in camp.
Sullivan has a story on the passing of former Ranger pitcher Terry Mathews. Evan Grant offers his memories of Mathews.