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And it is Friday. And there are lots o' links today.
A bunch of buzz yesterday was generated by Elvis Andrus talking about his contract situation, and saying he wants to talk to the club about a long-term extension, but Richard Durrett writes that such an extension would have to be (from the Rangers' point of view) one that included a hometown discount, because they have Jurickson Profar behind Elvis.
Evan Grant has some notes at the DMN blog from camp that include talk about Michael Kirkman, whose role could expand if Robbie Ross makes the rotation, and Ian Kinsler, who Grant says reported to camp with an "edge" and "prickly," but suggests that this could be a good thing for a team that lost its "edge" last season.
Alyson Footer has a column for MLB.com about Lance Berkman and his decision to come to Texas to be the team's primary DH.
Durrett has a write-up on Martin Perez, fifth starter candidate.
Mike Maddux talks about the candidates for the bullpen. The bullpen, as has often been the case the past few years, is a place of mystery.
Durrett says Julio Borbon is down to his "final chance." That pre-supposes that Borbon, who is out of options, has a chance to make the club this spring, which I don't think is realistic barring injury.
Anthony Andro writes that there is no question that Borbon can hit, but the questions are about his arm and his focus.
Jeff Wilson has a story re-counting Borbon's time in Texas, and says that Borbon "basically has to be flawless to make the team." So the bigger question is, will the Rangers trade him for next to nothing this spring, or lose him on waivers at the end of camp?
Drew Davison's notes talk about Elvis's contract situation, who is the starter and who is the backup among the catchers, and the status of pitchers working their way back to health.
T.R. Sullivan's notes talk about Elvis's contract, Julio Borbon, and Geovany Soto.
The S-T has a "Getting To Know" with Cory Burns, a righty reliever acquired from San Diego for Wilfredo Boscan earlier this offseason.