Monday Morning Texas Rangers Update

Good morning. Today is Monday or otherwise known as Adrian Beltre Reports to Spring Training day.

Among Jeff Wilson’s Surprise Five is quotes from Jeff Banister about using his best relievers in the highest leverage situations.

T.R. Sullivan writes that now that the deal for Seung Hwan Oh fell through, the bullpen is once again the early focus of camp.

Evan Grant writes that the Rangers probably have three candidates vying for the closer job but Keone Kela is the one that would best fit the traditional role.

Wilson writes that Alex Claudio’s fearlessness - and probably the fact that he was the only guy who was good last season - makes him another candidate to close games.

Levi Weaver writes about Darwin Barney joining the good side of the Rougie vs Bautista fracas.

Grant writes that Barney along with Trevor Plouffe have the toughest jobs in camp as big league veterans facing an uphill climb to win roster spots.

Sullivan writes about Mike Minor signing early in the winter with the Rangers and avoiding frostbite by the Hot Stove.

Jamey Newberg profiles Michael Young and his journey from all-time Ranger great to a man with a limitless future in the game.

Baseball’s most beloved polygamist Bartolo Colon is the staff ace on Anthony Castrovince’s All-NRI Team this spring.

And, lastly, Mike Scioscia appears to have already given up on letting Shohei Ohtani hit regularly but I’m sure the Angels’ pitch to the two-way Japanese star included that he’d be regulated to pinch running for Albert Pujols a couple of times a week.

Have a nice day!