The Rangers go to spring training every year, it seems, having to deal with massive issues within the pitching staff. 

Brad Nelson hit a three-run homer in the first inning, and the Milwaukee Brewers went on to beat the Texas Rangers 7-4 on Friday night. 

Mark down Rockies first baseman Todd Helton, 35, as an early candidate for Comeback Player of the Year. 

Mark down Rockies first baseman Todd Helton, 35, as an early candidate for Comeback Player of the Year. 

Mark down Rockies first baseman Todd Helton, 35, as an early candidate for Comeback Player of the Year. 

The Rangers were relatively quiet during the offseason, the biggest move being a trade of C Gerald Laird to Detroit. 

Outfielder Marlon Byrd gave his surgically repaired left knee its most strenuous test of the spring, which is to say he gave it nary a thought while running from first to third on a lazy single. 

--C Max Ramirez, who spent most of the spring with the Venezuelan team in the World Baseball Classic, was optioned to Class AAA Oklahoma. 

Braden Looper's long-awaited spring debut wasn't what he or the Milwaukee Brewers had hoped for. 

Former All-Star reliever Brendan Donnelly was released from his minor league contract by the Texas Rangers. 

--C Max Ramirez, who spent most of the spring with the Venezuelan team in the World Baseball Classic, was optioned to Class AAA Oklahoma. 

The Rangers were relatively quiet during the offseason, the biggest move being a trade of C Gerald Laird to Detroit. 

Outfielder Marlon Byrd gave his surgically repaired left knee its most strenuous test of the spring, which is to say he gave it nary a thought while running from first to third on a lazy single. 

Chris Davis hit a seventh-inning grand slam off Arizona pitcher Tony Pena to snap a 4-4 tie and lead the Texas Rangers to an 8-5 victory over the Diamondbacks on Wednesday night. 

You want optimism, but don't have much time? Let Dayn Perry tell you how your team can win the World Series .