If the Rangers decide to pick up Blalock's $6 million option and keep the current alignment that has Chris Davis playing third for 2009, it would be because of Blalock's bat, not his glove. The other option would be to move Davis back to first and either fill third base with Travis Metcalf or via free agency.

"It's hard to imagine a 2009 lineup without Chris in it," general manager Jon Daniels said before Tuesday's 7-3 win over Seattle.

While Blalock has not given up on the thought of returning to third base in the future, everybody associated with such a decision acknowledges it is no sure thing. Blalock said Tuesday that he hopes an offseason throwing program will allow him to strengthen his arm back to the point where he could play third again.

It is worth noting that it wasn't Blalock's arm, but rather his hamstring that sent him to the disabled list for the first time this season in April. The shoulder didn't start hurting him until July.

"I can't predict the future," said Blalock, who turns 28 in November. "I don't want to doubt myself. I feel like I'm still young and I'm looking forward to a strong offseason program. If they want me back, they'll pick up my option. If not, I'll find somewhere else to play. Worrying about the future isn't really my style."

What the Rangers want to see from Blalock has nothing to do with arm strength. They want to see him spray extra-base hits all over the gaps as he did in 2003 and 2004. In the two weeks since he's returned, though, he still hasn't found his swing. After going 1-for-5 Tuesday, he was hitting .236 with a .253 on-base percentage since moving to first base. He does not have a homer as a first baseman.

RANGERS 7, MARINERS 3: Taylor Teagarden continued an impressive September audition both at and behind the plate. With Teagarden catching, Vicente Padilla did not allow an earned run in 5 2/3 innings in his first outing since August 24. Teagarden has caught Padilla twice this season, and the duo has yet to allow an earned run. It was the third time in Teagarden's five starts this season that the starting pitcher has not allowed an earned run. Teagarden has a 4.25 catcher's ERA. At the plate, Teagarden had a run-scoring single in the second inning and a two-run double in the fifth. He is 7-for-20 (.350) in his brief major league career with three home runs and nine RBIs.