--With INF Omar Vizquel the likely backup middle infielder, INF Joaquin Arias is probably a long-shot to make the roster. But the one-time top prospect apparently has recovered from two years of shoulder problems. Rangers officials who recently saw him in the Dominican Republic raved about the strength of his arm.

--Boston's recent signing of C Jason Varitek probably eliminates any chance the Rangers had to trade one of their catchers for one of Boston's young pitchers. The Rangers covet RHP Clay Buchholz. Instead, the Rangers likely will have three young catchers -- Jarrod Saltalmacchia, Taylor Teagarden and Max Ramirez -- in camp this spring.

--How difficult is the change INF Michael Young faces this spring, going from shortstop to third base? Over the last 50 years, there have been only two players who were primarily middle infielders to have at least 200 starts at second base, short and third base: Denis Menke and Craig Counsell. Young has made 404 starts at second and 770 at short. He has never played third.

BY THE NUMBERS: .313 -- OF Marlon Byrd's batting average after returning to the active roster last May following a DL stint for a sore knee. Byrd started the season 4-for-32 before going on the DL.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "You don't make adjustments at third on where the pitch is going to go. You just tell yourself not to let anything get past you. You have to be ready more on the point of contact." -- Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr. on the challenges INF Michael Young faces moving from shortstop to third base.