--OF Andruw Jones appeared likely to make the team and be the DH/cleanup hitter, at least against left-handed pitching, only a few days after the Rangers seemed on the verge of cutting ties with him. The Rangers explained to Jones earlier in the week they did not have a full-time job for him, but Jones expressed a willingness to remain with the team. It likely leaves OF-DH Frank Catalanotto without a job. The club is willing to eat a good portion of Catalanotto's remaining $6 million in salary and buyout clauses but has not yet found a taker for him.
--RHP Dustin Nippert saw his chances at making the Opening Day roster go up in smoke when a stiff upper back forced him to cut a bullpen session short on March 27. Nippert had not thrown in a game in 10 days. The Rangers have to decide if they want to keep him on the 40-man roster and have him open the season on the DL or if they are willing to expose him to waivers. --The Rangers have sorted through their catching situation. C Max Ramirez was optioned to Class AAA Oklahoma and C Adam Melhuse was told he would not make the Opening Day roster. The Rangers will go with C Jarrod Saltalamacchia as the starter and C Taylor Teagarden as the backup. The division of playing time has not yet been determined. Melhuse has told the Rangers he doesn't have much interest in going to Class AAA.
--RHP Brendan Donnelly was released from his minor league contract when it became apparent he would not crack the bullpen mix. Donnelly allowed 14 baserunners in six innings this spring.
--Rangers owner Tom Hicks confirmed that he is investigating the possibility of selling up to 44 more percent of the club, which would result in him owning as little as 51 percent. Hicks said there is no reason for him to have sole ownership of the club but maintained that he will not give up any control.
BY THE NUMBERS: 13.15 -- Average at-bats per home run for OF Andruw Jones in the cleanup spot. Among active hitters with at least 900 plate appearances, it ranks fourth behind Ryan Howard (11.63), Jim Thome (11.87) and Prince Fielder (12.93). The three hitters ahead of Jones are all left-handed hitters. The Rangers are looking at Jones as a possible cleanup hitter.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "I've got to take the fastball and go right after hitters. I have to pitch to contact and trust my stuff. Whatever happens after that happens." -- RHP Josh Rupe, who might be losing his spot in the Rangers' bullpen.
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