Rangers Q&A From Surprise

By Jared Sandler | @SandlerJ

105.3 THE FAN -- The Fan is broadcasting LIVE from Spring Training in Surprise, Arizona starting with the Ben & Skin Show today!

Jared Sandler, the host of the official Rangers Pre & Postgame Shows, took time to chat with General Manager Jon Daniels and Manager Jeff Banister.

Commentary in italics.

JON DANIELS

On where Martin Perez is in his recovery from Tommy John surgery
"We actually built in a four-day "no throw" into his schedule…he's in that now. That was planned."

On Derek Holland, who was scratched from his planned appearance in Sunday's intrasquad game
"Derek came in improved today. The plan was for him to play some light catch and then go from there with the goal being a bullpen later this week before he gets in a game."

It doesn't seem like there's anything of true concern here based on conversations with Derek this morning. He showed no signs of dejection and assured the media he is just fine. With that said, coming off of last year's injury plagued season for this ball club, any time a top-line pitcher gets scratched it is worth jumping at with concern.

On Mitch Moreland, who is coming back from ankle surgery:
"Moreland is doing well. Weather-dependent, he may get in the game and take some at-bats and then [he would be pinch-run for]."

On Elvis Andrus, who is dealing with some left knee soreness:
"Elvis has a little soreness in his left knee. [Dr. Keith] Meister saw him. It's not supposed to be anything significant. With the weather, we'll have him hit in the cages and do his work inside. He won't play in the game."

Like Holland, it doesn't appear that there is any reason to have real concern about Elvis. He was walking around just fine.

On how Elvis' knee soreness came about:
"[Elvis] felt it a little the day before. We backed off some of his weight work. Then he felt it a little bit early [during the intrasquad] so we gave him the rest of the day off. He did treatment instead."

JEFF BANISTER

On how Prince Fielder looks:
"Physically, he looks good. And as far as his energy level and how he's gone about his work and his business there has been high level of energy, a smile on his face…engaged. His [batting practices] have been workman-like."

His positive attitude and emotional disposition is the biggest takeaway from all of this. Fielder was said to be re-energized coming to camp and all signs suggest as much.

On if he will play in the team's first game, Wednesday:
"I would like to have him in a game on Wednesday"

On the performance so far of Ryan Ludwick, who is competing for a roster spot:
"He came out yesterday and swung the bat pretty good, ran the bases well–high-energy. He's been a pro in everything he's done."

This should come as no surprise. Ludwick is said to be an outstanding teammate. I'm a big fan of the veteran presence and clubhouse attitude he brings to the table.

On the importance of having a veteran like Ludwick:
"Anytime you can have a veteran presence it is crucial. They can show some of these young guys exactly how to prepare themselves and how to go about it each day."

On balancing the past with expectations of the future when evaluating players in a job competition:
"You've got to look at the upside of all the players. Evaluate what you think the upside is based on where they are right now. Look back at the history of what these guys have done–there's a small history for [Choice and Rua], there's a large history with Ludwick. Experience of all of us involved–scouts, staff members–watching all the candidates we have vying for that left field spot [is important]."

On whether or not he's excited Yovani Gallardo is on his team and no longer a divisional opponent like he was with the Brewers when Banister was with the Pirates:
"Absolutely! He was 12-5 against the Pirates with three home runs…that he hit. It is much better suiting up in the same uniform than being across him. Anytime a player performs well against you, there's a certain amount of competitive angst, but also admiration for what a guy's been capable of doing."

On whether or not his hitting prowess will be utilized in a pinch-hit role
"Yovani has a unique skill–he's an athlete. He's proven that he can swing the bat. If we get into a 19-inning situation and there's last man standing down on the bench, we have a situation where he's it, ya [we'll use him]. I'm not planning on playing any games like that. Let's get it done before the 19th inning."

Baseball folks immediately reject any thought of a pitcher being used in a way beyond throwing on the mound because of the risk of injury in relation to their value to the team. That makes sense. I just hope one day people consider using the tools in a player's bag because Gallardo can certainly swing the stick.

On being a great teammate, even in the face of job competitions:
"If you want to be a great teammate, you've got to learn, one, to push yourself but also be accountable and push your teammates as well. If you're not trying to rise up to a gold standard of performance then you should fully expect that someone else is looking to take your position…I believe if you have any competitive fiber in your body, you need and want someone else beside you pushing you to those heights."

On mentally preparing to play today's intrasquad, even with the bad weather:
"It's just one of the three bad bounces we get a day. You average three [bad bounces] a day."

That's a great nugget. Three bad bounces a day…

On naming the team's Opening Day starter:
"We will be ready to announce Opening Day Starter when we have the appropriate conversations with each one of those pitchers. The focus right now is getting prepared to throw and pitch in Spring Training games…to progress forward to the season."