GARLAND -- From Albert Pujols to C.J. Wilson, there are plenty of marquee players in this year's free-agent class being discussed during the winter meetings at the Hilton Anatole.
Josh Hamilton could find himself in that situation next year. Or he couldn't.Hamilton and the Texas Rangers have had preliminary discussions about an extension, although nothing is imminent. Hamilton has the same approach as he did when the Tampa Bay Rays selected him with the No. 1 pick in the 1999 draft."Treat me fair," said Hamilton, who was on hand at a free hitting exhibition with MLB Network's Harold Reynolds at the Special Events Center in Garland on Tuesday afternoon."Don't come here with no ridiculously low stuff. You know, just be fair.... Obviously I love it here in Texas, but it always comes down to getting treated fairly."Hamilton signed a two-year, $24 million contract last off-season through 2012, his final two arbitration-eligible years. To avoid hitting the free-agent market, Hamilton and the Rangers would need to reach a deal before Opening Day.The team doesn't negotiate with potential free agents during the season."If something is going to happen, it'll happen this winter or in spring training," Hamilton said. "[During the season] I'm going to be focused on what I got to do and what I need to do to help the team win."Hamilton also updated his health status and addressed mentor Johnny Narron becoming the Milwaukee Brewers' hitting coach.Hamilton said his hernia is 90 percent better than it was during the playoffs, and he will be 100 percent before spring training.As far as Narron, Hamilton said he was happy to see him become a big-league hitting coach. More importantly, Hamilton feels like he doesn't need a mentor such as Narron anymore, although he would be open to it."I don't feel like I need somebody," Hamilton said. "At the same time, if it adds confidence for me, the Rangers or Major League Baseball, yeah, I'm all for it."I don't ever get comfortable. I keep my safeguards where they are, and surround myself with people who want to see me succeed and do well."Added general manager Jon Daniels: "Josh is in a different place than he was when we acquired him. We just don't want to take anything for granted, and neither do Josh and Katie [Hamilton, his wife]."Pujols chatterAlbert Pujols is the top free agent on the market, and he has created plenty of buzz during the first two days of the winter meetings. There are three teams in the hunt for one of the best hitters in the game -- the St. Louis Cardinals, the suddenly flush Miami Marlins and an third team identified as the Angels by Foxsports.com.All three teams have reportedly offered Pujols a 10-year contract in excess of $200 million.Pujols had not made a decision Tuesday night, but could decide today.BrieflyThe Rangers plan to attend a workout for Joel Zumaya in Houston next week. Zumaya, a hard-throwing right-handed reliever, has battled injuries recently, missing all of 2011 after undergoing elbow surgery.The Rangers will host the Mexico City Red Devils in an exhibition game April 3 at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, executives from both teams said.Outfielder Nat McLouth is returning to the Pittsburgh Pirates on a one-year deal.Catcher Josh Bard has a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers.Relievers Frank Francisco and Jon Rauch signed with the New York Mets. Francisco signed a two-year deal, while Rauch signed for one year.The Dodgers signed starter Aaron Harang to a two-year deal worth about $12 million.Drew Davison, 817-390-7760Twitter: @drewdavisonHave more to add? News tip? Tell us
