SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Mike Olt heard the trade rumors all off-season about how he likely would have been part of the Texas Rangers' package if they landed Justin Upton from Arizona or James Shields from Tampa Bay.
None of that came to fruition, though, and Olt is carrying around a few gloves at the Rangers' spring training complex. He has gloves for third base, first base and the outfield.The outfield glove could be the most used by the time spring training is over for the natural third baseman.The Rangers want their players to become more versatile, and Olt could make himself a prime candidate for a bench spot by playing the corner infield position and the outfield.As a serviceable right fielder, Olt could lessen the burden should Nelson Cruz be suspended for 50 games after being linked to performance-enhancing drugs.Olt believes he can become a "really good" outfielder with enough practice. He started one game in right field last August at Yankee Stadium, but dropped a routine fly ball.That's a distant memory for Olt, though."I should've caught it, but it's not like I was uncomfortable out there," Olt said. "I felt I made a good route to the ball.... I will be more comfortable once I practice."Olt played about eight games in right field in the winter league, and has been going through outfield drills for the two weeks in Surprise."If they feel I can contribute better off the bench in the early part of my career, that's fine," said Olt, who has no lingering effects from the plantar fasciitis that sidelined him late last year."If they want me to go play every day and wait for another opportunity, that's where I'll go."Change of paceMichael Kirkman has the potential to become a power left-hander in the bullpen. He hasn't gotten there yet, but hopes this spring is different.Kirkman has the talent, but his inconsistency and walk totals have held him back the past three spring trainings."I'm tired of getting here and having mediocre games almost every time out, maybe one good game and then a really bad one and it would be over," Kirkman said. "I want to get here and perform to my capability and get this camp over with and get the season started."Kirkman started last season in Triple A, but was called up in June and pitched in a career-high 28 games with a 3.82 ERA.With Robbie Ross competing for a starting spot, Kirkman has a chance to become a valuable left-handed reliever. His competition includes Jeff Beliveau, Neal Cotts and Nate Robertson."I'm more ready this year than I have been in the past, physically," he said. "My arm should be right there. Totally, across the board, it feels more ready than it has in the past."Soria throwsJoakim Soria threw 15 pitches off a mound Monday, his first time since undergoing Tommy John reconstructive elbow surgery in April.It's a big step for Soria, who signed a two-year, $8 million deal in the off-season. He will throw off the mound again Wednesday, and is on pace to return in late May or early June.In other injury news, right-hander Roman Mendez is scheduled to start a long-toss program March 1. The prospect had a small fracture in his right elbow.Drew Davison817-390-7760Twitter: @drewdavison
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