Getting to know
Nate RobertsonNate Robertson hired himself last year. After being released by the Chicago Cubs, Robertson had an opportunity to sign on with the Toronto Blue Jays. He needed to build up arm strength, and he knew his independent-league team, the Wichita Wingnuts, would be the perfect place.The contract wasn't disputed because he is a co-owner, his older brother Josh is the president and general manager and a younger brother, Luke, is the pitching coach."But I don't think I made any money," Robertson said with a smile. "I think I put it all back in the team."Robertson didn't show enough to get back to the big leagues for the first time since 2010, however, posting an 8.00 ERA.But the 35-year-old isn't ready to call it a career yet. He signed a minor league deal with an invitation to big league camp with the Rangers last month.What intrigued you about the opportunity with the Rangers? Texas has always been one of those teams I would always be excited about playing for because of how close it is to home [Maize, Kan.] and I've always loved coming to Arlington. It's going to be fun going because I've really re-invented everything I've ever done. I still feel like I have the competitive edge to come out and compete and still have the desire to play. Hopefully this extends my career.How have you re-invented yourself? I've changed my arm slot dramatically. It's a low, low three-quarters delivery. It feels like I'm scrapping my knuckles on the ground, that's how dramatic it feels to me.Does being one of the few lefties from that low of an arm angle help your chances? It's a different look the manager can go to, but the bottom line is it's still a results-based game. So regardless of how deceptive it could look, you've got to get outs.He said it"I speak plenty of Japanese ...no, not really." -- A.J. Pierzynski, who laughed when asked how he communicated with Yu DarvishInjury reportColby Lewis, recovering from surgery to repair a torn flexor tendon in his right elbow, met with team physician Keith Meister and the plan is to have him continue long-tossing for the next two-plus weeks. He could be ready to throw off a mound the first week of March. "The big thing is getting off the mound and not feeling any residual effects the next day," Lewis said.Number of the day5Home runs allowed by then-Tigers starter Nate Robertson at Rangers Ballpark on Aug. 20, 2008.Videos of the dayCatch manager Ron Washington's daily briefing, Alexi Ogando and Yu Darvish throw live batting practice, as well as Darvish's first bullpen session of spring training on our Rangers blog, Foul Territory, at star-telegram.com/rangers.-- Drew Davison
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