SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Last season's collapse is a distant memory in the Texas Rangers' clubhouse.
So distant that manager Ron Washington spent little time addressing it during his annual speech before the first full-squad workout Saturday morning.There wasn't a reason to, after all."We know what we need to do to make sure that doesn't happen again," Matt Harrison said. "We're definitely more of the hunters this year than the hunted."Said Washington: "The thing about baseball is when you start a new year everybody has a chance. And we have a chance."Washington, as he always does, reiterated the importance of staying healthy and working on the fundamentals.About nine or 10 others spoke during the meeting that included players, coaches, trainers and front-office staff.Lance Berkman and A.J. Pierzynski, two of the more notable newcomers, talked as well as new hitting coach Dave Magadan. Washington said Nelson Cruz spoke two words during the meeting, saying: "I believe."Cruz did not address the team about recent allegations that linked him to performance-enhancing drugs. The Miami New Times published a report last month that tied him to purchasing banned substances from an anti-aging clinic in the Miami area, and MLB is investigating.At his own paceLance Berkman has been in the game long enough that the Rangers are letting him go at his own pace.They are more worried about Berkman being healthy and ready to go on March 31, Opening Day, rather than when Cactus League games start in a week."If we need to, we can get him at-bats in a minor league game," Ron Washington said.Berkman, who had two surgeries on his right knee last year, said he's at about 80 percent. He has no limitations hitting and feels he is healthy enough to field ground balls at first base.But don't expect Berkman roaming the outfield anytime soon."No, he won't," Washington said. "But he'll walk across it."Ready for leftiesA few years ago, David Murphy knew his at-bats against left-handed pitchers would be limited.He wanted to make an impact in those at-bats, but rarely did and found himself guessing fastball and ending up chasing off-speed pitches out of the zone.Murphy changed his approach last season and had better results. He batted .347 against left-handers in 75 at-bats, significantly better than his lifetime .266 average against lefties."I figured out what approach I needed to take," Murphy said. "Hit line drives up the middle and get my hits when I could. I can still be productive if I work a guy, have a 10-pitch at-bat, hit a single with guys on second and third, that's plenty of production for me."BrieflyRight-hander Josh Lindblom returned home to Illinois to attend his grandmother's funeral. He is expected to return today or Monday.Manager Ron Washington on his message to base runners: "The handcuffs are off and the ankle chains are off. Let's see what you can do."Pitchers that have impressed Washington include Martin Perez, Tanner Scheppers and Michael Kirkman.Lance Berkman on former teammates Kyle Lohse and Ryan Theriot being jobless: "Very surprising. Those guys are huge additions in terms of chemistry and clubhouse presence."Drew Davison817-390-7760Twitter: @drewdavison
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