Surprise Day 11

Mark Connor has thrown us another curve. Though he only named five candidates for the last rotation spot, he has now mentioned a sleeper. Rick Bauer, in spring training on a minor league contract, will compete for a spot on the roster.

Bauer's numbers over his career are mediocre, though he has allowed one less hit than innings pitched. He has been a long reliever for the most part but has started on occasion. The Rangers are his second team; he has spent all of his previous five seasons with the Baltimore Orioles. His repertoire of a sinker and a slider is usually a good combination for pitching in Arlington, and he has impressed the coaching staff early in spring training. Since he doesn't have a guaranteed contract he still might have a tough time making the team, but he's a guy to keep an eye on.

A few Rangers have been bothered by nagging injuries lately. Gary Matthews probably has the strangest malady, a strained ribcage muscle suffered when he tried to withhold a sneeze on Friday. David Dellucci missed fielding drills due to a stiff back. C.J. Wilson may skip a bullpen session today with a sore hamstring. Nick Regilio, who recently suffered a setback in his return from right elbow surgery, took an MRI exam.

Yesterday the Rangers held a fan fest at Surprise Stadium to promote their upcoming spring schedule. Admission was free and the team took batting practice at the main field for the first time. Today three Rangers players will take on three Royals in a home run derby.