Felix added to Team Mexico roster in Classic

SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Rangers catcher Jose Felix has been selected to play for Mexico in the World Baseball Classic. He is coming off a strong season of winter ball in Mexico and could play a significant role for his team in the tournament.

General manager Jon Daniels said Felix is one player in camp who could really benefit by playing in the World Baseball Classic.

"He's a guy for me that's clear cut," Daniels said. "Barring injury, there's no real role for him on the Major League club. I've encouraged him to go."

Felix is considered an excellent defensive catcher who is still trying to develop offensively. He hit .260 with a .377 slugging percentage at Double-A Frisco last year. But he played in Mexico and hit .330 with a .426 slugging percentage on a team that ended up winning the Caribbean World Series.

"They didn't say much, they just told me I made the team," Felix said. "I don't know if I'll get a chance to be the starting catcher or not, but I'm excited to be on the team."

The Rangers have six players in camp on World Baseball Classic rosters: Felix, Nelson Cruz and Leury Garcia (Dominican Republic), Elvis Andrus (Venezuela), Engel Beltre (Spain) and Derek Holland (United States) . Garcia has yet to make a decision if he'll play or if he'll stay in camp to compete for a utility-infielder role.