Frasor, Cotts enjoy quiet, productive spring

SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Relievers Jason Frasor and Neal Cotts are enjoying quiet springs. That's a good thing for the Rangers with so many other issues swirling around their pitching staff. It's also good for Frasor and Cotts after a turbulent spring in 2013.

Frasor, who has not allowed a run in the Cactus League, and Cotts both had a 6.14 ERA in Spring Training last year. Frasor was still on the team for Opening Day but was 0-1 with a 3.86 through the end of May with only 14 innings pitched. But he was 4-2 with a 2.06 ERA in his final 41 appearances and earned a more prominent spot in the bullpen. He was also quick to re-sign in the offseason.

"This has been better than last year, that's for sure," Frasor said. "What I say? I feel good and my stuff is better. I came out of Spring Training last year a little blah. Nothing hurt, nothing crisp. I feel way ahead of last year."

Cotts, after being out of the Major Leagues for four years, did not make the team out of Spring Training as a non-roster invite. But he pitched well for Triple-A Round Rock, got called up on May 21 and was 8-3 with a club-record 1.11 ERA.

Cotts gave up six runs on March 5 but has been sharp his last two outings. He doesn't have to win a spot so he can experiment on a few things like a changeup or a sinker rather than relying strictly on the fastball and slider.

"I'm still approaching this spring about the same," Cotts said. "I'm not easy on myself, I want to do well. If I don't get results, I get mad. It's a work in progress."