SURPRISE, Ariz. -- First baseman Ike Davis was with the Pirates in 2014 when Jeff Banister was their bench coach. Davis' relationship with Banister was a deciding factor why he signed a Minor League contract with the Rangers, even though Mitch Moreland is at first base and Prince Fielder is the designated hitter.
"Having to spend some time in Triple-A, at least there's familiarity there and if something happens, he knows what he's getting," Davis said.
• Rangers add Davis on Minor League deal
Davis spent his first four Major League seasons with the Mets, and he hit 32 home runs with 90 RBIs and a .462 slugging percentage over 156 games in 2012. In the past three seasons, going from the Mets to the Pirates to the Athletics, he has 23 home runs, 104 RBIs and a .356 slugging percentage over 320 games.
Davis has been bothered by a bad left hip, and he finally had surgery last September. His torn labrum was re-attached, eight bone chips were removed an the bone was shaven down.
"It was pretty gnarly in there," Davis said.
Davis is hoping the surgery will help him regain his power. He just wants an opportunity, and he isn't worried about who is in front of him.
"Every team I was [talking] to had a guy at first base," Davis said. "I didn't think there was that much difference. I didn't have a clear path with anybody. It's basically down to playing well and getting an opportunity, and I've played for somebody in this organization before. Trades, injuries who knows what will happen."
• Complete Spring Training information
• Nine free webcasts on MLB.com are part of the Rangers' Spring Training broadcast schedule. The first one will be 2:05 p.m. CT on March 3 against the Royals. Ten games will be broadcast on television beginning March 10 against the White Sox, and 16 will be on the radio. The Rangers' Spanish radio broadcasts begin on April 1 against the Indians.
• Outfielder James Jones, acquired from the Mariners this winter, wears No. 99. Said Jones, "My first big league camp, I had to switch to a high number, and I picked the highest number. I've stayed with it."
• Reliever Jake Diekman on the potentially competitive Rangers bullpen situation: "It doesn't matter. We all have to get outs."