Is there any chance Ronald Guzman will get a shot as the starting first baseman in 2018?
-- Taha E., Morocco
That spot should be reserved for Joey Gallo, but he could play other positions. Guzman has had a solid if not spectacular season at Triple-A Round Rock, but the Rangers are reluctant to hand any unproven rookie a position without having veteran options. An impressive Spring Training might change their entrenched thinking.
• Submit a question to the Rangers Inbox
Reading your story on Tom Vandergriff, I'm just curious as to why the Athletics didn't move to Texas instead of Oakland in 1968 and why the National League didn't expand here in '69 instead of San Diego. In both cases, it seemed like Dallas or Arlington would have been better situations for both franchises.
-- William F., Fort Worth, Texas
Athletics owner Charlie Finley, after clashing with the city of Kansas City, was determined to move the A's and had permission to investigate either Oakland or Dallas. Oakland won because the Coliseum was brand new and the American League wanted a stronger presence on the West Coast beyond just the Angels. The Padres ended up in San Diego because Judge Roy Hofheinz owned the Astros and was determined to keep Texas for himself.
How does Cole Hamels' contract situation stand? When is he due to become a free agent?
-- James A., Fort Worth, Texas
Hamels is signed for next season at $22.5 million. The Rangers have a club option for 2019 at $20 million with a $6 million buyout. That option becomes guaranteed at $24 million if Hamels pitches 400 innings in 2017-18, including 200 in '18, and he is not on the disabled list at the end of the season with a shoulder or elbow injury. Hamels will likely finish with 145-150 innings at the most this year, so 250 next season will be tough.
How did the Rangers ever determine that Tyson Ross would be better than Colby Lewis?
-- Brett M., Dallas
The Rangers were enamored with the fact that Ross is younger and throws much harder than Lewis. They knew he was coming off an injury, but they also saw a pitcher who had good numbers in 2014-15 and had a chance to be an impact pitcher.
Do you think catcher Jose Trevino will be called up in September even though he is not on the 40-man roster?
-- Miguel J., Corpus Christi, Texas
Why not? The Rangers want a third catcher, and none are on the 40-man roster. Somebody will have to be added. A third catcher is only needed in an emergency, and it would be a good experience for Trevino to be hanging around Texas in September.
Why do the Rangers have Drew Robinson on the team and keep Jurickson Profar in Triple-A? It seems like Profar is capable of playing most positions, and he has more Major League experience.
-- Ford W., Benbrook, Texas
Either one of them works for me at second base.