Murphy, a left-handed hitter with power, has a strong chance of playing a significant role on this team, even as a fourth outfielder. The Rangers are set with Marlon Byrd in left, Josh Hamilton in center and Milton Bradley in right, but all will need time off. Murphy will get his at-bats, but he is better suited for batting lower in the order. His lack of speed probably leaves him less than an ideal option at the top of the order.

Which would you rather have behind the plate: A good defensive player that will keep runners off the bases or a player that is hung up on hitting only and not defense?
-- Robert S., San Diego

The assumption is that you speak of Jarrod Saltalamacchia, who has substantial offensive potential. But don't think that he is hung up on hitting only. He is one of the hardest workers on the team and has done much this offseason to work on his defense. Yes, Gerald Laird is probably the better defensive player, right now, but both have things to offer offensively and defensively.

Do you think some of Bradley's characteristics, arguing with umpires and so on, will continue with the Rangers or do you think manager Ron Washington's humble attitude can help him mature a little bit?
-- Adrienne S., Amarillo, Texas

Bradley is an intense and emotional player and that's part of who he is as a player. You don't want to take that away from him. He has become better at channeling his emotions, and he was a starting outfielder for the 2004 Dodgers and the 2006 Athletics when they won division titles. Like so many Rangers, he needs to stay healthy.

With the way Ian Kinsler batted in the No. 2 hole last year, why would there be any thought in moving him elsewhere in the lineup?
-- Darrell B., Rockford, Ill.

My opinion is that Kinsler needs to bat at the top of the lineup against all pitching. I hate to bring up Craig Biggio, who is a future Hall of Famer, but that's the style of player Kinsler has a chance to be for the Rangers.

I was reading up on Mark Teixeira and saw that he will become a free agent at season's end. Do you think there's a chance if the Braves don't sign him during the season that Texas would make a run at him to come back?
-- Scott M., Grand Prairie, Texas

The Rangers might express interest, but it seems more than likely that Teixeira will end up playing for the Yankees in 2009.

What happens to a Major Leaguer's salary when he is moved to the Minors? Is it reduced? And what about a Minor Leaguer who is called up? Is he raised to the league minimum, if he isn't already there?
-- Bobby G., Dallas

All players who are not eligible for arbitration sign what is known as a "split contract." That means they get paid at one rate while playing in the Major Leagues and another if they are in the Minor Leagues. Their pay is adjusted accordingly as they are promoted or sent back down. The Major League minimum is $390,000.

How many people does Vicente Padilla have to intentionally hit with a pitch before the league decides he shouldn't be pitching? It seems as if that is all he does when he is playing a division game.
-- Tim B., Anaheim, Calif.

There is no doubt that Padilla has done some things that are inexplicable and indefensible. But it is also true that he needs to pitch inside to be successful. Padilla's problem is that he has blurred the line, so that it is hard to give him the benefit of the doubt when such situations arise.

Are the Rangers serious about returning to the red uniforms? Mark my vote for staying with the blue. They are much sharper. Besides, blue caps are much better for casual wear.
-- Jim S., Birmingham, Ala.

The Rangers are well aware that there is strong sentiment from some of their fans to go back to the red uniforms, because that's what they wore during the division championship years. It's not likely to happen though. Uniforms generally don't have anything to do with whether a team wins or loses, and there really needs to be a moratorium on teams constantly changing uniform styles.

What is the story on Thomas Diamond?
-- Josh T., New Orleans

Diamond is still recovering from Tommy John right elbow reconstruction surgery and is throwing well in Spring Training. The Rangers are hoping he'll be able to pitch in a Minor League game by June 1.

Have a question about the Rangers? E-mail your query to MLB.com Rangers beat reporter T.R. Sullivan for possible inclusion in a future Inbox column. Letters may be edited for brevity, length and/or content. First Name, Last Initial: Hometown: Email Address: Question:

I understand that Hamilton is a very talented player. What chance do you give him of getting back on track and living up to his potential here in Texas?
-- Jim K., Rowlett, Texas

If Hamilton stays healthy, then there is a great chance of him being an impact player. He has had some personal issues that he has overcome, but the real issue is staying healthy. That has been a concern even before his off-field problems developed.

What happened to right-hander Willie Eyre? The last thing I saw was in October 2007, when he was activated from the 60-day disabled list.
-- Ted D., Salt Lake City

All players are activated off the disabled list when the season ends. Eyre had Tommy John right elbow reconstruction surgery in August and will start the season on the disabled list.

Which Rangers pitcher throws the fastest?
-- Chris M., Dallas

Robinson Tejeda's peak is 97 mph. C.J. Wilson and Joaquin Benoit can hit 94-95 mph consistently during a game.

Why not Barry Bonds? He only played half a season last year and still had 28 home runs and the league's best on-base percentages (Washington's favorite stat). If he came to the Rangers, a home-run friendly ballpark, and filled the designated hitter spot, he could be a monster and help the Rangers contend in the powerful American League West. Plus it would raise ticket sales.
-- Nick M., Granbury, Texas

Ahh, the forbidden fruit. Yes, the Rangers were tempted and did discuss Bonds. But there are concerns about where his legal situation is headed, and what impact he might have on a clubhouse. The Rangers also have enough health concerns. But there's no doubt that he could fit in the middle of any team's lineup if not for all the other stuff.

I know the Rangers have quite a few questions going into the season, but with the exception of maybe the early- to mid-90s, has there been a time when the Rangers have seemed so athletic from top to bottom?
-- Robert C., Denton, Texas

What you're seeing is the Rangers' concerted effort to become more athletic, especially in the outfield. That's been a concern lately and it's why the Rangers made some of the moves they made in the offseason.

Why wasn't Steven Murphy invited to Spring Training? Didn't he have a better year than John Mayberry? Does Mayberry get a pass because of his name?
-- David K., Kansas City

Mayberry's status as a No. 1 Draft pick may have something to do with it. Both will likely be at Triple-A Oklahoma this year, and if Murphy has a strong year, then he'll likely get his chance at some point.

If I wanted to bring a youth group I work with to Arlington to hear Hamilton speak about his life, how can we find out about a good time to do that?
-- Dillon C., Abilene, Texas

Hamilton, to his great credit, has been more than willing to speak about his past troubles with both the media and groups like yours. The Rangers are planning opportunities this summer in Arlington, but nothing is set right now.

With the Florida Marlins changing their name to Miami Marlins, why can't the Rangers change their name to something more local?
-- Mike H., Lewisville, Texas

How about the Arlington Rangers of Dallas-Fort Worth?