Metcalf missed the first two months of the season last year with a torn hamstring. That was a big setback for him. What's interesting is that he has a combined OPS (on-base and slugging) of .779 over the past two years. That's higher than guys like Eric Chavez, Alex Gordon, Chone Figgins, Josh Fields and Joe Crede. In fact, Metcalf is ninth in OPS among 25 players with at least 200 at-bats at third base over the past two years. But among basically the same group he is 18th in fielding.

I don't really understand what the Rangers were thinking by bringing back Hank Blalock before trying to sign Milton Bradley. If I'm not wrong, didn't Bradley have a better year last year? What factored into this decision that I am missing?
-- Jacob P., Hebron, Texas

Bradley wants a multiyear deal. Blalock is strictly a one-year deal at $6.2 million. What that means is more flexibility for the Rangers with that money after next season. There is also a possibility that the Rangers could trade Blalock at some point this winter for pitching help.

Since the Cubs traded for Kevin Gregg and presumably aren't going to try and re-sign Kerry Wood, what is the chance he will pitch for his hometown team next season?
-- Bobby B., Midlothian, Texas

Not good. Wood is looking for a 3-4 year deal. The market for a front-line closer -- based on Billy Wagner, Francisco Cordero and Joe Nathan -- $10-12 million per year. Wood was excellent after moving to the bullpen from the rotation in 2008 but was coming off four years of serious shoulder problems. From everything I've heard the Rangers aren't eager to make that kind of investment.

Being a diehard Rangers and Longhorns fan, what are the chances that the Rangers pursue Huston Street? Is the chance increased by the fact that it is no longer an intradivision trade?
-- Kevin T., Austin, Texas

The Rangers are interested in Street. They have been in the past but the price was pretty high. It probably will be again. The Rangers know his background quite well and that has some appeal. The owner knows who his father is and what the 53 Veer Pass was all about.

Since the Rangers have brought back Blalock as a DH, will the Rangers go after the most recent Cuban defector, third baseman Dayan Viciedo?
-- Kolby H., Longview, Texas

The Rangers were represented at a workout Viciedo had last week in the Dominican Republic. But the price is high and he's 19 years old. Even if the Rangers did sign him, it's unlikely that he would be the answer this season at third base.

With Boston possibly needing a catcher if Jason Varitek leaves, what else would it take for Boston to take on Jarrod Saltalamacchia or Max Ramirez for, say, Clay Buchholz or Justin Masterson?
-- Timothy S., Greenville, Texas

The Rangers want Buchholz for Saltalamacchia. The Red Sox aren't trading Buchholz yet. That could change if they sign A.J. Burnett or another high-priced pitcher, or if they can't re-sign Varitek. The two teams aren't at an impasse, but they are waiting to see if the other blinks.

If a team signs more than one "Type A" free agent in a given offseason, how are the teams with losing the free agents compensated seeing that teams only have one first-round pick to give up?
-- James M., Arlington

One of the teams that lost the Type A free agent ends up with a first-round pick and the other ends up with a second-round pick. Which way? It depends on which of the two free agents was higher in the Elias player rankings that come out at the end of the season.

How about that Sports Illustrated trade? Francisco Liriano for Hank Blalock, Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Elvus Andrus, and Omar Poveda?
-- Will S., Fort Wayne, Ind.

The Twins have Joe Mauer, so they don't need Saltalamacchia. They have Jason Kubel so they don't need Blalock. This trade doesn't do much for the Twins immediately.

The Reds need a catcher; the Rangers need pitching. What about one of the Rangers catchers for Homer Bailey?
-- Chris A., Rockwall, Texas

Certainly you would trade Max Ramirez for him but you would prefer a proven young pitcher for Saltalamacchia or Laird rather than uncertain potential.

Derek Jeter won the Silver Slugger award this year, and I believe Michael Young was more qualified for the trophy. What are your feelings? How exactly are these players chosen?
-- Ben P., Claremont, Calif.

Actually, Jhonny Peralta of the Indians had slightly better offensive numbers than anybody at shortstop in the American League. The managers and coaches pick these awards just as they do Gold Gloves. There are also sorts of different awards voted on by different people: fans, players, managers and coaches and baseball writers. Once they are announced, the bloggers who don't have a vote but are masters of calculus immediately tear into those who do.

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:

Is Willie Eyre expected to compete for a spot in the bullpen this year?
-- Brandon S., Arlington

Eyre, who missed all of last year because of Tommy John elbow reconstruction surgery, is currently pitching in the Arizona Fall League and could compete for a job with the Rangers in Spring Training.

I know Evan Longoria deserved Rookie of the Year by far, but I was really surprised to see neither David Murphy nor Chris Davis anywhere on the ballot. I know Murphy's health probably hurt him, but why do you think Davis was nowhere to be seen?
-- Mike P., Carrollton, Texas

It was probably a combination of just 295 at-bats and inattentiveness on the voters' part.

Any chance of Trevor Hoffman coming to the Rangers? The Rangers have had a good track record with older relievers here recently.
-- Ryan C., Jacksboro, Texas

It's going to be awhile before the Rangers sign any free agents. Their financial situation requires them to wait and see what the market is before they commit. If somebody's price comes down due to the glut of pitching on the market, then that will work in the Rangers' favor. But a guy like Hoffman might appeal to them on a one-year deal just like Eric Gagne did two years ago.

Several teams in the NL West looking for a cheap second baseman and the Rangers have a surplus in the middle infield. What could the Rangers get for a package centered around Joaquin Arias?
-- Randy Q., Pryor, Okla.

Arias' shoulder problems over the past two years and his lack of Major League experience would make it a big leap of faith for a team to decide that he is their answer at second base.

Will the Rangers bring back Eddie Guardado? I loved the way he pitched, and I think the young pitchers could learn a thing or two from him. Is he a free agent or did he retire already?
-- Jose R., Garland, Texas

He is a free agent who is looking for a job. The Rangers are looking for left-handed relief. They might be a good match again.

Can you clarify why pitchers don't want to leave the NL? It seems to me they would want to since they don't have the pressure of batting.
-- Neta A., Longview, Texas

The National League is perceived to be better for pitchers because they don't have to face a designated hitter every night. Instead they face the opposing pitcher. But in this decade, the National League has a 4.34 ERA and the American League has a 4.53 ERA so the difference isn't that pronounced.

What about Eric Hurley? Isn't he healthy? He seemed to have some potential to be a good pitcher. Could he be a part of the 2009 starting rotation?
-- Eric H., Rockwall, Texas

Hurley was 1-1 with a 3.57 ERA in his first four starts before he started having shoulder problems at the end of June. He made just one more start the rest of the way. He is working out and back at full strength and is definitely a candidate for the rotation.

I heard that the Yankees may have interest in acquiring Kevin Millwood. What would the Rangers get in return if they traded Millwood to the Yankees?
-- Oceane J., Abilene, Texas

The Yankees are going to make huge offers to every attractive free-agent pitcher out there before they try to trade for starting pitching. There might be some teams interested in Millwood and Vicente Padilla but probably not until after the free-agent market is exhausted.

Is there any way the Rangers could hire John Turturro as Billy Martin to manage the Rangers? If it doesn't work out, they could always fire him.
-- Russell B., Easley, S.C.

If you're going to take a manager from the movies, why not Crash Davis from Bull Durham? Remember in the last scene he was planning on managing at Visalia in the California League. He ought to be ready for the big leagues by now.