PEORIA, Ariz. -- Rangers pitcher C.J. Wilson is ready to begin the season without a contract beyond this year.

That means Wilson can file for free agency after the season, although he still wants to stay in Texas. His agent, Bob Garber, has had a number of discussions with Rangers general manager Jon Daniels and assistant gm Thad Levine without making progress on a multiyear deal that would assure Wilson of being here beyond this season.

"Over the last few months, my agent has been in contact with JD and Thad, but with about 10 days left in Spring Training it doesn't look like a deal is going to get done before we break camp," Wilson said. "Things like this are complicated, of course, and deal with a lot of factors from both sides, but overall the feeling has been really amicable.

"I really enjoy pitching here and am looking forward to focusing on my job -- winning as many games as possible and defending our AL West and AL championships. From the organization's standpoint, obviously the goal is to win year after year and that lines up with my own personal attitude towards pitching."

Daniels declined to discuss the negotiations in detail, but the Rangers do hope they might be able to work something out with Wilson at some point.

"We value him and we're not going to close the door on anything," Daniels said.

Wilson was eligible for arbitration this winter and settled for $7 million without a hearing. He was the Rangers' Pitcher of the Year in 2010 after going 15-8 with a 3.35 ERA in 33 starts and 204 innings pitched. He has already been named the Opening Day starter against the Red Sox on April 1 at the Ballpark in Arlington.

Once the season starts, Wilson said, he wants to concentrate on pitching and not get sidetracked by contract discussions.

"Once the season ends we'll revisit the future," Wilson said. "But right now it is time to prepare for the present and I don't want to distract from the rest of the guys or our team."

Webb eager to take next step toward return

PEORIA, Ariz. -- Rangers right-hander Brandon Webb threw 62 pitches in a live batting practice session on Thursday and is hoping to graduate to either a simulated or B game soon.

"I'd like to have a 15-pitch inning, sit down and then throw 15 more," Webb said. "A game situation would be different. This is fun, throwing live batting practice. I haven't been able to do that for a long time. But hopefully I can get in a game soon."

Webb said he felt great. He said his timing is off -- he was rushing his pitches -- and that created some control issues when he plunked a couple of his right-handed-hitting teammates. That can be smoothed out with more time on the mound and he believes his velocity will come around.

"There is more in there," Webb said. "This is obviously not game speed. I'm not sure where I'm at but there are a few more ticks than can come in a game."

Webb has not pitched in a game since April 6, 2009, when he was the Diamondbacks' Opening Day pitcher. He has been sidelined since then with a shoulder injury that required surgery on Aug. 3, 2009. He signed a one-year contract with the Rangers in the offseason.

Teagarden gets start against Padres

PEORIA, Ariz. -- Catcher Taylor Teagarden was behind the plate for the Rangers on Thursday night. Yorvit Torrealba was in the lineup but as designated hitter.

Teagarden's start gives the Padres a chance to look at him. The Padres are looking for a backup catcher after Gregg Zaun decided to retire earlier in camp.

General manager Jon Daniels said the Rangers are just trying to get everybody a chance to play and Torrealba needed the at-bats.

Teagarden is not likely to make the team. The Rangers signed Torrealba to a two-year contract in the offseason to be their catcher, Matt Treanor was re-signed to be the backup and Mike Napoli was acquired in a trade with the Blue Jays.

Teagarden is likely to split time with Kevin Cash at Triple-A Round Rock and the Rangers really like Jose Felix, their Minor League Defender of the Year in 2012 who is still in camp.

Worth noting

Colby Lewis started for Triple-A Round Rock against Omaha on Thursday and allowed two unearned runs in five innings. He allowed six hits, did not walk a batter and struck out six. ...Pitcher Tanner Scheppers (tightness in lower back) threw live batting practice without any problems. ... Outfielder Nelson Cruz is back in camp after missing a couple of days because of personal business. ... Rule 5 Draft pick Mason Tobin will start Saturday's game against the Mariners. The Rangers want him to pitch two innings against the Mariners' regulars and get a better look at him. Neftali Feliz will follow Tobin and Tommy Hunter will start in a Minor League game.