The Rangers have a high opinion of Saltalamacchia and aren't interested in a trade. He works his tail off, he has improved significantly as a catcher and he will hit. The Rangers have no agenda; they just have another quality Major League catcher in Laird. If Saltalamacchia starts the season in Triple-A, that's not a knock against him, just the reality of the situation and that is he just needs to finish off his catching skills. The Rangers do have serious catching depth and at some point they will have to make decisions. But there's no need to do so immediately. This is a situation that needs to play itself out.

I really miss the pop that the Rangers offense had in their division-winning years. How does this offense compare to the late '90s? Also, is there any chance with this pitching staff of seeing .500 or better ball this year?
-- Kris H., Lubbock, Texas

The Rangers could have an outstanding offense if Josh Hamilton is as good as people think he is, if Ian Kinsler proves to be a force at the top of the lineup and if Hank Blalock returns to his previous level. They just need starters who can give them 6-7 quality innings every night. Kevin Millwood, Vicente Padilla and Jason Jennings have done that in the past but everything is predicated on health. That's the $1 million question.

I realize that forearm and elbow injuries are a common occurrence for Major League pitchers. However, it seems that during the past two years the Rangers have been bitten by this bug worse than before. Is this because it is a specific problem with pitchers that we have? Or could it be a result of the training regimen that the Rangers put their pitchers through? Are the Rangers causing their pitchers to get hurt unknowingly?
-- Dan B., Carrollton, Texas

One thing about pitching injuries. They get bigger play in Spring Training because pitchers get shut down quickly in March because teams are far more cautious. The Rangers don't do anything unusual with their pitchers. Pitching coach Mark Connor's program is based on a quarter-century of experience, knowledge and proven baseball principles. He tries to be prudent with all his pitchers and keeps strict pitch counts. Other teams have similar problems; the crucial factor is having sufficient pitching depth. That's been a glaring problem for the Rangers in the past.

Do you think signing Sidney Ponson to a Minor League contract was a good idea?
-- Brandon C., Celina, Texas

Yes. Signing any veteran Major League player with past success to a Minor League deal is a good idea. There is very little risk in those deals and they can be terminated at any time with little economic pain. The upside comes if the player returns to his former level of performance.

I love Marlon Byrd as much as any Ranger fan. However, can you explain to me why he is penciled in ahead of David Murphy? Murphy was very impressive at the end of last season here in Texas, and has been knocking the cover off the ball this spring.
-- Turner T., Arlington, Texas

Byrd played well last year and doesn't deserve to lose his job based on Spring Training. The simple fact is the Rangers outfield may be talented but there is also a history of injury. Plus there's no guarantee that Milton Bradley will be ready for Opening Day. Murphy is going to get plenty of playing time.

Where does Jason Botts stand as of right now in Spring Training? Is he likely headed for another year in the Minors or is he going to get some playing time with the club this year?
-- Kris H., Lubbock, Texas

Botts is out of options, meaning the Rangers would likely lose him to waivers if they don't add him to the 25-man roster at the end of the spring. He is competing with Kevin Mench for a spot on the roster. The Rangers have to decide if it's worth losing Botts just to keep Mench, who has a Minor League deal for Triple-A Oklahoma. That's a big risk and the Rangers understand that.

I saw that John Koronka is pitching for the Rockies and faced the Rangers the other day. Were any efforts made at resigning him, or was he traded? I can't remember.
-- Caten H., Lafayette, La.

Koronka was designated for assignment last summer and claimed by the Indians. He is 8-11 with a 6.02 ERA in 29 Major League games. The Rangers simply decided to move on.

What are the chances of Ryan Roberts making the team? He is an alum of my old high school L.D. Bell. I know he didn't perform well in his time with the Blue Jays. But I think he has some potential as a utility player. What do you think?
-- Chris G., Hurst, Texas

Roberts is a baseball player who could help a team at the Major League level. He has made a strong impression this spring. He is competing against Ramon Vazquez for the Rangers utility job. Vazquez is having a good spring and he did yeoman's work for the Rangers last year. He deserves first shot at the job.

How is Jamey Wright doing this spring and what are his chances of making the team as a long reliever?
-- Bo H., Norman, Okla.

Wright has had good spring and has made the team as a middle/long reliever.

Do you think Hank Blalock will ever return to his 35 HR self? Or are his injuries slowing him down?
-- Garrett S., Weatherford, Texas

Blalock's career highs are 32 home runs and 110 RBIs. He actually put up good numbers last year around his shoulder surgery. This is obviously a big year for him but at 27 years of age, he should still have plenty of physical tools left to perform at an All-Star level. He just needs to get away from trying to pull everything into the right-field seats and become the complete hitter that he was early in his career.

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:

What kind of prospect is Engel Beltre? I've heard he has the potential to be a superstar.
-- Darwin B., Regina, Canada

He is a highly regarded outfielder with terrific physical skills but he's just 18 and has played only in the lowest levels of the Minor Leagues. To label him as a "potential superstar" is quite premature.

Can you write an article about the difference between someone like Rangers trainers Jamie Reed or Kevin Harmon and Brian McNamee, who was Roger Clemens' trainer?
-- Zach R., Lubbock, Texas

Reed and Harmon are professional trainers who adhere to both a high standard of ethics as well as strict Major League rules and are committed to the overall health and well-being of every Rangers player. Many personal trainers not employed by the club can be described in the same way. The concept of a personal trainer, especially in the offseason, should be a good thing. There are some renegades who have helped players cut corners or do the wrong thing but it's wrong to say that all personal trainers are like that. The vast majority are not.

What do they mean when the pitcher has a simulated game? Do they actually throw the ball to an actual player or how does it work?
-- Fernando D., Garland, Texas

It's a pitcher throwing to real hitters but with no fielders. The catcher calls balls and strikes, the pitching coach barks at the catcher if he doesn't like the call and sportswriters basking in the glamour of their jobs stand around guessing if a ball in play is a hit or an out.

I can't find a Rangers Hamilton jersey anywhere. I know you have connections. Can you get me one? Do you accept checks or money orders?
-- John-Alex. B., Addison, Texas

Doubtless they will become readily available on-line or at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington as the season progresses. Me? I love checks and money orders. Can't get enough of them.