Jennings had surgery to repair a torn flexor tendon last August and is still not 100 percent back to the pitcher you remember. He showed Saturday night against the Red Sox that he still has enough savvy and determination to be a quality pitcher. The rest is just a matter of continuing to get the physical ability back to where it needs to be.

I'm getting fed up. The Rangers offense is an even bigger dud than their defense has been. Isn't it time to change philosophy from contact hitting and manufacturing runs and become more of a free swinging offense that uses power to score runs?
-- Kris H., Lubbock, Texas

If you listen closely to the manager and understand, the Rangers don't espouse either theory as the way to do it. You need both. You need balance. There are times when you can and have to bludgeon the other team to death and there are nights when you better be able to manufacture runs -- or you'll be looking at a goose egg on the scoreboard. Manager Ron Washington's philosophy is summed up when he says: "Play to the situation." In other words, do what it takes at that moment.

Wasn't Washington's main selling point infield defense? How can we be losing games due to poor defense?
-- Mark A., Clear Brook, Va.

Rudy Jaramillo is considered the best hitting coach in baseball, but there are nights the Rangers lose because they don't hit. Washington has admittedly stuck his neck out by emphasizing his defensive pedigree, but the games are still ultimately determined by the players on the field. They do need to play better in a number of phases of the game.

With Washington now using Josh Hamilton in right field to keep him healthy, and with Brandon Boggs' hot start in Triple-A Oklahoma, will we get to see Milton Bradley and Hamilton on the corners with Boggs in center field?
-- Cameron P., Wylie, Texas

If the Rangers have a need in the outfield, Boggs will get serious consideration. But you're forgetting about David Murphy. I don't see the Rangers moving Hamilton out of center this year. If Boggs has a big year at Triple-A, then the Rangers would have to do some serious thinking about their 2009 outfield configuration.

What is the status of John Patterson? Do you see him still with No. 1 starter potential? When do you see him being back with the big league club?
-- David S., Clayton, Calif.

Patterson is still officially in extended Spring Training, but soon should start pitching somewhere in a week to 10 days. He can take his free agency on June 15 if he's not called to the big leagues. He is not a No. 1 starter. He could help a team if fully healthy, but the Rangers will need to see him for at least three or four starts at Double-A Frisco and/or Oklahoma before he becomes a viable option at the big league level.

I am a Kevin Mench fan and was happy that the Rangers re-signed him before Spring Training. I noticed that he had a very good spring, yet he was sent to Oklahoma City while Jason Botts, Marlon Byrd and Frank Catalanotto made the team. Will Mench make it back or will he go somewhere else?
-- David P., Oklahoma City

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:

He is not off to a great start at Oklahoma and there isn't much of a need from him right now at the big league level. He can become a free agent on June 1 if he's not called to the big leagues. That doesn't look good, at least right now.

With Juan Pierre being involved in a platoon situation in Los Angeles, what are the chances of the Rangers trying to trade for Pierre?
-- Greg M., Dallas

Almost zero. He is signed for $8 million this year and then $28.5 million more over the next three years. He is a decent player who with great speed, but not the high on-base percentage needed for a leadoff hitter. He is another bit of evidence that big long-term contracts to free agents is inherently dangerous.

Could you tell me a little bit more about Max Ramirez? I forgot how we acquired him.
-- Matt L., Waxahachie, Texas

From the Indians for Kenny Lofton. He's an offensive catcher who will likely make the big leagues because of his bat and may be more of a designated hitter. But his defense is still developing and he's playing well right now.

What are the Rangers' long-term ideas for first base?
-- Michael D., Abilene, Texas

It's clear they believe Frisco first baseman Chris Davis has the highest upside and could be ready at some point late this season or next. He is the best power prospect in the system. They are also trying to get a look at Botts there right now but the Rangers will be at least mildly disappointed if Davis doesn't turn out to be something special.

It has been told that Rangers owner Tom Hicks is considering the red uniforms. Why doesn't he present it as a vote among Rangers fans? I prefer the traditional blue uniforms myself and I feel that many Rangers fans will agree.
-- Collis A., Brady, Texas

The Rangers are staying in the blue uniforms. The red uniforms will remain a memory of a happier time. When the Rangers assemble a team as good as the ones they had in the late '90s, then the uniforms won't matter.

What are the Rangers' long-term plans with Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Taylor Teagarden? Don't we have a log jam? Who is the odd man out?
-- Bart G., Arlington, Texas

There are many questions like this in which fans basically ask, "What are the Rangers going to do when all these great young players are ready?" Boys and girls, let's make one point clear. Not all these players are going to be as good as the Rangers hope. Some are going to get hurt, others are simply going to wash out. That's reality. What the Rangers understand is you have to stockpile as many players as possible at all positions because the key to a truly great organization is depth. The Rangers are working hard toward that goal. Now, they're just letting Saltalamacchia play at Triple-A and Teagarden at Double-A -- and they don't have to make that decision yet.

Could you tell us a little more about what players in extended Spring Training do until the rookie and short-season leagues start? Are they playing simulated games against players in the same organization, playing unofficial games against other organizations, etc?
-- Eric L., Fort Worth

The players are mostly young guys who are not ready for a full Minor League season, or injured players who are still rehabilitating their wounds. They play controlled games against themselves and other organizations nearby. Obviously, they play the Royals -- who share the Surprise training facility -- and the Padres and Mariners in nearby Peoria, Ariz.

Jaramillo has not brought Hank Blalock around with the bat! I could teach him.
-- Ruth S., Fort Worth

All applications and resumes for hitting coach should be sent to Jon Daniels in care of the Rangers.