Why am I not hearing anything about packaging some of our excess players -- Frank Catalanotto, Marlon Byrd, Brandon Boggs, Joaquin Arias, Hank Blalock, even some of the starters who eventually will be pushed out -- in a deal that would bring in a big piece. Wouldn't it be worth it if we got a really good piece back by just giving up spare parts?
-- Jacob L., Allen, Tex.

Trading spare parts for good pieces is always a good thing. As the World Baseball Classic finishes up and Spring Training winds down, you'll start hearing more trade discussions. But the Rangers' first order of business will be to make a decision on Andruw Jones before they decide just who is a "spare part."

When Kevin Millwood led the league in ERA, where did Cleveland's team defense finish?
-- Ron R., Long Beach, Calif.

They finished eighth in the American League in 2005, committing 106 errors.

Seeing that we are in need of pitching, what is the chance of the Rangers signing Pedro Martinez? He looked really good in the Classic and was not dropping his shoulder when he threw off the mound. He would be an interesting pickup for a discounted price, I'd think.
-- Aaron M., University Place, Wash.

Just about any pitcher could probably help the Rangers. The problem with Martinez is he most likely wants a guaranteed spot in the rotation wherever he goes rather than having to earn one. He would probably be better suited for a team that has an immediate opening.

I just read a story about Vernon Wells. I remember him playing baseball in Arlington. What are the chances of the Rangers getting him?
-- Shawn D., Arlington, Tex.

Wells is a great player who has some health issues and a hefty contract. The Rangers appear to have other, more significant needs rather than their outfield.

Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez is a free agent this year. Any chance of the Rangers bringing him back?
-- Luis E., Dallas, Tex.

Rodriguez wants to play regularly again. That's not going to happen with the Rangers.

It seems that the Rangers are insistent upon giving Jarrod Saltalamacchia the first shot at catching because of his bat. Doesn't Taylor Teagarden have a better reputation for handling pitchers and being a better defensive catcher? With our eternal pitching woes and consistent big offense, shouldn't the offensive abilities of our catcher be completely secondary?
-- Sam I., Abilene, Tex.

Both Teagarden and Saltalamacchia are too young to have any definitive labels placed on them. Both deserve a chance to work on any real or perceived deficiencies before it's determined exactly what kind of player they are. Saltalamacchia deserves first chance because he has been here longer and has come to camp determined to earn the spot.

Why not let Teagarden have a full year at Triple-A Oklahoma, and deal for a solid backup?
-- Bob H., Grapevine, Tex.

Early feeling is that Teagarden will be the Rangers No. 2 catcher. They have a veteran option already in Adam Melhuse if they choose that route. Another guy who could have been a possibility is Kevin Richardson, a veteran Minor Leaguer who some believe could serve as a Bill Haselman-like backup catcher. Unfortunately, he had knee surgery early in camp. He's still a future possibility.

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:

Ramon Vazquez really seemed to help the team last year. Why did the Rangers get rid of him?
-- Gabe H., Crowley, Tex.

He was a free agent who wanted a multiyear deal with the potential for far more playing time than appeared to be the case in Texas. The Pirates gave him both.

What will the Rangers do if Elvis Andrus doesn't pan out like they want him to this year? Would they consider moving Young back to short? Could they give Joaquin Arias a chance?
-- Rob. B., Plano, Tex.

Young is at third to stay. Once you cross that treacherous Rubicon, there's no turning back. So it's probably Andrus, then Omar Vizquel, then Arias.

What kind of a timeline are we looking at to realistically consider seeing Thomas Diamond making his way into the Major League rotation? Conversely, when might it be time to "cut bait" on him and give his opportunity to someone else? I know he is coming off of some serious arm surgery, but I've heard so much about him over the years and have yet to see anything.
-- Darrin K., Red Oak, Tex.

Diamond, at the end of a two-year comeback from Tommy John elbow-reconstruction surgery, could make the team this spring as a middle reliever. The other option is to send him to Triple-A, give him a full season as a starter and see where he stands at the end of the year.

Do you think if Matt Harrison wins 15-plus games this season, would he have any chance to be, if not an ace, a No. 2 pitcher in the Rangers rotation coming into next year?
-- Seth W., Bullard, Tex.

A 15-win season for Harrison means one or two things for the Rangers. He will be in one of the top two spots in their rotation next season or they will have an AL West-championship rotation this season.

What is the real reason why Art Howe was not retained as bench coach? He has always been so highly regarded in baseball circles. Also, what organization is he with now, and in what capacity?
-- Stuart S., Athens, Tex.

Howe, after two years as bench coach and being in charge of infield defense, is out of baseball this season. He has an outstanding baseball reputation in a variety of areas but the Rangers simply wanted a better infield defensive coach in that spot. They felt Dave Anderson was the perfect candidate, especially since he also has experience coaching at third.

As any Ranger fan should know, Edinson Volquez is putting up Cy Young Award-caliber numbers ever since he was traded to Cincinnati (a trade that worked out for both teams). What I am worried about is the front office not being patient with upcoming aces such as Neftali Feliz and Derek Holland. Are they staying put or is there a possible scenario in which they might be dealt?
-- Michael D., Lubbock, Tex.

Over somebody's dead body.

I was wondering what you thought of the numbers vs. "eyeball test" problem set forth in the book "Moneyball." If a guy looks like a defensive whiz but commits a ton of errors in the Minors, do you lean towards the "Moneyball" assessment or the old scout's "eyeball test"?
-- Arfeo Y., Houston, Tex.

1. Didn't read "Moneyball," but this is getting to be a really old and tiring argument.

2. I crunched numbers long before most but still believe Jim "Catfish" Hunter is one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history and no argument with numbers can convince me otherwise.

3. Want a baseball book to read? Try Pam Postema's "You've Got To Have B*lls To Make it in This League." It's about the lady who tried to become an umpire. Now that's a great baseball book without the Pythagorean Theorem ever mentioned.

4. Or this book.