SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Texas Rangers manager Ron Washington believes outfielder Nelson Cruz can have an MVP-caliber season if he can play in 150 to 155 games.
Unfortunately, staying healthy has been a huge problem for Cruz. He's never played in more than 128 games in a season because of injuries and was limited to 124 in 2011 and had two stints on the disabled list.
Cruz showed at spring training Friday about 12 pounds lighter than he normally does (228 pounds) and coming off an offseason in which he spent a lot of time in Miami training with teammate Mike Napoli and doing exercises focusing on keeping his legs healthy.
"I think I have the right program now to make sure my hamstrings are healthy the whole year now," said Cruz, who has been on the disabled list five times since 2010. "I cannot do anything but go out there and play and stay out there for 150 or 160 games."
Cruz said he feels like he's stronger and has more flexibility in his legs than he ever has. He also hopes playing at a lighter weight will take some of the stress off his lower body.
If the new combination works, the reigning American League Championship Series MVP is eager to see what he can do.
"I think a lot about that," Cruz said. "I have to do it. I think this year could be the year. I don't know what I could do. The main thing is to contribute daily and then go from there."
Beimel judicious with tattoos
It's impossible to miss the tattoos on pitcher Joe Beimel's right arm. Beimel, who is in camp as a non-roster invitee, has tattoos from the top of his shoulder down to his wrist.
The tattoos are limited to Beimel's right side only. Since Beimel is a left-handed pitcher, he's careful with his left arm.
"I don't want anything poking around on this arm," Beimel said. "I felt the way the needles felt on this arm (the right) and how it swells up sometimes. I put this arm through enough pain that I don't need them on this arm."
Beimel's tattoos aren't limited to just his right arm either. But they are limited to the right side of his body.
"Over the years I think it's become more of a superstition than anything else," said Beimel, who pitched in 35 games for Pittsburgh in 2011 but was slowed by elbow pain.
Andrus slowed
Texas shortstop Elvis Andrus may be limited when position players begin workouts Sunday.
Andrus had a Planter's wart removed from his right heel Thursday and could be limited when workouts begin. The Rangers said there are no long-term concerns with the heel.
Pleased for Braun
Texas manager Ron Washington was happy with the outcome of the Ryan Braun case.
Washington thinks Braun is good for the game and thought the slugger was sincere in his denial of a failed drug test.
"The way he fought it I sort of felt in the back of my mind it had some legitimacy to it, especially as long as it took for them to come to a decision," Washington said. "Sometimes weird things happen. I'm glad he was able to clear it up because he's certainly an up-and-coming force in the game of baseball. You don't want to see bad things happen to people who made a difference."
