OF Nelson Cruz Poised for Promotion to Rangers

Look for the Rangers to promote outfielder Nelson Cruz -- who has been hammering minor league pitching at Triple A Oklahoma City -- if Brandon Boggs misses significant time due to problems with his throwing motion.

Cruz -- who failed to impress during earlier big-league opportunities -- has finally begun to figure out Pacific League pitching with a .344 average, 37 homers and 98 RBI in 366 at-bats with the RedHawks, swamping the productivity of such teammates as veteran Kevin Mench and former No. 19 overall pick John Mayberry Jr.

Boggs may be forced to the disabled list if pain in his shoulder continues to persist, hampering his ability to reach home plate, third base and cutoff men on throws from the outfield. A decision likely will come within days.

Boggs has been undergoing rehabilitative drills as the team prepares to face the Red Sox in a three-game tilt this week.

Rangers Finally Keep Someone ... But Shouldn't

Having lost Carlos Pena, Chris Young, Adrian Gonzalez, Coco Cordero and Alfonso Soriano and others, and having little or nothing to show for it, the Rangers' decision to demote veteran outfielder Kevin Mench (.375/.468/.650 this spring) in favor of 27-year-old non-prospect Jason Botts (.341/.370/.455) appears to be predicated on fear rather than merit.

"They are scared to death of another Travis Hafner," Star-Telegram columnist Randy Galloway said on his radio show last night, recalling that Hafner is the biggest of the big fish tarnishing GM Jon Daniels and previous decision-makers in the front office in Arlington. Hafner, another former Rangers property, is now a star in Cleveland.

Botts remains with the team because he's out of options and might be snapped up by a rival if the team attempted to demote him. Botts will find playing time alternating between first base and the outfield.