Rangers GM Jon Daniels confirmed that the he would prefer a long-term contract for Josh Hamilton to be finalized by the start of the regular season. ''We don't want it to be a distraction," Daniels said. ''We both agree, 'Hey let's do it right up until we report and after that let's put it aside.'' With Prince Fielder off the market, the Rangers front office is looking to get a long-term deal done with Hamilton, who is in the final year of a two-year, 24 million contract. Hamilton's reps have indicated that they plan to cut off talks with the Rangers if no progress is made by spring training.