Josh Hamilton's agent, Mike Moye, met with Rangers officials Wednesday to discuss a contract extension. Hamilton described it as a "feeling out" meeting, suggesting that contract talks did not get far. "It's not going to happen any time soon," the 30-year-old said of a long-term agreement, "but I'm glad communication is open." He's scheduled to hit the free agent market five days after the conclusion of the 2012 World Series.

Josh Hamilton went 2-for-4 and hit his first homer Sunday against the White Sox. Hamilton has been the Rangers' hottest hitter so far, opening the season 5-for-11.

Josh Hamilton slugged a two-run homer Monday night against Triple-A Round Rock. It was his first game action since leaving Friday's game with groin tightness and dealing with a migraine headache. He should be fine for Opening Day and is expected to see significant playing time in center field this season.

Josh Hamilton is expected to play center field for the Rangers on Opening Day. The Rangers have wanted to move Hamilton to a corner outfield spot permanently for a couple years now in order to save his legs, and they came to camp with Craig Gentry, Julio Borbon and Leonys Martin competing for the center field job. But, none of them took advantage, so Hamilton will man center for the time being, with David Murphy and Gentry likely to form a platoon in left field. Hamilton is currently nursing a minor groin injury but is expected to be fine.

Josh Hamilton is listed as ''day-to-day'' after leaving Friday's Cactus League game with groin tightness. The injury is not related to the same area as his offseason hernia surgery. Hamilton will likely be shutdown for the remainder of spring but is fully expected to be ready for Opening Day.

Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News writes that Josh Hamilton's groin soreness is not in the same area as his offseason hernia surgery. Good to know. Still, the Rangers believe he will need a couple of days to recover. This doesn't sound like something that will put Opening Day at risk, but let this situation serve as a reminder of why Hamilton is so tough to rely on in fantasy leagues.

Josh Hamilton left Friday's Cactus League game against the Rockies with groin tightness. We don't know whether he was simply removed for precautionary reasons or whether the injury is a legitimate concern. It's worth noting that he is coming off sports hernia surgery.

The Fort Worth Star-Telegram expects Josh Hamilton to be the Rangers' Opening Day center fielder. Texas has long hoped to permanently shift Hamilton from center field to left field, but is short on viable alternatives. Julio Borbon has fallen out of favor, while Leonys Martin isn't ready. Hamilton will likely man left against lefties, with Craig Gentry patrolling center.

Josh Hamilton told Jim Bowden of ESPN.com and MLB Network Radio on Sirius XM that the Rangers could sign him for less right now than he would cost on the open market. "Free agency is free agency," said Hamilton, who has the ability to hit the open market five days after the 2012 World Series. "If they sign me now, it'd probably cost less. If they sign me there (free agency), it'd cost more. So we'll see." Talks between the two sides were shelved after Hamilton's relapse with alcohol in early February, but he hasn't ruled out negotiating during the season. The 30-year-old also plans to give the Rangers the first shot at signing him if he reaches free agency.

Josh Hamilton (heel) is back in Thursday's lineup against the Athletics. Hamilton left Wednesday's game after jamming his right heel while tracking down a ball in the outfield, but it obviously wasn't that serious. He's starting in center field.