According to Gerry Fraley of the Dallas Morning News, Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton was spotted drinking alcohol on Monday night at a bar in the Dallas area. What kind of alcohol he drank (and how much) is currently unclear. Hamilton, a recovering drug and alcohol addict, is supposed to remain completely sober as part of a pledge he's made to his family and the Rangers organization. A team spokesman said in a statement to the Dallas Morning News that the team is "aware of a situation" but not ready to make a comment.

According to Richard Durrett of ESPNDallas.com, the Rangers and manager Ron Washington have agreed to a two-year contract extension. The new deal will carry him through the 2014 season. The extension is well-deserved, as Washington owns a 427-383 record (.527) over his first five seasons at the helm in Texas, including back-to-back American League pennants.

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.

Josh Hamilton (sports hernia surgery) said Monday that he expects to be on schedule for the start of spring training in February. Hamilton underwent surgery in November to repair a sports hernia, but said Monday that everything feels good while running, swinging the bat and throwing. He's also been squatting weight and doing agility exercises. The 30-year-old is set to earn $13.75 million in 2012 before hitting free agency. He has expressed interest in a contract extension, but plans to cut off talks with the Rangers if no progress is made by spring training.

Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram thinks that if the Rangers went after Prince Fielder, it likely would mean no long-term extension for Josh Hamilton. Wilson writes that the Rangers "might not be deciding between (Yu) Darvish and Fielder" but rather "which left-handed slugger they'd rather have -- Fielder or Hamilton." Hamilton is currently set to hit free agency following the 2012 season, but the outfielder and the team have both indicated a desire to hammer out a long-term extension before Opening Day. Perhaps, though, the Rangers might wind up deciding they'd rather have both Hamilton and Fielder for 2012 and the latter over the long haul.

Josh Hamilton said Tuesday that he would like a contract extension before the start of the 2012 season. "Obviously I love it here," said Hamilton. "It always comes down to being treated fairly. I've been this way since I signed out of high school. Treat me fair and don't come in with no ridiculously low stuff." Hamilton, 30, is set to earn $13.75 million next season before hitting free agency. The Rangers have expressed interest in locking him up for the long-term, though Rangers CEO Nolan Ryan said Tuesday that it is "an ongoing process."

Josh Hamilton says his sports hernia is already 90 percent better than it was during the postseason. Hamilton had surgery in mid-November and was able to begin running without any issues just two weeks later. He hopes to resume regular workouts with his teammates in January. The Rangers are hoping to lock up Hamilton, who is slated to be a free agent after next season, to a long-term deal.

Josh Hamilton (sports hernia surgery) has been running for about a week without any issues. Hamilton underwent surgery to repair a sports hernia earlier this month. The 30-year-old batted .298/.346/.536 with 25 home runs and an .882 OPS in 121 games this season for the American League champion Rangers. He is slated to make $13.75 million next season before hitting free agency, but the Rangers have expressed interest in discussing a contract extension.

According to Jon Heyman of SI.com, one focus for the Rangers this winter is to sign Josh Hamilton to a contract extension. Hamilton, 30, avoided arbitration in February by agreeing to a two-year, $24 million contract, but he is currently due to become a free agent following the 2012 season. Nelson Cruz and Mike Napoli will also be free agents next offseason, so they might not be able to lock up all three.

Josh Hamilton underwent surgery Friday morning in Dallas to repair a sports hernia. The surgery was a success, and Hamilton is expected to be fully recovered by the time spring training rolls around. Hamilton dealt with the ailment during the playoffs, which noticeably sapped his power. The 30-year-old is slated to make $13.75 million next season before becoming a free agent next winter. The Rangers would like to lock him up on a long-term deal.