Rangers' utility man making early push for bigger role

For most players, spring training is an opportunity to not only make the Opening Day roster, but make a statement.

Sam Haggerty appears poised to send a message to Skip Schumaker and the rest of the organization that he wants to be a bigger part of what happens with the Texas Rangers this season.

Sam Haggerty is off to a fast start in Surprise

Through the Rangers' first six games, the switch-hitting Haggerty isn't wasting any time getting into a groove at the plate. So far, he is 5-for-7 (.714) with five RBIs and a 1.833 OPS. He's only made two outs and one of those was a screaming line drive to third in the Rangers' 11-4 win on Wednesday.

Haggerty has always been a scrappy hustler who is aggressive at the plate and on the bases. His ability to play both infield and outfield makes him a nice weapon to have as a utility man. Still, if he keeps cracking at this rate, he may force Schumaker's hand when the team breaks camp on March 26.

Haggerty has eyes on the second base opening

After Marcus Semien was traded away to Queens and Cody Freeman went down for 4-6 weeks with an injury, it was assumed that Josh Smith would just be gifted the starting nod at second base. Not so fast, my friend.

Haggerty wants the opportunity to make a run at the opening and is stating his case very clearly early with great plate discipline and a solid glove. He has as many walks as outs made (two) and has shown plus-range at second.

He also hits left-handed pitching well. Last season, before a season-ending ankle issue - which appears to be completely healed - he slashed .318/.376/.435 in 85 at-bats against them. It's something to consider, particularly if Smith continues to be inconsistent against lefties or has another second-half swoon.

What about a possible centerfield platoon with Evan Carter, should his woes against southpaws continue? Coming off a season where he hit .253 in only 162 at-bats, the 31-year-old veteran from nearby Phoenix may be someone to watch as early returns from spring training start to come in.