Baseball notes | Ryan says this year’s Rangers his best

SURPRISE, Ariz.

Texas Rangers president and CEO Nolan Ryan says the team assembling for this spring training “is as strong a club as we've ever been. ”

At a packed news conference Wednesday, the Hall of Fame pitcher spoke of how impressed he is with the team's expensive addition from Japan, right-hander Yu Darvish, then talked of the addiction struggles of outfielder Josh Hamilton and his high expectations for this club.

Ryan based his optimism on the Rangers' talented young starting rotation and the nucleus of good players still in their prime.

Abreu wants to play

Bobby Abreu says he wants to be an everyday player and thinks the Los Angeles Angels should trade him if he is going to spend most of his time on the bench this season.

In a statement given to ESPNdeportes on Tuesday, Abreu says trading him is the right thing for the Angels to do if there is no full-time position for him.

On Wednesday, Manager Mike Scioscia said he doesn't expect Abreu to become a distraction in the clubhouse but stopped short of saying he'll play every day.

Howard takes batting practice

An injured Ryan Howard clutching his leg and writhing in pain on the ground was the lasting image for the Philadelphia Phillies' disappointing 2011 finish.

The big slugger is doing much better now, and he was all smiles after taking batting practice Wednesday for the first time since surgery to repair his torn left Achilles tendon.

Angels sign Isringhausen

Veteran right-hander Jason Isringhausen has agreed to a minor league deal with the Los Angeles Angels.

The 39-year-old Isringhausen agreed to the deal Wednesday.

He went 3-3 with a 4.05 ERA while pitching in 53 games for the New York Mets last season, his 15th in the majors.

Around the league

Former Yankees manager Lou Piniella has been hired by the team's YES Network as a special contributor. … Cincinnati Reds fans will see less of Jay Bruce this season. The outfielder has reported to camp weighing 16 pounds less than at the end of last season. It's a noticeable change for the All-Star, who thinks the slimmer body will make him faster and help him get through the season better. … Ivan Nova's arm feels fine, and he says there are no aftereffects of the injury that cut short his start in Game 5 of the AL division series as the New York Yankees were eliminated.