Michael Young won't be walking into the Texas Rangers spring training complex in Arizona this week. Neither will slugger Josh Hamilton, the 5-time All-Star and former AL MVP.
And for the first time in three years, the Rangers won't open a new season as defending American League champions.
There are some significant differences as Texas pitchers and catchers report to Surprise, Ariz., on Tuesday, three days before the reporting date for the rest of the squad.
Hamilton signed a free agent deal with the AL West rival Los Angeles Angels. Young was traded to Philadelphia.
Matt Harrison, the All-Star lefty who got a new contract, says it's definitely going to be a different atmosphere. Still, general manager Jon Daniels says he genuinely likes the team and the possibilities ahead.
