Gone is Gold Glove first baseman Mark Teixeira, traded in July to the Braves. The rest of the infield is familiar, with Ian Kinsler, who just signed a long-term contract, Hank Blalock and Michael Young.

Age: 27
Exp.: 5 years, 64 days
B-T: L-R

The lowdown: He missed more than half the season with thoracic outlet syndrome and had surgery in May. ... Used the rehabilita- tion time to work on his defense with Ron Washington and showed up ready and confident at spring training. ... In 208 at-bats, Blalock hit .293 with 10 homers and 33 RBIs.

Job: Cleanup hitter, where he last hit regularly in 2005

Growth goal: Become a better defensive player with more range and avoid a second-half drop-off at the plate.

Age: 31
Exp.: 5 years, 33 days
B-T: L-L

The lowdown: Broussard batted .275 with seven homers and 29 RBIs against mainly right-handed pitchers last season in Seattle. ... He was born in Beaumont, lives in Austin and grew up a Rangers fan. ... He's never been an everyday starter in the majors but has played in a fair number of games, including more than 100 for Cleveland in 2003-05.

Job: No. 8 hitter who should get more chances to bat against left-handers than ever before

Growth goal: Provide adequate defense and hit for average.

Age: 25
Exp.: 2 years
B-T: R-R

The lowdown: He's signed through 2012 with a club option for 2013. ... Hit .263 with 20 homers and 61 RBIs last season. It was just the third 20-homer season by a second baseman in Rangers history. ... He had 23 stolen bases in 2007 and is 34-for-40 (85 percent) in his career. ... Kinsler hit 100 points higher against left-handers (.339) than right-handers (.239).

Job: Leadoff hitter and everyday second baseman

Growth goal: Hit right-handers well enough to get on base consistently at the top of the lineup.

Age: 31
Exp.: 5 years, 26 days
B-T: L-R

The lowdown: Vazquez was a non-roster invitee last season and spent nearly the last five months with the Rangers. ... He started at every infield position last season and has played for five teams in the last seven seasons. ... He had eight homers in 2007, doubling his career high for one season. He batted .230 and struck out 72 times in 300 at-bats.

Job: Utility player who can handle all the infield positions and play outfield if necessary

Growth goal: Provide solid defense and good plate discipline.

Age: 31
Exp.: 6 years, 134 days
B-T: R-R

The lowdown: Has five consecutive seasons of 200 hits and is just the sixth player since 1900 to do that. He joins Charlie Gehringer as the only middle infielders to do it. ... Despite a dismal start to the 2007 season, Young hit .315 with nine homers and 94 RBIs. ... Has been named to the All-Star team the last four seasons.

Job: No. 3 hitter and everyday shortstop

Growth goal: Show some more power to go along with his impressive batting average.