Here is an interview that Chris Davis was cool enough to do with me this week:

(AS) You had a huge season last year, and have pretty much planted
yourself in the Rangers lineup for a long time, what are some of the
goals you have made for yourself this season and how do you plan to
continue to build on the success you had last year?

(CD) My main goal every season is to stay healthy and have a productive
year. I think as a team we obviously want to make the playoffs but feel
that we are on the verge of becoming a championship caliber team. I
want to do as much as I can to contribute and be a big factor in our
team’s success.

(AS) You seem like a laid back guy, what is the general atmosphere like in
the Rangers clubhouse? On the field it looks like you guys have a great
team bond, especially the younger guys, is it the same way when you are
off the field?

(CD) The atmosphere in the club house is very laid back and enjoyable. What
you see on the field doesn’t change once the game has ended. A lot of
the guys hang out together and are good friends. I would have to say we
are one of the closest teams that I have ever been a part of.

(AS) What was the most difficult thing you had to battle through last year and how will you approach it differently this season?
How has your approach to the season changed now that you won’t be fighting for a roster spot?

(CD) I think the biggest challenge for me last year was the fact that there
were so many things up in the air. I wasn’t sure where I was going to
start the season or how fast they expected me to progress even though
it really relied on my performance. Once the season started the
organization was very upfront and straightforward about their plans for
me. I feel that you are always competing for your job. You may have
more security knowing what is expected of you but if you think that
it’s just going to be handed to you then you become careless and lose
your edge.

(AS) What is something about being in the major leagues that has surprised
you the most? What were some of the biggest differences between minor
league ball and being on the major league squad?

(CD) I wouldn’t say anything has really surprised me yet. I feel you have a
pretty good idea of what to expect by watching and asking the veterans
questions. There are a few things that a rookie has to experience on
their own but for the most part the guys were helpful to me and very
accepting. The biggest difference between the two to me is the
convenience of everything. When you are in the minors there are a lot
of responsibilities that you have to take over for yourself. Once you
get to the big leagues it is a little easier to focus solely on the
game.

(AS) Which young guys (minor leaguers who are yet to break onto the major
league team) are you most excited about seeing in Arlington this season?

(CD) Derek Holland and Neftali Feliz. I had a chance to watch these guys
throw a little last season and was very impressed by their dominance.
There always seems to be a demand for pitching no matter what
organization you are in and I believe that we have two of the best
young arms in the game.

(AS) What are you looking forward to most out of the 2009 season?

(CD) I’m looking forward to my first full season in the major leagues and am
anxious to see how good we can be. It seems as if we have started a
solid foundation for building a championship team and are starting to
come together as a whole. I think the next few years are going to be
very special and I’m excited to be in the middle of it all.

Thanks again to Chris Davis, best of luck this year.