Quick Hits: Mets, Rangers, Hamilton

The strength of the 2013 Mets appears to be their rotation, but when you compare New York's starting five to the rotations of the Nationals, Phillies and Braves, the group no longer seems as intimidating. As Joel Sherman of the New York Post writes, the Mets seem even more vulnerable in areas such as the outfield and the bullpen. Here are some more links from around the Major Leagues, starting in New York…

• Free agent right-hander Francisco Rodriguez said he "definitely" wants to return to the Mets and "redeem himself" in New York, Andy Martino of the New York Daily News reports (Twitterlinks). While the Mets won't rule out a reunion with Rodriguez, it doesn't seem like a 'front burner issue' for the team in Martino's view.
• The Rangers must find a way to keep CEO Nolan Ryan in place, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports writes. In Rosenthal's view it would be a shame if the Hall of Famer left after the contributions he has made in Texas. It’s possible Ryan will leave the team, but the Rangers say they want him to stay.
• Josh Hamilton says he isn't out for revenge against the Rangers this season, but one Texas official tells Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com that he is skeptical of that assertion. The Rangers person predicted that the slugger may hit 50 homers in his first year with the Angels, fueled in part by a grudge against his former club.
• Within the piece, Heyman reports that the Mariners offered Hamilton about $90MM for four years with vesting options for two additional seasons. The Rangers offered a three-year deal with three additional options, Heyman reports. Hamilton obtained a five-year, $125MM contract from the Angels.

Zach Links contributed to this post.