Sosa Arrives at Camp

Sammy Sosa arrived for spring training with the Texas Rangers on Friday, appearing in good shape and good spirits after a season away from the game.

In 2005, with the Orioles, he hit .221 with 14 home runs and 45 RBI in 102 games.

The 38-year-old slugger, who ranks fifth on baseball's home-run list, has a minor league deal with his original team for a chance to get back to the major leagues.

Like Mark McGwire, Sosa is suspected by some of having used steroids before they were banned by baseball after the 2002 season. Sosa said last month his comeback isn't about disproving the rumors that performance-enhancing drugs elevated him among the game's most feared power hitters.

If Sosa makes the team, Rangers rookie manager Ron Washington expects him to be primarily a designated hitter and bat in the middle of the lineup behind three-time All-Star shortstop Michael Young and switch-hitting slugger Mark Teixeira.
Source: AP