Tony Barnette headed to Japan in 2010 convinced it was time to put thoughts of reaching the majors as a starting pitcher with Arizona "in the rear-view mirror,'' he said.
Barnette returned in December for a second run at the majors, signing with the Rangers. They expect to fit him into a deep and talented bullpen as an unusual 32-year-old rookie.
What happened to Barnette during six seasons with the Yakult Swallows of the Japan Central League?
"I kind of re-invented the wheel when I went over there," said Barnette, who had 41 saves last season.