The Texas Rangers have been in a bit of a free fall since losing outfielder Josh Hamilton to a broken humerus on April 12. Obviously, you can't blame all the losses on Hamilton's absence ... but it sure hasn't helped. But while the original estimates had Hamilton missing six to eight weeks, it looks like the All-Star is trying to beat even the best-case scenario. From Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News:

Josh Hamilton plans on taking batting practice with Rangers on Friday...

...Rangers have not officially signed off on Josh Hamilton taking BP on Friday, but that is his plan and hope. Rangers haven't ruled it out.

The Rangers are likely playing it safe with their star player, while Hamilton is probably pacing back and forth like a caged animal as you read this. Still, the idea that Hamilton is ready for any sort of baseball activity is good news for Texas.