Texas Rangers starting pitcher A.J. Griffin spoke before the team's preseason caravan event in Fort Worth on Friday. Here are some highlights.

How has your offseason been? What have you done to enjoy your time off?

"This offseason I played a little bit of music and I went golfing a lot. Around late November I started my workouts again. I just been taking care of myself, eating better, just really focusing on what I can do to maximize all the work I put in. I'm just excited to be here hanging out with Tanner (Scheppers) now."

What instruments and music were you playing this offseason?

"I play a little guitar and keyboard. Just kind of messing around, you know? If something catches my ear, I'll try to figure it out. But I don't really have anything off the top of my head right now."

As you come out to these events do you start to get excited for spring training?

"Absolutely. We've been going out, working out, getting ready for spring training for the past month and half or so too. I'm kind of chomping at the bit to get back out there on the field and see all my buddies again. Got to see a few of them at the stadium but I still miss some of them. It will be good to get out there in a couple weeks and get back to play some ball."

What will you be focusing on this year at spring training?

"I'm basically going to focus on preparation and taking care of my body, making sure I'm able to got out there every five days and do my job. Just being ready to go. I had two years off there and (2016) was a lot of a work load there to pick up after two years of missing. I was out there grinding it, didn't have my best stuff sometimes but just go out there and try to get people out. I'm just looking forward to going out and competing again and mixing it up and keeping guys off balance."

Do you feel like having a full year of work on your arm will help you this season?

"Absolutely, just knowing what I'm getting back into. You know, baseball is a grind especially as a starting pitcher. You go out there and want to throw 200 innings every year and then you don't get to throw at all for two years, it's just tough to get back in the swing of things. I got my beak wet again last year and I'm ready to go there this year again."

Twitter: @AdamGrosbard