DALLAS -- Texas Rangers slugger Josh Hamilton freely bent his left leg back and forth without feeling any pain seven weeks after extensive surgery on his knee.While still a long time from getting back on the field, Hamilton said Thursday that he expects to be fully healthy and ready when the Rangers get to spring training in Arizona before next season.Im just really excited that I feel likes it better, I feel like its fixed, Hamilton said. Now the only thing is taking my time, strengthen it up and be ready for next year.During surgery June 8 in Houston, Hamiltons anterior cruciate ligament was reconstructed. Dr. Walt Lowe also repaired meniscus and lateral cartilage in the knee.That was Hamiltons third surgery on the knee since September, along with cortisone shots and a stem cell and a platelet-rich plasma injection during spring training that may have actually led to more damage.When Hamilton went for a recent checkup, he told the doctor he felt good and then asked how the knee looked. The doctors response was unusually good, and when Hamilton asked what that meant, the doctor told him that at five weeks he was already at the point it took most patients 3 1/2 months to get to in recovery. But that also came with a reminder.He said the most important thing ... I know it feels good but at the same time youve still got some healing to do, so we really need to focus on that and going through the process of rehabilitation in the right matter, said Hamilton, who could start jogging again in about a week. Ive got plenty of time to not have to speed it up.In his first appearance for the Rangers since his surgery, Hamilton took part in a ceremony at the Texas Rangers MLB Urban Academy in West Dallas where a field has been named in his honor after contributing to the project.Rangers third baseman Adrian Beltre was also there after making a contribution toward a major league-size turf field for an indoor facility that will be built on the 17-acre site. Beltres No. 29 will be inscribed in the turf.Hamilton was a five-time All-Star and the 2010 AL MVP in his five seasons with the Rangers from 2008-12. He left in free agency and signed a $125 million, five-year contract with the AL West rival Los Angeles Angels.The Angels traded Hamilton back to Texas last year when he was coming back from shoulder surgery, and agreed to pay the Rangers for all of his $24 million salary this season and $22 million of the $24 million the outfielder is due in 2017, the last year of that contract. Hamilton played only 50 games last season, hitting .253 with eight homers and 25 RBI.When Hamilton is removed from the 60-day disabled list after this season, he knows it is possible that Texas could use his roster spot for another player. That would mean the 35-year-old outfielder would have to report to spring training with the Rangers on a non-roster deal.I feel confident that when Im healthy, really healthy, Im just as good as anybody in the game, and I still believe that, Hamilton said. I dont expect anything as far as like `Oh yeah, here you go, heres your spot, or anything like that. I expect to go out there and play. If I have to win a spot, wherever that is, thats fine with me. Ill just be happy to be back out there and be pain free and playing again. Tommy Helms Jersey . -- Catcher Brett Hayes has agreed to a $630,000, one-year contract with the Kansas City Royals, avoiding salary arbitration. Jake Daubert Jersey .2 billion agreement with Rogers Communications for the leagues broadcast and multimedia rights. https://www.cheapredsjerseys.us/1525s-joel-kuhnel-jersey-reds.html . -- Bobby Ryan helped the U. Hal Morris Jersey . -- Brandon Jennings made the most of his first game with the Detroit Pistons on Sunday night. Vada Pinson Jersey . After Mondays hard-fought loss, the wait seemed longer than usual. Getting set to go their separate ways for a short Christmas break, the Raptors coach credited his team for their effort on a seemingly impossible three-game road trip, urging them to build on that success when they get back to work at the end of the week.Andy Murray believes he will have to be clinical to beat the big-hitting Milos Raonic in the last four of the ATP World Tour Finals in London on Saturday. The pair will meet in the first semi-final at 2pm at the O2 Arena, with Novak Djokovic and Kei Nishikori following in the second semi at 8pm.Murray has won eight of his 11 matches against Raonic and all of the last seven, including five this year, but the world No 1 is wary of his opponents powerful serve and groundstrokes. Live Tennis: ATP World Tour Finals November 20, 2016, 5:45pm Live on Get Sky Sports Get a Sky Sports pass He said: He obviously serves big and goes for his shots. He moves forward when he has the chance. I think he probably likes the conditions here. Its a little bit quicker.You dont normally get loads of opportunities against the big servers. Then it comes down to, when you do get those chances, whether you take them or not. This year, when I have played him I have created a few opportunities in the matches. Murray gives his reaction to beating Stan Wawrinka When they have come, I have been pretty clinical. I will need to be the same tomorrow if I wantt to win.ddddddddddddAs well as trying to win the tournament, Murray is battling Novak Djokovic to end the year as world No 1. The pair are separated by just 130 rankings points with 400 available for winning a semi-final and another 500 available for winning the final. Murray dissects his win over Wawrinka at the SkyPad Both players avoided each other in the last four by topping their respective groups, but Murray insisted it does not matter if and when he has to play the Serb.He added: I dont think its significant. There is a good chance that if I want to win the tournament, I would have to win against him. That would either be in the semis or the final. I dont think that makes a whole lot of difference.Watch every match of the ATP World Tour Finals live on Sky Sports, or follow them live on skysports.com/tennis and the Sky Sports app. Six months half price Upgrade to Sky Sports to watch Man Utd v Arsenal on Saturday and get the first six months half price Upgrade to Sky Sports now to watch Man Utd v Arsenal this Saturday and get the first six months half price! Also See: Murray makes O2 semi-finals Raonic can only get better Raonic: Pressure on Murray World No 1 permutations ' ' '