Before we head off to the bullpen, let's take a look at other pitchers who should compete for a spot in the starting rotation in spring training next year. Some of these guys could end up in the bullpen or even in Triple-A as important depth. As we've seen the past few seasons, you can't have too many starters. We already looked at Kevin Millwood, Scott Feldman, Tommy Hunter, Derek Holland and Brandon McCarthy.
General manager Jon Daniels said the club is leaning toward seeing if Neftali Feliz can start. Feliz, 21, was eased into the majors by going to the bullpen. OK, "easing in" probably isn't the best way to desribe Feliz's arrival. He wowed the Rangers and opponents with an effortless fastball and managed to even throw some good breaking stuff and changeups. He was nearly unhitable his first 20 innings or so and finished with a 1-0 record and a 1.74 ERA with two saves and nine holds. He had 39 strikeouts to eight walks in 31 innings. Daniels, in a chat here on ESPNDallas said this when asked about Feliz starting:
"It's not black or white, but that's certainly how we're leaning," Daniels said. "He'll be brought to spring training as a starter and put on a starter's schedule/program. With the development of his secondary and his ability to maintain velocity deep into games, plus the ease of his delivery and arm action, we feel he's got the ability to start. If it doesn't work out that way long term, he'll be a very valuable member of our bullpen. 200 innings from a top of the rotation starter vs 60 high-leverage games at the back end of the pen... we need both, but we need to try to develop the starter first."
Count me among those curious to see if Feliz can do it. But he isn't the only candidate for that final spot. LHP Matt Harrison will also be in the mix. Harrison had four starts early in the season that made fans (and me) think he could be off to a great year. But he struggled some and then Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, which has made its way through the Rangers clubhouse the last few years, sent him to the DL in June and that was it for 2009. He ended up with 11 starts and was 4-5 with a 6.11 ERA. But he's 24 and flashed some potential. It's time for him to show it on a more consistent basis.
Don't forget about Eric Hurley. He is rehabbing after surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff and frayed labrum in his right shoulder. Daniels said that he could break with the team a little bit later than everyone else, but that he should be able to pitch in some spring training games. He could factor into the competition, but it might be later in the season. We'll see. Still, I thought Hurley showed promise when the injury happened. The timing wasn't good for him. But if he can get himself back into that form, I think he's got a chance to jump into the rotation at some point.
Dustin Nippert made 10 starts in 2009, but seems more like a spot starter/long reliever. Could he show enough to earn a spot? Maybe. But I think there are too many other guys.
Did I miss anyone? Who do you want to see claim that fifth spot?
Comments that include profanity, or personal attacks, or antisocial behavior such as "spamming" or "trolling," or other inappropriate comments or material will be removed from the site. We will take steps to block users who violate any of our terms of use. You are fully responsible for the content that you post.
Contributors
Richard Durrett
Richard Durrett joined ESPNDallas.com in September 2009. He writes about colleges, the Dallas Stars and the Texas Rangers. Richard spent nine years at The Dallas Morning News covering the Rangers, Stars, colleges, motorsports and high schools.
Ben Rogers
Ben Rogers joined ESPNDallas.com in November 2009. He is one half of the "GameNight with Ben & Skin" show, heard weekdays from 6p-9p on 103.3 FM ESPN.
