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Texas Rangers roster analysis

02:11 AM CDT on Thursday, April 2, 2009

By JEFF WILSON / Special to The Dallas Morning News

PITCHERS
Player No. B/T Ht. Wt. DOB
Eddie Guardado 18 R/L 6-0 225 10-02-70
Comment: The veteran and former All-Star closer is one of two left-handers in the bullpen.
Brandon McCarthy 20 R/R 6-7 205 07-07-83
Comment: The right-hander was healthy, impressive this spring but needs to do it in the regular season.
Jason Jennings 28 L/R 6-2 235 07-17-78
Comment: A lifelong starter, Jennings wins a job in the bullpen but isn't done as a starter.
Kevin Millwood 34 R/R 6-4 230 12-24-74
Comment: Rangers' Opening Day starter for a fourth straight year. Needs 180 innings for chance to do it in 2010.
C.J. Wilson 36 L/L 6-1 210 11-18-80
Comment: Healthy after elbow surgery in 2008, last season's closer (24 saves) is a setup man for now.
Kris Benson 37 R/R 6-4 205 11-07-74
Comment: Strong spring got him in rotation. Former No. 1 overall pick (1996) hasn't pitched in majors since 2006.
Scott Feldman 39 L/R 6-5 210 02-07-83
Comment: He heads to the bullpen out of necessity and because he can be more effective there.
Vicente Padilla 44 R/R 6-2 220 09-27-77
Comment: Pitcher of the Year in 2008 can become a free agent after this season.
Frank Francisco 50 R/R 6-3 230 09-11-79
Comment: Auditioned as closer late last season (5 saves) and has job on Opening Day.
Matt Harrison 54 L/L 6-4 225 09-16-85
Comment: He starts the year in the rotation after starting last season at Double-A Frisco.
Josh Rupe 59 R/R 6-2 210 08-18-82
Comment: The busiest reliever in the majors last year might not have made the club until a late spring surge.
Warner Madrigal 60 R/R 6-0 200 03-21-84
Comment: Shows no fear out of the bullpen and makes opponents swing the bat. Recent performance a concern.

CATCHERS
Player No. B/T Ht. Wt. DOB
Taylor Teagarden 2 R/R 6-1 200 12-21-83
Comment: Projected as a defensive specialist, Teagarden will play more than normal backup.
Jarrod Saltalamacchia 21 S/R 6-4 235 05-02-85
Comment: Impressed in spring by seizing starting role, and continue to improve with regular playing time.
INFIELDERS
Player No. B/T Ht. Wt. DOB
Elvis Andrus 1 R/R 6-0 185 08-26-88
Comment: Biggest off-season addition came from Double-A Frisco. Potentially a great defensive shortstop.
Ian Kinsler 5 R/R 6-0 200 06-22-82
Comment: All-Star second baseman could put up MVP-type numbers if able to avoid disabled list.
Hank Blalock 9 L/R 6-1 200 11-21-80
Comment: Will be primary designated hitter, but will see time at first base as well as natural position at third.
Michael Young 10 R/R 6-1 200 10-19-76
Comment: New third baseman should handle those duties well while continue offensive production.
Omar Vizquel 13 S/R 5-9 175 04-24-67
Comment: All-time great shortstop (11 Gold Gloves) will fill utility role for first time in 21-year career.
Chris Davis 19 L/R 6-4 235 03-17-86
Comment: Got hot late in spring and could develop into 30-homer, 100-RBI hitter in first full season.

OUTFIELDERS
Player No. B/T Ht. Wt. DOB
David Murphy 7 L/L 6-4 205 10-18-81
Comment: Emerged as offensive threat as rookie and can improve with more patience at the plate.
Nelson Cruz 17 R/R 6-3 230 07-01-80
Comment: Rangers hoping brilliant six weeks last season can be sustained for a full season.
Marlon Byrd 22 R/R 6-0 245 08-30-77
Comment: Knows and accepts his role as fourth outfielder even though he could start for other clubs.
Andruw Jones 25 R/R 6-1 240 04-23-77
Comment: Made team because he is a right-handed power hitter who has potential to return to All-Star form.
Josh Hamilton 32 L/L 6-4 235 05-21-81
Comment: He broke through in 2008 with eye-popping numbers and might be better in third big-league season.
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