Locked In? Looks Like Kris Benson, Josh Rupe and Jason Jennings Win Spots On Rangers Pitching Staff

Posted on March 30th, 2009 6:14pm by Evan Grant
Filed under Bullpen, Burning Questions, Roster report, Starting rotation, Texas Rangers

While saying it was only his opinion and does not speak of anything final, manager Ron Washington said after today’s 7-5 win over San Francisco that RHP Kris Benson is one of his top five starting pitchers and that RHP Josh Rupe should be in his bullpen. It means that RHP Scott Feldman will probably have to move to the bullpen to accomodate Benson. But Washington said the Rangers have not even discussed addressing the situation with Feldman. He stressed that Feldman remains a candidate.

Washington didn’t say anything about Jennings, but with injuries to key bullpen contenders piling up, Jennings seems to be the only healthy and effective option. RHP Derrick Turnbow (knee) became the most recent player to come down with an injury. RHPs Dustin Nippert (back) and Willie Eyre (groin) both seem destined for the DL. Eyre couldn’t throw a bullpen session on Monday and Nippert isn’t throwing batting practice until Tuesday.

That would give you a staff that looks like this:

Starters: RHPs Kevin Millwood, Vicente Padilla, Brandon McCarthy, LHP Matt Harison and Benson.

Bullpen: RHP Frank Francisco (closer); LHP Eddie Guardado and LHP C.J. Wilson (setup), RHPs Warner Madrigal, Feldman, Rupe and Jennings. The Rangers would then try and divide up roles between long men and middle relievers.

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7 Comments to “Locked In? Looks Like Kris Benson, Josh Rupe and Jason Jennings Win Spots On Rangers Pitching Staff”
  • bill powell @ March 30th, 2009 at 6:27 pm

    sounds good to me

  • Jared @ March 30th, 2009 at 7:11 pm

    Evan, wouldn’t that bullpen really put Feldman is something more resembling a setup role?

    From what we’ve seen of Guardado I really hope he’s going to be used mainly as a traditional LOOGY. I want no part of him attempting to take down an entire eight inning.

    Give me Wilson as the primary setup guy, often working more than one inning, and give me Feldman and Madrigal as the secondary setup/6th inning guys.

    Guardado as LOOGY, Jennings and Rupe as long releif. I’m fine with that.

  • Evan Grant @ March 30th, 2009 at 7:16 pm

    Don’t think anybody will be set as a right-handed setup man. The guy best suited for the role is Madrigal because he’s more of a one-inning guy. Feldman’s ability to pitch multiple innings on multiple days during the week essentially could give the Rangers a three-man middle relief rotation of Feldman, Jennings and Rupe. If they finish of the sixth, pitch the seventh and start off the eighth against a right-handed hitter, the lack of a true right-handed setup man won’t be as evident.

  • Jon @ March 30th, 2009 at 7:30 pm

    So what happens when Nippert and Eyre come off the DL?

    Are you suggesting that Turnbow will not make the cut? or will he also go on the DL?

  • Mike E @ March 30th, 2009 at 7:35 pm

    I’d still like to believe that when he emphasizes that both Benson and Feldman are candidates that he’s thinking about moving Millwood to the bullpen. Just wishful thinking though…

  • Evan Grant @ March 30th, 2009 at 7:40 pm

    @Jon: Latest post is now up and explains Turnbow situation, but he’s essentially been told he won’t make the major league club and that the Rangers would like to have him stay with them at Oklahoma City. The next decision is Turnbow’s.

  • Jolly @ March 30th, 2009 at 9:04 pm

    Damn I’m 12 for 12 if this the staff……Evan I must be learning something from you……….
    Gotta love having Feldman and Jennings able to go long…….I hope not too often……