The Dallas Morning News takes a look at the bullpen competition of the Texas Rangers, who jettisoned former Angels All-Star reliever Brendan Donnelly on Thursday.
The Rangers’ brain trust (above, Nolan Ryan, owner Tom Hicks, GM Jon Daniels plus coaches Mike Maddux and Dave Anderson) has been watching exhibition games closely.
Closer Frank Francisco (right) and left-handers C.J. Wilson and Eddie Guardado (both former closers) are set in Manager Ron Washington’s pen.
Francisco had five saves last season after taking over from Wilson, who saved 24 but finished with a 6.02 ERA.
Seven pitchers are vying for the final four spots, including former Angel 
Derrick Turnbow (left), another ex-closer, and recent Royals reject Jimmy Gobble.
Warner Madrigral, Dustin Nippert, Josh Rupe, Willie Eyre and Doug Mathis are also in the fray.
Other baseball posts:
- Elbow setback might land A’s Duchscherer on DL
- Yankees’ Jeter simply calls it like he sees it
- Angels, Adenhart win again
- ‘Angels Talk’ tonight: Arte and some other guys
- Concern in Fantasy land: Ryan Braun still not healthy
- Today’s home run count at 3 already
- Today’s lunch update
- Another blustery day in Arizona
- Tejada says he’s sorry, gets probation, fine
- Mega-projecting the outfield
