SURPRISE, Ariz. - As the Rangers ponder carrying eight relievers into the season, they also must ponder the consequence: a shortened bench.
In the battle for one of the few available roster spots, it could turn things in favor of Pedro Ciriaco.
If the Rangers go to eight relievers, it would require the team to go to a three-man bench. One of those spots would go to a backup catcher, leaving two spots for extra guys to cover the other seven fielding spots. Manager Jeff Banister said Tuesday it would be important for his utility player to be able to play the outfield as well.