Right now, the Rangers bullpen consists of Frank Francisco as the closer with left-hander C.J. Wilson and right-hander Benoit as the primary setup relievers. Both need to be healthy in Spring Training. Both expect to be healthy. The Rangers expect right-handers Warner Madrigal and Josh Rupe to be key members of their bullpen, but they need one more left-hander, and they'll need at least one good right-hander to fill the void left by Jamey Wright. They may also pursue somebody with some closing experience to compete with Francisco and Wilson for that job.

How do you rank Gerald Laird, Taylor Teagarden, Max Ramirez and Jarrod Saltalamacchia for 2009?
-- Derek M., Calgary, Alberta

No doubt, if the Rangers had a veteran team assured of contending and winning in 2009, then Laird would be the man. But he can also be a free agent after '10. Right now, the Rangers' best option may be trading Laird, letting Teagarden and Saltalamacchia split the duties in '09 and letting Ramirez catch at Triple-A.

Will the Rangers aggressively pursue Derek Lowe? He would surely be an upgrade over Kevin Millwood and Vicente Padilla.
-- Mike G., Dallas, Texas

Lowe's durability is attractive (he's never been on the disabled list), but let's point out two things: one, he is 35. Two, he has a 2.95 ERA over the past three years at Dodger Stadium (considered a great pitcher's park) and a 4.24 ERA on the road. Millwood's road ERA the past three years is 4.69, and that's mainly against American League competition. Lowe does interest the Rangers and could be a big addition to the rotation. But nothing is a sure thing.

Can you explain what the ideal path is for a high school pitcher drafted by a pro team and where Kasey Kiker is on that path?
-- Mark H., Amarillo, Texas

John Danks needed 3 1/2 years in the Minor Leagues before joining the White Sox rotation in 2007. That's pretty good. Remember, those three years take the place of three years of college. So 4 1/2 years would be just about right. Kiker has had 2 1/2 years with the Rangers, but has yet to pitch above Class A. At the same point in his career, Danks had made 17 starts at Double-A. The key to Kiker in '09 is how quickly he can earn his way to Double-A Frisco and what kind of success he has there.

What do you think about names like J.J. Putz and Huston Street?
-- Brad M., Abilene, Texas

I like them both and would be interested in trading for both as long as it didn't take one of the Rangers' top pitching prospects. Both have two years to go before they can be free agents. If you can't trade for the right starter, then building up the bullpen is always an option.

I know Jake Peavy wants to stay in National League, but the Rangers should have players to package for a deal. Is there any way Nolan Ryan could be a factor in convincing him to change his mind?
-- Tom T., Austin, Texas

It will be interesting to see what kind of impact Ryan has on recruiting pitchers, but, right now, Peavy, who has a no-trade clause, has made it clear that the Rangers are not on his list of teams.

What are the Rangers' thoughts on A.J. Burnett?
-- Ryan C., Jacksboro, Texas

Right now, they believe that if he opts out of his contract, he will still be too expensive for them.

Have a question about the Rangers? E-mail your query to MLB.com Rangers beat reporter T.R. Sullivan for possible inclusion in a future Inbox column. Letters may be edited for brevity, length and/or content. First Name, Last Initial: Hometown: Email Address: Question:

Perry Hill has unquestionable credentials and the respect of many outstanding infielders. So, if new third-base coach Dave Anderson worked under and learned from Hill, why not hire him?
-- Ed F., Hurst, Texas

Hill would have been an excellent choice, no doubt about it. But Anderson gets high marks too from people whose opinion I really respect, and he has extensive experience coaching third base. Hill does not. That's insignificant compared to the need to improve the defense, but Anderson still comes highly recommended.

What do you think about Laird, Michael Young and Marlon Byrd to the Giants for pitcher Tim Lincecum and a Minor Leaguer or two?
-- Matt S., Haltom City, Texas

Lincecum may be as close to untouchable as anybody in baseball. Or should be.

Is Drew Meyer still in the Rangers organization? If so, what are their plans for him?
-- Mike S., Isle of Palm, S.C.

He should be a Minor League free agent this winter and will likely sign elsewhere.

When a batter hits the ball, is that pitch still called by the umpire or is it automatically called a strike?
-- John S. Kerrville, Texas

Any ball put in play is automatically recorded as a strike.

I've been reading a lot about Chris Davis. Again, taking winter moves into consideration, has there been any preference stated as to where he should play and how often?
-- Drew E., Albany, N.Y.

Davis needs to play first base. That's his best position, and he could be outstanding defensively. All other decisions should revolve around that.

The White Sox say they will not offer Ken Griffey Jr. a contract next year. Do you think there is a chance the Rangers would try signing him?
-- Randy L., Mesquite, Texas

In his last 162 games, Griffey is hitting .249 with 19 home runs and 79 RBIs with a .341 on-base percentage and a .413 slugging percentage. Hank Blalock, in his last 162 games, is hitting .268 with 25 home runs, 87 RBIs, a .327 on-base percentage and a .474 slugging percentage. Blalock has had more injuries lately than Griffey, but he is also 11 years younger. They were both born on Nov. 21. Point is, if you need a left-handed DH next year, Blalock makes more sense that Griffey.

Do you think that the Rangers could trade Millwood to the Yankees for Ian Kennedy?
-- Tim E., Fort Worth, Texas

That's an interesting trade. The Yankees had interest in Millwood this past season. Kennedy has an excellent Minor League record, but has not pitched well in the big leagues. The Yankees could use and afford a guy like Millwood, who could handle the pressure of New York. A very interesting trade.

I was reading the Mariners mailbag and saw that someone asked if Seattle would trade Jarrod Washburn over here to Arlington for Blalock. The writer went on about how intra-division trades are rare. I wanted to hear your take on that subject.
-- Josh D., Arlington

Some general managers are more reluctant than others. The Rangers haven't seemed too reluctant over the years. Personally, I don't think it's a big deal, if the trade makes sense.

Do you think the Rangers should look at mostly AL pitching for trades or free agency? It seems NL pitchers don't do as well when they come to the AL.
-- Jerry S., Carlsbad, N.M.

Most pitchers prefer the NL. That's a given. But some pitchers have come from the NL to the AL and done well. Among them over the past 10 years are: Paul Byrd, Javier Vazquez, Curt Schilling, Pedro Martinez, Jon Lieber, Burnett and Padilla.

What are the key differences between Jon Daniels' and Ryan's roles in the organization?
-- Blake C., Sacramento, Calif.

Ryan, as club president, is in charge of the entire organization in all areas, both on the baseball and business sides. All vice presidents answer to him. That includes Daniels, who is in charge of the Rangers' baseball operations, but reports directly to Ryan.

Looking at the positions the Rangers need to address most -- starting pitching, third base and closer -- what Rangers of the past would you transplant from their peak with the organization to today's ballclub to fill those roles?
-- Travis A., Arlington

Ferguson Jenkins, Buddy Bell and John Wetteland.