Derek Holland and Neftali Feliz are coming, sooner than later. One of them has to fit the Scott Kazmir role, to continue the Rays' analogy, and make this thing work.

Tampa Bay was a far worse team (by 13 losses) in 2007 than Texas in 2008. The Rays went from last in ERA to second behind Boston. An improved bullpen and the addition of one key starter, Matt Garza in a trade from the Twins, had a lot to do with it.

The Rangers figure to have one of the better bullpens, maybe the best, in the AL West. The closers who began last year for their rivals - Francisco Rodriguez (Angels), J.J. Putz (Mariners) and Huston Street (A's) - are all gone.

Texas has changed closers, too, but the team believes it's for the better. Frankie Francisco picked up five saves in the last 30 games of '08 and now should get set-up support from former closer C.J. Wilson, Joaquin Benoit and perhaps veteran Brendan Donnelly.

Partly because the Angels no longer sport the look of a 100-win team but more because the Rangers' system has been retooled to the point that it's ready to start supplying the needed missing pieces, Texas has a chance to make something of that No. 1 ranking.

After the Athletics signed Orlando Cabrera last week to be their shortstop, Crosby started preparing for a utility role.

"Give me all the gloves you've got, every position," he said to equipment manager Steve Vucinich.

So Vucinich delivered, although Crosby figured the catcher's mitt was a joke.

Crosby made his debut at third base in the A's 5-4 victory over the Los Angeles Angels on Monday. He said it was the first time he had played third since a Little League All-Star game when he was 11.

"It felt a little different, that's for sure," Crosby said. "At shortstop I really didn't have to think. I definitely had to think out there."