Around the Horn: Thursday

"People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring." --Rogers Hornsby

Truer words have never been spoken, especially since the ice storm that has hit North Texas and Oklahoma the last several days, there hasn't been much to do except stare out the window and wait for the baseball season to start (and update your new blog, of course).

Even Derek Jeter, in response to a question about Joe Torre's new book that makes inflammatory remarks about the Yankees, said "It gets to a point where it seems like we're always talking about the same thing . . . It seems like every year at this time it's the same questions about the same things. I think everyone is eager to get to Spring Training and start playing on the field." For once, Mr. Jeter, I think you are on the same page as Rangers fans.

Speaking of "the same questions about the same things," we have more on the quest for Ben Sheets from Dayn Perry over at Fox Sports, who writes that the suitors of Ben Sheets should be cautious, but perhaps not as cautious as has been hyped. He makes a good case by citing 2009 projections from the most reputable sources out there (Bill James, Chone, marcel, and ZiPS). None of these projections, however, take into account that Mr. Sheets is likely to pitch most of his games at Rangers Bandbox in Arlington . . .

We learned yesterday that Jack Benoit will likely be out until the All Star break. Coupled with the loss of Eric Hurley to a similar injury, leaves our relief situation looking pretty bleak: CJ Wilson (career ERA 4.83), Dustin Nippert (career ERA 6.40), Luis "Three Run Inning " Mendoza (career ERA 7.37), Willie Eyre (career ERA 5.23), Derrick Turnbow (career ERA 4.30), Josh Rupe (career ERA 4.57), Frank Francisco (career ERA 3.72). Admittedly, I don't expect CJ Wilson to repeat last year's masterpiece 6.02 ERA, but this bullpen wouldn't even strike fear into the heart of Mario Mendoza (see: career batting average).

Perhaps there is bullpen help elsewhere . . . T.R. Sullivan's article on Benoit's rehab and consequent surgey includes a list of the "best right-handed relief pitchers" that are still on the market. The only one one the list who caught my eye was Eric Gagne, who we might be able to get at a bargain price. On another note, former Ranger Eddie Guardado (LHP) is still unsigned as well . . .

And, in case you've been asleep for the better part of the offseason or wasted your time on the Cowboys, USAToday.com has a good refresher of the Ranger offseason thus far.