Neftali Feliz Stays in the Texas Rangers' Bullpen

Texas Rangers phenom Neftali Feliz was the focus of the most debated spring training topic. Everyone from the Rangers’ front office to TV analysts to even yours truly debated whether or not he should move to the starting rotation from his current closer role.

I thought Feliz should become a starter. Not only would this screw my buddy Odie’s fantasy baseball team, but I also thought it was the smart move.

My point of view was that Feliz has No. 1 starter stuff, and finding a No. 1 starter is a lot harder to do than finding a top-flight closer. The San Diego Padres can find quality relievers with their eyes closed, so why can’t the Rangers find a quality replacement for Feliz?

Well, apparently the Rangers didn’t feel that way.

On Thursday, the Rangers announced that Feliz will remain at closer for the 2011 season. Now with Feliz set as the closer, here is what the Rangers starting rotation should look like on Opening Day.

1. C.J. Wilson

2. Colby Lewis

3. Derek Holland

4. Matt Harrison

5. Dave Bush

For those of you wondering where Tommy Hunter is on this list, he is out six to eight weeks with a strained right groin. But even if Hunter was healthy, I think this rotation stinks. It’s a fourth-place rotation.

Luckily for the Rangers, they have a first-place and World Series-caliber lineup.

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