With one week to go until Opening Day, one of the biggest questions facing the club is, “Who makes the rotation?”

Early in Spring Training, Ron Washington named his starting rotation, barring injuries. The initial rotation included Kevin Millwood, Vicente Padilla, Scott Feldman, Matt Harrison and Brandon McCarthy. If you asked Wash today, I believe you might get a different answer.

Jim Reeves at the Star-Telegram has a nice piece on Kris Benson. Basically, he says that the veteran pitcher has the experience and mental make-up to succeed at the Ballpark, and would be a strong addition to the starting rotation.

Local opinion varies…many believe Feldman has earned a spot in the rotation based on his performance last year. Put me down as being in this camp.

However, you have to go with the rotation that gives you the best chance to win. While Feldman is certainly deserving of the rotation spot, he is probably more valuable to the Rangers as a long reliever in the bullpen.

I know…it sucks for Feldman!

The Rangers have not found a reliable long reliever this spring. Feldman, to his own detriment, has proven himself as a solid candidate for the role. Simply put, having him in the bullpen makes the team better.

So, in my humble opinion, I keep Feldman in the bullpen. Benson is my third starter until he proves he can’t handle the role, which I do not think will be the case. I think (hope) he turns out to be another JD low-risk/high-reward payoff! But if he doesn’t (or if McCarthy or Harrison struggle), the Rangers can always move Feldman back into the rotation. Dustin Nippert will most likely be back from the DL by then and can move into the long relief role. Jason Jennings is also a bullpen option, if he chooses to accept the role.

But what if Millwood, Padilla, Benson, Harrison, and McCarthy all hold their own?

Well, now that’s certainly a problem the Rangers haven’t come across!