Rangers Season Preview - The Bullpen

Frank Francisco looks to lead a retooled Rangers' bullpen. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)

(For Those Who Didn't Catch It Earlier This Week, Here Is The Starting Pitching Preview)

One thing is almost always true in baseball: in order to get to the playoffs, you have to have a good bullpen. Last year, the Texas Rangers had a strong bullpen with a 3.83 ERA and only 13 blown saves (second-best in the AL). Texas has made some changes this year with last year's setup man C.J. Wilson moving to the starting rotation and former Rangers' starter Darren Oliver and for Orioles closer Chris Ray taking his place.

Here's a look at who is projected to be in the pen and their prospective roles.

Dwight Howard On Defense

The Orlando Magic center had some interesting thoughts on being the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, playing defense in general, and what it would mean to win the award again. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

I spoke briefly with Dwight Howard after Thursday night's game against the Dallas Mavericks and here's what he had to say.

Cowboys Send High-Profile Veterans Packing

'False-Start' Flozell Adams and safety Ken Hamlin to be cut by the Cowboys, agents say.

According to Dallasnews.com, the Cowboys are going to be in the market for both a starting left tackle and strong safety this offseason.

Both Flozell Adams and Ken Hamlin's time with Dallas could be considered disappointments.

Energy-Less Mavs Fall Hard To Magic - 97-82

The hot shooting Magic, led by Dwight Howard's (12) dominating play both offensively and defensively, whipped a tired, sloppy Mavericks team into submission. (AP Photo/Tim Sharp)

The Orlando Magic (53-22) showed the Dallas Mavericks (50-26) what it's like to truly have an elite big-man Thursday night. Dwight Howard scored 17 points, grabbed 20 rebounds, contributed some lock-down defense with five blocks and didn't commit one foul in 43 minutes of game action.

"Coach puts a lot on me to be the backbone of the defense and I just try and do my best to erase mistakes," said Howard, who leads the NBA in both blocks (2.77) and rebounds (13.4).

Mavs Persevere In OT, Get 50th Win - 106-102

After an icy first three quarters shooting, Dirk Nowitzki and the new-look three guard lineup propelled the Mavericks to an improbable victory in Memphis. (AP Photo/Jim Weber)

With 7:16 left in the fourth quarter and the Dallas Mavericks (50-25) down 82-70 to the Memphis Grizzlies (38-36), Mavs coach Rick Carlisle - as he has many times this season - decided to go with the three-guard attack. This time, however, Rodrigue Beaubois remained as the third member of the crew and, paired with Jason Kidd, Jason Terry, Dirk Nowitzki and Brendan Haywood, the decision worked to perfection - thanks largely to #41.