SURPRISE, Ariz. -- A bad bullpen calls for extraordinary measures to get better.
The Rangers, whose bullpen ranked among the worst in the majors last season, have added new relief arms. The Rangers have also taken an unconventional step with their new lead voice in the bullpen.
Hector Ortiz has moved into the role of bullpen coach. The change is noteworthy because there is far more to this job than answering the telephone and flipping a baseball to a reliever getting ready to throw.
Ortiz' background as a player and a coach is in catching. The Rangers will be one of only four major-league teams whose bullpen coach does not have a background in pitching.