This group had to pitch more innings than any other bullpen in the majors last season. It finished with a respectable 3.69 ERA, third-best in the AL. The Rangers will see how C.J. Wilson responds as the closer.

Age: 30
Exp.: 5 years, 54 days

The lowdown: Voted the Rangers' pitcher of the year after going 7-4 with a 2.85 ERA in 82 innings last season. ... The only Texas pitcher to be on the 25-man roster all of the last two seasons. ... ERA was one of the lowest by a reliever in Rangers history (Akinori Otsuka's 2.11 in 2006 is the lowest).

Job: Seventh- or eighth-inning setup

Growth goal: To remain a reliable shutdown man in the late innings.

Age: 31
Exp.: 0 days

The lowdown: This is Fukumori's first season in the major leagues after coming from Japan in the off-season. ... He was a closer in Japan, with 38 saves the last two seasons. ... His 2007 season was shortened because of a right elbow injury, but he said he felt good during spring training and didn't have any setbacks following surgery. ... He had a career-low 2.17 ERA in 2006.

Job: Seventh- or eighth-inning setup

Growth goal: Become as dominant in the U.S. as he was in Japan.

Age: 28
Exp.: 2 years, 96 days

The lowdown: Spent 2007 at Triple-A Oklahoma and was 2-2 with a 3.49 ERA with 46 walks and 72 strikeouts in 47 games (59 1/3 innings). Held opponents to a .206 average in 2007. ... Impressed coaches this spring. ... Established career highs with Detroit in 2005 for innings (59) and games (58).

Job: Middle relief

Growth goal: Keep hitters off-balance and show he can pitch multiple innings.

Age: 37
Exp.: 13 years, 141 days

The lowdown: Had Tommy John surgery in September 2006 and pitched 13 2/3 innings for Cincinnati last season. ... An AL All-Star in 2002 and 2003, when he had 86 combined saves for Minnesota. ... Had 36 saves for Seattle in 2005 but has pitched only 50 2/3 innings since then.

Job: Seventh- or eighth-inning setup

Growth goal: Stay healthy and provide veteran experience in the bullpen.

Age: 26
Exp.: 3 years

The lowdown: Traded to Texas from Arizona for minor league RHP Jose Marte on Friday. ... The 6-8 Nippert made the Diamondbacks' opening-day roster last year, going 1-0 with a 2.87 ERA in his first 12 outings in relief (he was a starter for most of his career). He finished the season with a 5.56 ERA.

Job: Middle relief

Growth goal: Show more consistency at the major league level.

Age: 25
Exp.: 1 year, 111 days

The lowdown: Has had right elbow issues the last two seasons and has pitched 88 1/3 innings in that span. ... Pitched well in spring training in 2006 before a late injury ended his chance to make the starting rotation. ... Was 2-2 with a 4.62 ERA in seven starts (37 innings) for Oklahoma in 2007.

Job: Long relief

Growth goal: Stay healthy and save the bullpen by pitching innings when the starter doesn't go deep.

Age: 27
Exp.: 2 years, 55 days

The lowdown: Became the closer once Eric Gagne was traded and converted 12 of his 14 save opportunities. ... Must decrease pitches per inning so he can become more effective. ... Was 2-1 with a 3.03 ERA in 68 1/3 innings last season. ... Opponents have batted .219 against Wilson the last two seasons.

Job: Closer

Growth goal: Grow into the closer's job and produce in back-to-back situations.

Age: 33
Exp.: 9 years, 110 days

The lowdown: Has played parts of 12 seasons in the majors for six teams. ... Was on DL two months with right shoulder inflammation. ... Was 4-5 with a 3.62 ERA in 20 games (nine starts) for Texas in 2007. ... Pitched well the final few months of the season and had a streak of 10 2/3 scoreless innings in August.

Job: Long relief and possible spot starter

Growth goal: Pitch all of 2008 like he did the final few months of 2007.

Age: 25
Exp.: 1 year, 24 days

The lowdown: Was 3-2 with a 4.31 ERA in 35 games (48 innings) for the Rangers last season. ... Credited with the save in Texas' 30-3 win over Baltimore, the largest winning margin for a save in baseball's modern era. ... Was 0-1 with a 5.01 ERA in 23 games (32 1/3 innings) for Triple-A Oklahoma in 2007.

Job: Middle relief

Growth goal: Chew up innings and pitch consistent multi-inning outings.

Age: 26
Exp.: 1 year, 141 days

The lowdown: Was 5-9 with a 6.61 ERA in 19 starts for Texas last season, but didn't pitch for the club the final two months. ... Gave up 60 walks in 95 1/3 innings. ... Phillies' minor league pitcher of the year in 2005. ... Traded along with OF Jake Blalock to the Rangers for David Dellucci just before 2006 opener.

Job: Middle relief

Growth goal: Adjust to the bullpen and avoid shaky outings, which he didn't do in 2007.