Assuming Holland and Feliz both begin in the Opening Day rotation (along with CJ, Cobra, and Hunter), when Webb comes back is this that one situation where a 6 man rotation would make sense? People mention it every once in a while, but the big downfall is of course that your ace loses starts throughout the year. Well, I don't think the Rangers have a true #1, which neuters that argument some. Also, there are definitely some concerns about how CJ's arm will bounce back from a year in which he threw way more innnings than ever before. Obviously everyone would be worried about Feliz's innings by the end of the year as well. I'm starting to think this might be the perfect storm where a 6 man rotation makes perfect sense so that everyone on the staff is always well rested and at the end of the year will be fresher than other team's rotations. I understand the likelihood of this is slim to none, but do any of you all agree that this might be the one situation where it makes sense?

How about a four man roto and swing LH/RH when needed,
out of the bullpen? *IF Webb hits rotation, by the NYY Series,
there won't be an arm to bump off, as a starter. I'm not a believer
in playing with young arms psyche too much. The blow to AAA,
for someone has to be as soft a shot as Wash can deal out.
A four man seems right.

No. No reason to reduce the # of innings your best 5 can muster to get innings for a #6. If CJ, Colby, Feliz, Holland, and Webb are all giving you what you want out of the rotation, you dump Hunter and his mediocrity.

What if it wasn't Hunter but an achieving Kirkman or Harrison?

The Blanco stuff is out of date but there may be other ways to make roster space (6 man bullpen?). Here's an old forum on a similar topic. Maybe you reward a 6th guy and carry the competition into the year. You know someone has to get injured or ineffective, or even two guys.

http://bbtia.squarespace.com/forum/post/1380908

If Wilson, Lewis, Feliz, Holland, and either Kirkman or Harrison are ALL pitching really well, then I just don't call up Webb unless he looks just sick good, in which case Kirkman/Harrison gets bumped to LR.