1.   But again, Torre will probably try to get through this weekend without using Mendoza, a valuable long reliever.

2.   But he lost his last three and became, until Sunday, just another postseason long reliever.

3.   But if manager Johnny Oates needs a long reliever before Wednesday, Perisho would fill the role.

4.   But he could also fit into the bullpen as a long reliever and emergency starter.

5.   But his only fresh right-hander was long reliever Rene Arocha.

6.   Daal has been effective whether he gets the ball as a starter, long reliever or setup man.

7.   Danny Kolb is expected to rejoin the team as a long reliever.

8.   Domingo Jean has pitched well, and because he is durable, he could win a spot as the long reliever.

9.   Elarton has discussed the adjustment of going from a starter pitching every five days to being a long reliever and pitching two and three innings at a time.

10.   Either the long reliever Pat Mahomes or the utilityman Matt Franco will take the spot of the injured outfielder Derek Bell, with Mahomes more likely to be selected.