1.   Braves officials said they had been considering the move for several days because the reliever was having problems controlling his pitches.

2.   But the Rangers relievers have other methods to pass the time on a daily basis.

3.   Had Valentine waited for Klesko to come to bat before he brought in Cook, the left-handed reliever would have had to pitch to Hunter.

4.   In his hands, the reliever had a two-run, eighth-inning lead and a rally-killing, double-play ball.

5.   Instead of saving the bullpen, Rangers relievers had to work the final seven innings.

6.   Oates likes Brantley, even though the reliever has had several arm injuries the past three years.

7.   Opening Day starter Kenny Rogers lasted three innings on Wednesday, meaning the relievers had to work the final five.

8.   Other relievers have and will earn more saves, but no one will close out games any better than these two guys.

9.   Relievers had no cachet whatsoever.

10.   Relievers must have at least one great pitch, a fastball or forkball or such.