61.   Pitching coach Nardi Contreras said Martinez still rates strong consideration for the fifth starter job.

62.   Plus, they would have an opening for a fifth starter, which would allow them to look at Matt Perisho, Ryan Glynn or Doug Davis.

63.   Rangers general manager Doug Melvin also said the club is ready to go with Rick Helling as the fifth starter.

64.   Potential fifth starter Odalis Perez is more comfortable speaking Spanish.

65.   Rick Helling could join him in the bullpen if Oates elects to keep seven relievers and have fifth starter Darren Oliver begin the season in the minors.

66.   Rookie Bruce Chen, who will take a stab as the Braves fifth starter, was not in town yet from Panama.

67.   Rookie pitcher Colby Lewis could be with the Rangers on Opening Day, not as the fifth starter but as a reliever.

68.   So Rogers, who pitched five shutout innings in his exhibition finale, was back in the rotation, albeit as the fifth starter.

69.   Somehow, one of the three ought to be able to serve as a fifth starter.

70.   Ted Lilly might be a decent fifth starter.