ARLINGTON -- Here is as good of a reason as any for the Rangers to give Sammy Sosa a chance to make their team as a full-time designated hitter.

Over the past three years, Rangers designated hitters have driven in 226 runs, the fifth fewest in the American League over that time. Also, since the beginning of the 2000 season, the Rangers have had just one individual DH drive in more than 38 runs in one season. That was Rafael Palmeiro, who drove in 68 in 2003.

Sosa could change all that by taking over as the Rangers' full-time DH. But it may not be that simple, considering Sosa did not play last year and hit just .196 against right-handed pitching while with the Baltimore Orioles in 2005.

There will be much to think about as the Rangers try to figure out their designated hitter and who will be on their bench when the 2007 season starts.

Right now, the Rangers would be satisfied if Sosa is their DH against left-handed pitching. Frank Catalanotto could handle the duties against right-handed pitching, provided that Brad Wilkerson is at full strength again after undergoing shoulder surgery last August.

Manager Ron Washington also would like to use the designated hitter to give his infielders occasional rest. That has worked well in the past with shortstop Michael Young, a career .467 hitter as a DH.

How the Rangers approach the designated hitter role could also impact how they set up their four-player bench.

Texas' bench will obviously include one backup catcher for Gerald Laird, and the candidates for that role include Miguel Ojeda, Guillermo Quiroz and Chris Stewart.

The Rangers will need at least two more spots for outfielder/DH candidates. If the Rangers go with Wilkerson, Kenny Lofton and Nelson Cruz in the starting outfield and Catalanotto as their main designated hitter, then Sosa would take up one of the four bench spots as the right-handed DH.

That leaves two spots, one of which will be a backup center fielder. The Rangers signed Marlon Byrd as a free agent to share time in center, but Jerry Hairston and Joaquin Arias could also conceivably fill that role.

If it's Byrd, then the Rangers will need a utility infielder, which could be any one of several candidates, including Hairston, Arias, Ramon Vazquez or Drew Meyer.

Texas Rangers • Catchers: Laird earns a shot • Corner IF: Rangers to rely on duo • Middle IF: Counting on Kinsler, Young • Outfielders: Plenty of candidates • Starters: Battle for final spot • Bullpen: Gagne joins Otsuka • DH/Bench: Sosa the key to plans

If Hairston wins a job as the backup center fielder, he could also serve as the utility infielder and fill two spots at the same time. That would allow the Rangers to use the fourth spot for an extra bat, possibly Jason Botts or Victor Diaz.

If Sosa doesn't make the team, that could open up a spot for either Botts or Diaz.

"These things have a way of working themselves," general manager Jon Daniels said. "I'm very comfortable with what we have."

The Rangers are more worried about their outfield depth and designated hitter spot than they are about a utility infielder. That can be a boring job if the guy can't play the outfield.

Young and Mark Teixeira each played in 162 games last year, and second baseman Ian Kinsler played in 112 of 116 games after returning from a thumb injury on May 25. Hank Blalock's time at third base was somewhat reduced last year because of shoulder problems, but Washington intends to put him back in a full-time role this season.

There are really a number of ways the Rangers can configure their bench and DH, but it all comes back to one thing.

The Rangers must find out if Sosa can hit, and if he can hit both left- and right-handed pitchers.