ARLINGTON -- The Rangers are focused on upgrading their starting pitching this offseason but have not forgotten about the bullpen.

As the Rangers talk trade with other clubs and scour the free-agent list, they look just as hard for relievers as they do for starters.

"We want to fortify the bullpen," Rangers general manager Jon Daniels said. "There are a couple of very good closers, but I don't think we'll be serious players. But it's definitely a priority to improve the bullpen."

The Rangers bullpen, pushed to the limit by a rotation that struggled to provide innings, finished with a 5.15 ERA in 2008, the highest in the American League. Rangers relievers also pitched the most innings in the league and tied with the Tigers with the second most blown saves.

They went through three closers. C.J. Wilson had the job for four months before needing elbow surgery, and Eddie Guardado took over before being traded to the Twins. That left it to Frank Francisco, who was terrific after Guardado departed on Aug. 25.

Francisco pitched in 11 games as the Rangers official closer and did not allow an earned run. In 11 innings, he allowed four hits and four walks while striking out 18 and going 5-for-5 in save opportunities.

The job is his going into Spring Training, but Wilson is 100 percent again and has been throwing and working out for the past three weeks. He wanted to pitch winter ball, but the Rangers decided that wasn't a good idea. There could be some competition.

The other key element in the bullpen is Joaquin Benoit, who was Rangers Pitcher of the Year in 2007 as a setup reliever. But he dropped to 3-2 with a 5.00 ERA in 2008 while dealing with a sore shoulder. He is currently in Arlington going through the rehab process but, like Wilson, should be full strength by Spring Training.

All three pitchers throw 93-95 mph when healthy and should form the core of the Rangers bullpen. Josh Rupe, who was 3-1 with a 5.14 ERA in 46 games, and Warner Madrigal also remain in the picture, and there are several rotation candidates who could end up in the bullpen, most notably left-hander Kason Gabbard and right-hander Luis Mendoza. Kameron Loe also made a strong showing in 2008 with a 3.23 ERA in 14 games as a reliever.

The biggest void was left by Jamey Wright, who is a free agent after appearing in 75 games and pitching 84 1/3 innings. He ended up with a 5.12 ERA but only after carrying the bullpen for much of the season.

The Rangers could use a left-handed setup reliever, something they lost when Guardado replaced Wilson as a closer and then was traded to the Twins. That's why they are mulling the possibility of moving Gabbard to the bullpen. Other than Wilson and Guardado, the only other left-handed reliever to pitch for the Rangers this past season was Bill White.

Two prominent record holders lead this year's free-agent class. Francisco Rodriguez, who set a Major League record with 62 saves this past season, is available, as is Trevor Hoffman, who has a record 554 saves in his career. Also available are left-hander Brian Fuentes, who had 111 saves for the Rockies over the past four years, and right-hander Kerry Wood, who will probably return to the Cubs.

The Rangers aren't likely to pursue any of those three but prefer to pursue pitchers who may have a high upside at a bargain price. That's why they signed Eric Gagne two years ago and why they are intrigued by Chad Cordero, who had 113 saves from 2005-07 before missing most of last season with a torn labrum in his shoulder.

They could also trade for an established closer. The Marlins appear intent on dealing Kevin Gregg, who saved 61 games for them over the past two years. Florida is looking for catching in return.

There are plenty of setup relievers available through free agency, including ex-Rangers Chan Ho Park, Darren Oliver, Brian Shouse and Guardado. The Rangers, like every other club, will also stock up on the usual non-roster candidates to give them as many choices as possible. The Rangers need to find somebody.