SURPRISE, Ariz. - After watching Ian Desmond play left field for a handful of games over the last 10 days, Rangers manager Jeff Banister had two proclamations Tuesday:

A) The Rangers are "better in left field than we were last year at this time."

B) The Rangers will look at Desmond in center field before spring is over.

No, Desmond is not going to unseat Delino DeShields as the center fielder, but as the club considers the possibility of a three-man bench, using Desmond as the backup center fielder is emerging as a possibility. Banister did not, however, list a time when he thought Desmond might play some center field.

That's because of his athleticism, his arm and his commitment to the position, Banister said.

"We are better in left now than a year ago," Banister said. "I think last year we were asking guys to do things that they hadn't before, but Ian is a better runner and his arm is going to be a weapon. I don't know if there will be many better arms in left field than his."

A year ago, the Rangers used Ryan Rua as the opening day left fielder, but he was hurt a week into the season and the team struggled all year to find an answer.