Borbon Making His Case

By Adam Boedeker

| Tuesday, Mar 13, 2012 | Updated 2:01 PM CDT

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Aside from Chris Davis, there probably hasn't been a prospect who's had more chances to make a solid impression on the Texas Rangers more times than Julio Borbon.

Borbon was a late call-up in 2009 when he hit .312 and stole 19 bases in just 46 games to go with four home runs and 20 RBIs, but since then it's been a big series of ups and downs for the centerfielder.

Now, Borbon is getting another shot to win a starting position with the Rangers heading into the 2012 season, and it could be his last.

The past two seasons have seen a similar trend for Borbon: He starts the season on a tear, then gets hurt or comes back not nearly as good as he was when he hit the disabled list. So call it a lack of consistency, or a severe lack of good fortune, but one way or another Borbon's chances with the Rangers seem to be limited.

Now, he's trying to earn a starting spot in the wide-open race for the center field position this spring, and he's off to a pretty good start. Borbon is 4 for 11 in his first six springs games. He's trying to beat out Craig Gentry, who formed a decently solid platoon last season with the departed Endy Chavez, and Cuban prospect Leonys Martin.

The race is wide-open, it's just up to Borbon to capitalize.