There wasn't a colder Texas Rangers bat over the the last months of the season than that of first baseman Mitch Moreland.
All signs pointed to Michael Young and Mike Napoli carrying the majority of the load at first base once October rolled around. Keeping three catchers reinforced that idea even more.
But today, Mitch Moreland will start his second game of the ALDS against Tampa Bay after going 1-for-4 on Saturday with a big two-run home run to give the Rangers some insurance late.
Ron Washington did the same thing last season, sticking with Moreland in the postseason, and it paid dividends as Moreland was one of the best hitters on the team during the postseason and was the best in the World Series, on the biggest stage.
The Rangers are facing a lefty today in David Price, and Moreland typically doesn't hit lefties that well, but last season Washington decided to let him have a go at lefties in this same series, and neither looked back.
It'd be nice if Moreland could get things going, and when it comes down to it, his start might be more for defensive reasons than anything as he's proven to be a more than capable glove at first base.
