Mitch Moreland's role with the Texas Rangers will undoubtedly be changed in 2014, and that's assuming he's not traded in the next month or so before the season begins.
The Rangers' acquisition of Prince Fielder for Ian Kinsler back in November pushes Moreland out of an everyday role at first base, and the plan seems to be to make him a platoon player at designated hitter.
But remember, Moreland is a versatile defender, and while his strength with the glove might be at first base, he's also played both corner positions in the minors and played a chunk of games in right field since coming up to the big leagues in 2010.
So while he might see some time in right field, where he played 34 games in 2011, Moreland likely won't see much time in left field after the signing of Shin-Soo Choo, and definitely not at home.
Ron Washington said the left field at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington is unusually deep and is just different from most other parks' left fields, and if he's going to break Moreland in at that position, he'd like some more uniform environments.
Moreland said he's anxious to put in the work in spring training to become a good glove in the outfield after being a plus-defender at first base over the past few years.
"I just need to get out there and get some reps in," Moreland told ESPN Dallas about playing outfield. "It's something I work on. We've got plenty of time in spring training to get out there and get some work done. I've always put myself in position where I'm going to make the most of my training."
