In recent hours, many reports have surfaced on the Texas Rangers' active interest in Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz, most notably from Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal, who seems to be tied in pretty well with the game of baseball.
Ortiz is still a more than serviceable bat, has some serious power and is left-handed, which seems like a logical piece for the Rangers to go after to replace Josh Hamilton, who will unofficially not be a Ranger next year (just waiting on that to become official).
Most think this drummed up interest is that Ortiz's agents are just trying to start this rumor to gain some leverage in negotiations with the Red Sox, where Ortiz wants to continue to play. But what if he signs with the Rangers?
Ortiz, as a player, would fit in well in Texas, and Rangers Ballpark with the short porch in right field. But he is a true DH and hasn't played an American League game in the field in five years. That would eliminate any flexibility at the DH spot, which could spell an end to any kind of regular playing time for Michael Young, the Rangers' not-so-super utility man who is coming off a career-low season in just about every offensive category.
Most likely, if Ortiz signed with Texas, Young would either be traded (who would want him?) or he'd be put into a platoon situation with Mitch Moreland at first base, getting starts against left-handed pitching. Even more likely is the possibility that none of this matters because Ortiz will re-sign with Boston, but it'll be an interesting free agency period coming up, and it starts tonight at 10:59 p.m.
