Whatever you do, don’t pinch us.
This Rangers’ dream is getting too good to awaken from.
A team already in first place while playing a shortstop in center field, last night they again beat their rivals despite playing a second baseman at first base.
Went to the game in Arlington on Tuesday and, while watching Jurickson Profar scoop throws and complete double-plays via the splits, it occurred to me that right now whatever manager Jeff Banister calls, works.
Profar’s bat has been scorching since his call-up from Triple-A. To keep him in the lineup after Rougned Odor’s return, Banister had to get creative. He replaced Prince Fielder as the designated hitter for a couple of games. And now, after just two 30-minute practice sessions, he found himself playing first base for Mitch Moreland.
Profar's debut was flawless. He was again productive at the plate, starting the game-winning rally in the 8th with a single to right off Houston ace Dallas Keuchel. And in the field he looked like a veteran, fielding a hot smash for an out early and stretching to finish off two key double-plays.
“He looked pretty athletic,” Banister said. “He looked like a shortstop playing first base. He had a nice stretch. He looked calm; the crossover on a hard-hit ball and he made a great feed to Cole [Hamels]. He looked like he’d been over there before. He looked like he’d been practicing.”
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In the field Profar smiled uncontrollably. And now in the standings, the Rangers are having a pretty good chuckle, too.
A native Texan who was born in Duncanville and graduated from UT-Arlington, Richie Whitt has been a mainstay in the Metroplex media since 1986. He’s held prominent roles on all media platforms including newspaper (Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Dallas Observer), radio (105.3 The Fan) and TV (co-host on TXA 21 and numerous guest appearances, including NBC 5). He lives in McKinney with his wife, Sybil, and two very spoiled dogs.
