When the Texas Rangers dealt Ian Kinsler for Prince Fielder back in November, the previously wide-open first base situation in Texas was slammed shut by the slugging Fielder's addition.
The Rangers must now figure out what to do with their so-far failed first base project in Mitch Moreland, who's been a serviceable player for the Rangers but was never able to seize the first base gig with any authority like they'd hoped he might.
Moreland, who was part of the Rangers Winter Caravan over the weekend, told ESPN Dallas he's still not 100 percent sure he's going to be with the Rangers, who could still be making to look moves, especially now with Derek Holland's injury which is likely to keep him out until sometime near midseason.
The 28-year-old is fresh off another season of high highs and low lows, something that's become all too familiar for him. He hit .266 before the all-star break with 13 homers and 37 RBIs. But he suffered a hamstring injury in early June and never really recovered from it or was able to regain his rhythm at the plate as he hit .183 after the All-Star break. He finished the year with 23 home runs, a career-high.
“I struggled a little bit in the second half, but that’s part of the game," Moreland told ESPN Dallas. It’s going to happen. I’m going to try to learn from it and try to get better from it.”
While some think the Rangers still might consider moving Moreland in a trade before the season begins, Brewers GM Doug Melvin said the Rangers aren't interested in trading Moreland, according to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.
Moreland will likely be in a platoon situation at designated hitter, where he'll hit against right-handed pitching. He could also give Fielder days off, or partial days off at first as he's plenty accomplished in the field and could even see some time in the corner outfield spots.
