As recently as 2011 the Rangers had trouble finding at-bats and playing time for .304-hitting David Murphy because their talented outfield was so crowded. But, in case you haven’t noticed, the days of Josh Hamilton, Nelson Cruz, Endy Chavez and Craig Gentry are long gone.
Instead of struggling to find players a role, new manager Jeff Banister now must simply find players.
As in, who will play left field in 2015?
If you guessed Shin-Soo Choo, you’re in for a reality check. General manager Jon Daniels is saying this winter that Choo will move to right field after an injury-plagued 2014, alongside incumbent center fielder Leonys Martin. Leaving left field to …
Ryan Rua? Jake Smolinski? Michael Choice? Or even Mitch Moreland?
Those, of course, are the bare-bones options should Texas promote within. But if I’m attempting to upgrade a roster this winter, I go out and sign a free-agent who can play left field.
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 currently lives in McKinney with his wife, Sybil, and two very spoiled dogs.
