All-Time Starting Lineup–Who Makes It?

But, the most interesting portion of the program is the debate-inducing announcement of the Rangers’ “All-Time Starting Lineup.”

 

Basically, the lineup is selected from past and current Rangers, and while MLBN did a pretty good job, there are two (or more) major oversights in the lineup as it is.

 

Namely, the presence of two players who are now generally loathed in the Metroplex and tirelessly booed each time they step to the plate in Arlington.

 

First and most obvious is Alex Rodriguez, who is slated to be the starting shortstop. If they’re relying solely on talent, this might make sense; but usually with these kind of things, legacy, and importance to the franchise as a whole are taken into account.

 

Make no mistake, Rodriguez is an important figure in Rangers history — he is the image of (arguably) the lowest point of the franchise, and a lasting reminder of how not to build a baseball team. The revelations of earlier this year have only further cemented A-Rod as a pariah in the eyes of every man, woman and child who is even loosely supportive of the Rangers.

 

Secondly, and a little less obvious, is Rodriguez’s new teammate in New York, first baseman Mark Texeira. Texeira left no doubt that he wanted out of Texas before he was traded two years ago, and outside of a stint with Atlanta, has spent his time in uniforms (Angels, Yankees) that might as well read “Please hate me, Rangers fans,” on the front.

 

I refuse to be bitter due to the massive return we got in that trade, but Texeira was never truly a Ranger. He is currently on the bench, but, along with A-Rod, he can consider himself cut in my lineup, replaced by Michael Young at shortstop, and bring Toby Harrah aboard to back him up.

 

Despite his short time with the Rangers, give Josh Hamilton Texeira’s spot on the bench. Give Nolan Ryan the start; keep Charlie Hough in the bullpen and the lineup looks good and perhaps a bit less boo-worthy.

 

I suppose the most pressing question is, are they testing for steroids and HGH in this hypothetical league? If they are, we may be hosed.

 

Namely, four members of the starting lineup have been implicated, one way or another, in the steroid investigation.

 

Good thing for us that there are no indictments in hypothetical situations, and no syringes in petty debates.