The Texas Rangers outfield was in flux for most of last season except for center field, which was pretty much manned by Leonys Martin the entire way. Alex Rios, Shin-Soo Choo, Jim Adduci, Jake Smolinski, Michael Choice, Ryan Rua and even Mitch Moreland were out there from time to time. That is eight guys that played 3 spots. I believe that it is going to be different in 2015, and I think that (if healthy) the Rangers will go back to the four outfielder system.
Shin-Soo Choo is going to man right field in 2015 for the Texas Rangers. We all know what Choo is capable of at the plate, and if he can stay healthy for the next 4-6 years than he will look like a good pickup for the Texas Rangers. Choo is very patient at the plate and he is an above average fielder at his position. He had a down year in 2014. Choo, in his last full season with the Reds, got into 154 games and had a line of .285/.423/.462 with 112 walks and 133 strikeouts and 21 home runs. He will do well in right field if he can keep that ankle healthy for the entire season.
Center field will be manned by Leonys Martin once again for the Texas Rangers. Leonys improved last season, and we all hope he improves again in 2015. He had his highest batting average (.274) and his highest on base percentage (.325) of his career
, and his defense is above average. There are few players that can throw the ball home as fast and accurately as Leonys. He needs to improve on his power numbers and hitting in clutch situations in my opinion. I think Martin will be a better center fielder in 2015 than he was in 2014.
Left Field is going to be the tricky one. Is David Murphy available? The Rangers have Jake Smolinski, Michael Choice, Ryan Rua and others for the spot, but for my money, I think you have to go with Smolinski as the left fielder with Michael Choice being the fourth outfielder off the bench. In a very short sample (24 games), Smolinski had a line of .349/.391/.512 with 3 home runs and 12 RBI in just 86 at bats. He didn’t look over matched at the plate at almost any point, and Michael Choice, whom I really like by the way, did look over matched at times. Smolinski will have to earn the spot, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he did that.
So that is my look at who I think the four outfielders will be going forward into the 2015 season, which is a little over two months away now. It should be fun to watch spring training and see how this team forms up under a new manager. I can’t wait for baseball.
