Where should Josh Hamilton play?

[Horn69]

Admittedly he should not be a starter on the AL All Star Team, let alone even be on the team - but where does he slide into Rangers lineup?

One of the reasons he hasn't already rejoined them is b/c he has not proven himself to be a starter in his rehab assignments.

Byrd and Murphy in CF and LF are playing at a high level. Blalock and Jones have been getting the job done for the most part at DH. Cruz in RF has tailed off since 1st month, so you could put Josh in RF. But, the point is, he should not replace Byrd in CF...he should have to earn his way back into the lineup. Obviously he rejoins the team by replacing Borbon.

Thoughts?

Hook'em!!!

 

[Horn69]

Rex, you make excellent points. I was only considering outfielders - but, looking at the entire offensive team, Crush is the guy that should go. You can get Hank and Andruw ab's at 1B, but, as you point out, Byrd is still the one that has to sit some. I hate that b/c not only has his offense been good, but his D has been outstanding and you hate to lose that enthusiasm and attitude.

I think I would sit Cruz and put Josh in RF, maybe taking stress off his defensive play and keep Byrd in there. At this point Marlon has outplayed Cruz.

But, gotta admit - nice problems to have!

Hook'em!!!

 

[Horn69]

Crush = Bye, bye.

Hook'em!!!

 

[HornHuskerDad]

In reply to:

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[Horn69]

And to the original question - where does Hamilton play and who gets bumped. Davis got bumped from the roster, but who drops out of line-up.

I would like to see Josh in RF b/c; 1) Byrd has been terrific in CF, and 2) RF will be less strenuous. Murphy can hold down LF. In this scenario, Cruz gets bumped from the field, but he can be DH. Or Cruz plays RF, Josh in LF and Murphy becomes LH DH to Andruw Jones RH DH. But, you hate to move Murphy to part time with him being so hot right now.

Great dilemma!

Hook'em!!!

 

[OUEngineer]

Seeing Davis get sent down is tough. The kid busts his tail and plays outstanding defense, but he is such a liability in the lineup right now. This is a good move for him to regain some confidence and tweak his mechanics.

As for Hamilton, he needs to DH, initially. Not sure if Wash will go that route, but you can't pull Byrd or Murphy right now. You could pull Cruz, but given his career path, I'm wondering how fragile Nellie's psyche would be in such a situation. He's been a great hitter (save for the last 3 weeks) all season. You can't yank him at this point, even for Hambone. JMO.

I'd assume we see a platoon of Blalock/Jones at 1B with Josh DH'ing for a spell. Anyone think we trade one of these outfielders?

Byrd
Murphy
Hamilton
Cruz
Borbon
Jones

We've got far too many options and not enough playing time to spare. We've resorted to moving Andruw to a totally new position just to get him some more AB's. Nice problem to have, I suppose, but it makes it hard for anyone to establish a rhythm, no?

 

[n64ra]

To answer your question "Where should Josh Hamilton play?" - I was going to say Houston!

 

[Horn69]

I would think they got Andruw hoping he would follow the Gagne model, and he's semi-cooperated showing that his hitting touch has at least partiallly returned. Should have some trade value.

Byrd and Murphy could bring a pretty decent pitching prospect you'd think.

Hook'em!!!

 

[HornHuskerDad]

If Andruw has enough trade value to be worth a decent pitching prospect, the Rangers probably have to pull the trigger. But realize that would commit the team to playing Hank at 1B the rest of the time until (a) Chris Davis figures out how to hit, (b) Justin Smoak is ready, or (c) the playoffs. I'm not sure Hank is capable of playing 1B well enough for this team to compete in the playoffs if they win the West.

HHD

 

[Horn69]

So he ended up starting in CF. Lots of folks on other websites thought he should be a DH - I felt pretty sure Wash would want him in the field. Just didn't think it would be CF.

And... he produces right off the bat, to coin a phrase...Rangers 2-0 in 1st.

Hook'em!!!