Spring is here and baseball is finally in the air. After the 99-day lockout teams have all reported to Spring Training.
It’s around this time that we begin to look at which players will make the big club and who fits where on the field.
Now that the Rangers have solidified most spots let’s predict the Opening Day lineup.
C -Mitch Garver
1B -Nathaniel Lowe
2B -Marcus Semien
SS -Corey Seager
3B – Andy Ibanez
LF – Eli White
CF – Adolis Garcia
RF – Kole Calhoun
DH – Willie Calhoun
SP – Jon Gray
Although there is no debate that Semien and Seager will be the up-the-middle combo there are some interesting parts of this team to break down.
Starting at 3rd Base. Following the Isiah Kiner-Falefa trade to the Twins, a hole was left at 3rd. Andy Ibanez is going to get the first crack at it due to how well he performed last year. Although don’t be surprised if you see names like Nick Solak and Yonny Hernandez getting time at the hot corner.
Another interesting piece is Eli White in left field. According to people in Suprise Eli looks much improved following a change to his swing in the off-season. With no external additions yet, Eli looks like he is in place to win the job.
Immediately after the Rangers acquired Mitch Garver from the Twins, Jon Daniels and Chris Young made it clear that he would be the guy behind the plate. In Garver’s last full season in 2019, he hit 31 home runs, had 67 RBIs, and won the Silver Slugger. The Rangers are hoping to bring a little more offensive production to the catching position.
Finally, we look on the bump with Jon Gray. The Rangers believe that Gray will blossom now that he is leaving Coors Field. With no other major pitching additions, Gray is likely going to get the chance to be the Opening Day starter on April 8th in Toronto.
