Welcome to the new and improved Texas Rangers blog. When I was asked to create a name, I wanted to do something personal. You see, I spent a very happy year working for the promotions department for the Texas Rangers. I have been in and have seen all parts of what was then called The Ballpark in Arlington. While it is not called that anymore, I wanted to have a piece of the ballpark in my title. I chose Greene’s Hill, which is the batter’s eye, or the green patch of grass beyond the center field wall, for those of you who don’t know what a batter’s eye is. This was named after the man who was mayor of Arlington the year the Ballpark opened. I am on top of the hill, looking down on all the action that goes on in the ballpark, and each week, I will bring you the stories about the Rangers.

Bring Back David Murphy:

Well, Josh Hamilton, or Hambone, is out, starting spring training on the DL with more knee problems. Now, I have to defend Hambone a little bit here. I have two knees, both with no meniscuses in them, and I can tell you, knee problems are just going to come up, and you can do everything right and the darn things are just going to give out on you. The treatment so far is as follows, according to Assistant General Manager Thad Levine.

“Hamilton would be on crutches for seven to 10 days, then begin a rehab program that would last about eight weeks. The Rangers hope to send him on a rehab assignment the third week of April with the possibility of a return in late April or early May.”

Where does that leave left field for the Rangers?

Last year, Will Venable .182/.325/.227 and Drew Stubbs .095/.269/.143 both played in LF while Hamilton was out. Both are free agents, and the Rangers have been in contact with them. But another name that is LOVED by Rangers fans was mentioned: David Murphy. He is a free agent and unsigned. As this is a campaign year, I am launching the campaign of BRING BACK DAVID MURPHY!!!!!

Murphy was traded during the past season from the Indians to the Angels. Murphy’s stats last year were .283/.318/.421. Murphy is a fan favorite, a great guy, and in the seven years he spent with the Rangers, his stats were .275/.337/440. He is familiar with the ballpark and the brutal weather that is the Texas summer. Murphy is also a key clutch man. If you need him, he is there for you. He also brings in a much-needed left-handed bat.

What about current Rangers who could play left field?

Well, the Rangers have stated that Joey Gallo .204/.301/.417  is going to stay at third base and that Ryan Rua, who was last year’s opening-day left fielder, .193/.221/.398 could win the position this year if he has a good spring. Another candidate, from the minors, is Nomar Mazara. In the minors last year: AA .284/.357/.443 and AAA .358/.409/.444. If he has a good spring, it could be quite a competition between him and Rua.

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