OTOGH: Ian Desmond

By hhamilton
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Updated: March 3, 2016

Well It is a Leap Year and the Rangers decided to celebrate by taking a huge leap into the Left Field void left by Josh Hamilton and sign a 1 year $8 million dollar free agent SS Ian Desmond. Ian who played last year with the Washington Nationals. Has spent 2 games in the outfield and while 8 million is a steal for the caliber of Desmond’s bat. Desmond brings to the Rangers .233/.290/.384. It leaves a lot of questions? can Ian learn a new position? When Hamilton comes back, can Desmond learn to be a utility player? I also have a personal belief and I have seen it when guys come over from the National League there is a period of adjustment and Desmond has a great bat in the NL. But does that transfer over the AL? While Globe Life has the short porch and is a hitter’s delight the hard part will be the AL pitchers which Desmond is going to have to learn.

The Ranger’s had some different options for sure.

David Murphy .283/.318/.421 from 361 AB. Murph is a veteran and brings 7 years of Ranger

Photo by: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

experience to the table, he knows the outfield and the texas heat. He has the AL experience he is a key clutch man, bring him in late in a game and he is always someone you can count on. A fan favorite if there ever was one and I am sure the Rangers could have gotten him for less than 8 million especially since he has now signed a minor league contract with the Boston Red Sox.

Austin Jackson was born in north Texas, while he played the last half of last year with the Cubs and even made some contributions in the postseason. He spent most of his career with Seattle Mariners and the Detroit Tigers. Jackson brings .267/.311/.385 491 AB. Jackson could be the future, we all know Hamilton is not going to be around much longer, and an investment in Jackson could solidify the outfield.

Well what’s done is done, we will just have to see what Desmond can do.

And now for something completely different.

Also playing the the Rangers band, the Rangers signed to a minor league contract former Kansas City Royals pitcher Jeremy Guthrie to a minor league contract and he has been working out in Spring Training. Guthrie did not play much last year due to injury and poor production on the mound he had an 8-8 record with a 5.95 E.R.A. but his career numbers are 4.37 with WHIP of 1.34 he is recovered and ready to make a comeback. I am very excited to see Guthrie he has a very positive attitude and will be a nice addition to the starting rotation if he makes the team.