The Texas Rangers have come to terms with DH/OF Vladimir Guerrero on a one-year deal with a club option for 2011. The deal is rumored to be for between $5.5 and $6 million for next year with a $1 million buyout should the Rangers not exercise their club option for 2011. The Rangers have been searching for a middle of the order presence in their lineup all off season and Vlad was rumored to be at the top of their wish list. Vlad is expected to be the primary DH next season in Texas as his knees and injury issues the past few seasons have limited his ability to play the outfield on a regular basis.
Last season, Vlad had a .295 AVG, 15 HR, and 50 RBI in only 383 AB (100 games) as he suffered from a couple stints on the disabled list. The Rangers are hoping that Vlad can stay healthy next season, as he is still a dangerous bat in the lineup when healthy. Vlad has especially been dangerous hitting in Texas during his time with the Los Angeles Angels. For his career, he has a .394 AVG, 14 HR, and 33 RBI in 50 games at the Ballpark of Arlington.
In my opinion, this is a solid gamble by the Rangers. Even though Vlad is an injury risk at this point in his career, the numbers show that he is still a potent bat to have in the lineup when he is healthy. The Rangers are set in the outfield, so they don’t have to worry about Vlad’s knees taking a toll on him on an everyday basis. I expect the Rangers to hit Vlad either in the cleanup or fifth spot in the lineup where he will protect Josh Hamilton and Nelson Cruz. Here is a current rundown of the Rangers lineup for next season by position:
LF – Josh Hamilton
CF – Julio Borbon
RF – Nelson Cruz
3B – Michael Young
SS – Elvis Andrus
2B – Ian Kinsler
1B – Chris Davis
C – Taylor Teagarden / Jarrod Saltalamacchia
DH – Vlad
That’s a pretty impressive lineup for the Rangers with a good combination of speed and power. The AL West should be an exciting race next season as the Rangers should compete with the defending champion Angels and the improving Seattle Mariners in the division.
Nice…his power numbers will go back up in Texas with that park and kinsler will have one more guy to protect him
Yes its an impressive lineup but they will have to slug there way to ever victory with the pitching rotation they have.
Andrew, I would have to agree with you that the Rangers are going to have to outslug some teams. Their rotation is definately a question mark as its asking for a lot of help from some young pitchers and a oft-injured Rich Harden. They still should be a pretty solid team though as that offense will score some runs.