Rangers Spring Training – Left Field – Shin-Soo Choo and more

July 13, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Texas Rangers left fielder David Murphy (7) makes a sliding catch of a ball hit by Detroit Tigers designated hitter Victor Martinez (not pictured) in the eighth inning at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Now that the Super Bowl is over, it time to officially count down the days until the Texas Rangers start spring training.  The Rangers have made a lot of changes in the out field the season with several players leaving and the addition of a few big names.

So far during the offseason, the Texas Rangers have either traded or didn’t re-sign several players who played in left field last season.

Last year, David Murphy took most of the time in left field.   Murphy has what was probably his worst season ever in the majors last year.  He only batted .220/.282/.374/.656, which was almost the worst for qualifying batting average.   Murphy had 39 walks, 45 RBI, 26 doubles and 13 home runs over 142 games/476 plate appearances.

Murphy didn’t change much at the plate from 2012 when he hit the ball very well with a batting average of .304/.380/.479/.859.  But last year, he was hitting more fly balls and less line drives.   Last year Murphy did have a good contact rate at 84.7%, which was higher than his 2012 rate.   Also, he wasn’t just swinging at anything, he stayed steady with his bat and swung at 43.8% of the pitches thrown.  What did seem hurt was, his ability to get deeper in the count and the increase in foul balls hit.

Even though David Murphy had done very well in the past, Jon Daniels thought it was time for the Texas Rangers to move on.

It didn’t take long for Murphy to find another club, the Cleveland Indians picked him up for $12 million on a two-year contract.  He’ll receive $5.5 million in 2014 and $6 million next season.  The Indians also have an option for 2016 for $7 million and it includes a $500,000 buyout.