Five Bold Predictions for the Texas Rangers’ Lineup in 2014

3. Mitch Moreland and Geovany Soto combine for as many homeruns as Price Fielder.

Sep 30, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers first baseman Mitch Moreland (18) hits a single against the Tampa Bay Rays during the fifth inning at Rangers Ballpark at Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Moreland and Soto had 23 and 11 homeruns respectively in 2013. With Moreland serving as a full time designated hitter and Soto getting more playing time in 2014 both of those numbers should go up. The two could combine for 40 homeruns in 2014. Moreland may well be on tap to have a career year because he know has the external motivation of losing his position to Prince Fielder. Moreland has the potential to break through this year and finally put all the pieces together. One of the by products of this breakout will be Moreland hitting 25 plus bombs. He totaled 23 last year so if my prediction is correct and he can find some consistency he has the potential to blow past that number in 2014. Soto flashed power in a platoon/bench role in 2013. Now that he should have the starting role in 2014 Soto could approach 20 round trippers. Between these two Prince’s homerun total may be duplicated.