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Texas Rangers: One bold prediction for every position player

By Travis Koch

ST PETERSBURG, FL - APRIL 16: Nomar Mazara #30 of the Texas Rangers reacts to hitting a three run home run in the eighth inning during a game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field on April 16, 2018 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
ST PETERSBURG, FL - APRIL 16: Nomar Mazara #30 of the Texas Rangers reacts to hitting a three run home run in the eighth inning during a game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field on April 16, 2018 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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Texas Rangers
NEW YORK, NY – MAY 08: Hunter Pence #8 of the San Francisco Giants hits a two run home run in the first inning against the New York Mets on May 8, 2017 at Citi Field in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

Pence gets 250 at-bats

Amidst an impressive spring, it’s becoming more and more likely that Hunter Pence makes the opening day squad. That begs the question, how will the Rangers use him?

Gallo, DeShields, Mazara is the outfield the team intends to attack the season with. They also intend for Choo to get the bulk of the at-bats at DH. So where does Pence fit in?

With the lineup flexibility in today’s baseball and the frequent days off afforded to position players, Texas can find a way to include Pence in lineups often enough. He’ll be a great niche starter and an outstanding bat off the bench.

His playing time may be minimal to start, but if he hits, he’ll start to play more. A three-time All-Star, Pence has the ability to truly impact a lineup when he’s right. He’s capable of forcing Chris Woodward‘s hand to maneuver the lineup in a way to include his name on a routine basis. But he’ll have to hit.

I believe Pence hits well enough in 2019 to earn at least 250 at-bats.

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