Fans who have become accustomed to seeing the fireworks that accompany a Texas home run at Rangers Ballpark could be in for a rude awakening in 2008.
The Rangers’ projected starting lineup has exactly one player who has hit 30 home runs in a season: third baseman Hank Blalock hit 32 in 2004. There are signs this lineup could produce some power if players are able to match some career numbers, but the days of the 260 home-run season of 2005 don’t figure to be returning anytime soon.
Here’s a look at the Rangers’ projected Opening Day lineup along with their career-best power season and their power potential:
C Jarrod Saltalamacchia MLB best: 11 HRs in 2007
1B Ben Broussard/Chris Shelton MLB best: Broussard (21 HRs in 2006); Shelton (18 in 2005)2B Ian Kinsler MLB best: 20 HRs in 2007
SS Michael Young MLB best: 24 HRs in 2005
3B Hank Blalock MLB best: 32 HRs in 2004
LF Frank Catalanotto MLB best: 13 HRs in 2003
CF Marlon Byrd MLB best: 10 HRs in 2007
RF David Murphy MLB best: 2 HRs in 2007
DH Milton Bradley MLB best: 19 HRs in 2004
The addition of Hamilton and Bradley has certainly put some "pop" back into the lineup. These guys along with Blalock will give the young guys a chance to settle in and develop into major league hitters. Nelson Cruz in one other that should develop with maturity this year like Benoit.
Posted by: Jim | December 22, 2007 at 11:15 PM
Edgardo Alfonzo hit 27 HRs in 1999. Don't forget him.
Posted by: Riley | January 08, 2008 at 07:40 PM