Rangers manager Ron Washington said that he plans to open spring training with Josh Hamilton as the left fielder and Julio Borbon in center. That's the way things started last spring for the Rangers, but 2010 ended with Hamilton as the center fielder for every playoff game and Borbon on the bench.
The decision goes back to keeping Hamilton healthy. He was playing center field Sept. 4, when he banged into the outfield wall at Target Field and broke three ribs. Two of those lingered until the Rangers finally bowed out of the playoffs Nov. 1 in Game 5 of the World Series.
"We have the young personnel that can handle center field out there better than [Hamilton] can," Washington said.
Washington also declared that his first choice for designated hitter is Vladimir Guerrero. When asked about all the other options, whether they hit right-handed or left-handed or played outfield or first base, Washington said, "I'd rather get Vlad."
-- Jeff Wilson
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