Texas Rangers president and CEO Nolan Ryan said the team likely won’t get too involved in the market for first basemen Albert Pujols or Prince Fielder this offseason.
The Rangers are confident in Mitch Moreland, and believe some his struggles last season were related to a wrist injury he battled through the second half. Moreland batted .272 with 11 home runs and 24 RBIs in the first half compared to a .241 average with five home runs and 27 RBIs in the second half.
“We truly believe Mitch’s career is ahead of him,” said Ryan, who attended the Bobby Bragan Youth Foundation Gala that honored Rangers co-chairman and majority owner Bob Simpson on Thursday night at Ridglea Country Club.
“Making a seven-or-eight year deal for Fielder or Pujols is not something our organization is prepared to do. I very much expect Mitch Moreland to be our first baseman next year.”
-- Drew Davison
PULJOS FIELDER
Posted by: KHULL | November 11, 2011 at 11:44 AM