Rangers’ Borbon has lead for CF job
February 28, 2010
SURPRISE, Ariz. (AP)—Texas Rangers manager Ron Washington said the centerfield and leadoff starting jobs are Julio Borbon’s(notes) to lose.
“For me, Borbon is in the same position that (shortstop) Elvis Andrus(notes) waslast year,” Washington said Sunday. “It’s up to us to keep him relaxed and lethim be who he is.”
Borbon made his debut with the Rangers last season as a substitute for aninjured Josh Hamilton(notes) and hit .312 in 46 games. The 23-year-old entered thisspring as the leading candidate to replace Marlon Byrd(notes), who signed with theChicago Cubs in the offseason.
“We miss Marlon but we’re getting something in there to pick it up,”Washington said.
One distinct difference in the way Borbon will be used is that Washingtonplans to play Borbon every day, versus both right-handers and left-handers. Lastseason, Borbon was a meager 2-for-15 against lefties in the limitedopportunities he was given.
“I feel comfortable against lefties,” Borbon said. “I’ve never had anydoubts hitting versus righties or lefties. It’s a matter of coming back out anddoing it consistently.”
Flanked by Nelson Cruz(notes) and Josh Hamilton, with David Murphy(notes) and VladimirGuerrero(notes) also present, Borbon will have considerable help to rely on if needed.
“There are going to be days when things may not go right but he’s a youngkid who wants to learn,” Washington said. “He has a support group.”
NOTES: Rain washed out the scheduled workouts as well as the team’s “FanFest” scheduled in conjunction with their Surprise Recreation Complexneighbors, the Kansas City Royals. Pitchers slated to throw live battingpractice instead threw in the cages, hitters also moved into the cages andfielding drills were canceled. … On Monday, the Rangers play the first of twointrasquad games on the main practice field. Washington said Monday’s game willlast eight innings and Tuesday’s “five or six. It’s all for the pitchers.” …RHP Warner Madrigal(notes) has not thrown since feeling tightness in his right forearmon Friday. … LHP Derek Holland(notes) emerged from Saturday’s lengthy bullpen sessionwithout any pain in his right knee, which he sprained on Feb. 20. … RHP OmarPoveda will have Tommy John ligament replacement surgery on Wednesday.
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