Have the Rangers found their long-term first baseman in Justin Smoak?
The Rangers have a long-term first baseman. Still not sure if it’s Smoak or Chris Davis. Right now, it’s Smoak’s job to lose. But as I said, this team is going to have to consider dealing a first baseman at the deadline. Some clubs might prefer Smoak’s hitting ability over Davis’ defense and raw power. Think the 1B of the future may depend on who the Rangers’ potential trade partner might prefer. How many games will the Rangers lose due to Washington’s managing mistakes? I think bad management decisions have played a role in two losses (both vs. Oakland). I think overall hospitable atmosphere for players has helped Rangers get off to winning start. Still, you’d like to see the manager’s decision-making cost you no games. But, the bottom line is that unless a guy manages strictly by computer and percentage, he’s going to make the occasional bad decision. Would the Rangers trade away Smoak to make room for Chris Davis’s return? If the Rangers were to trade Smoak, it would not be to “clea
