The Texas Rangers are trying to get to their first World Series since a few months ago, and the lineup they're trying to do it with is ... curious. It reminds me of the old saying: "When your DH is Endy Chavez, your DH is Endy Chavez."
Texas Rangers Have An Interesting Lineup For Game 6 Of ALCS
Ian Kinsler - 2B
Elvis Andrus - SS
Josh Hamilton - CF
Michael Young - 1B
Adrian Beltre - 3B
Mike Napoli - C
Nelson Cruz - RF
David Murphy - LF
Endy Chavez - DH
Mitch Moreland hasn't been setting the playoffs aflame, so getting him some rest is pretty inspired. Shift Michael Young to first, and you can get a nice bat in there to DH.
Or Endy Chavez.
Chavez did have a very nice year with the bat, don't get me wrong.
But his value will always, always, always be in his defense. By accounts statistical and anecdotal, he’s one of the very best defensive outfielders in the game. He’s better than David Murphy, he’s better than Josh Hamilton, and he’s better than Nelson Cruz. But those three will start in the field, whereas Endy Chavez will DH.
This is probably because Ron Washington doesn't want to put those three hitters in an unfamiliar role. Not everyone can DH -- sitting on the bench, waiting to hit, drove Pat Burrell crazy. There's a chance that the gain made by having Chavez field would be offset by David Murphy's bat being hurt by all the waiting around.
I don't know. Just spitballin' here. There has to be some reason, right? He's a career 0-for-1 as a DH, and that at-bat came after he pinch-ran for Mike Sweeney.
Endy Chavez, designated hitter.
Endy Chavez, yo.
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