There usually isn't a whole lot of intrigue when it comes to the Rangers' lineup. Josh Hamilton is going to hit third until his groin literally escapes through his nose, grabs a gun, and takes a hostage at a mall. Other than that, the questions usually comes down to who is playing left field or center, and in what permutation the C/1B/3B/DH spots are going to shake out. Here's how it looks for Game 3:
World Series Game 3: Texas Rangers Lineup Has Hamilton Third, Playing Center
The Texas Rangers have released their lineup for Game 3.
Ian Kinsler - 2B
Elvis Andrus - SS
Josh Hamilton* - CF
Michael Young - DH
Adrian Beltre - 3B
Nelson Cruz - RF
Mike Napoli - 1B
David Murphy* - LF
Yorvit Torrealba - C
It’s not the best defensive lineup the Rangers can put out there -- not as long as Josh Hamilton is roaming center with his trick groin -- but it’s not bad at all. Napoli is at first instead of catching, Torrealba is behind the plate, and Michael Young gets to field at his best defensive position, DH.
The Rangers don't rejigger who's in the lineup too much depending on who is on the mound, so it's not exactly a Lohse-mashing lineup. Well, not specifically, at least. The other option Ron Washington had was to put Endy Chavez in center at the expense of Murphy, or maybe at Torrealba's expense if Murphy were to DH and shift everyone around.
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