Ron Washington had a difficult decision to make coming into the World Series. Vladimir Guerrero was his team's regular cleanup hitter, but he was also the Rangers' DH. You can't use a DH when you play in a National League ballpark, which the Rangers were set to do by opening in an Francisco.
World Series Game 2: Vladimir Guerrero Removed From Rangers Starting Lineup
So Washington had to decide: play Guerrero in the outfield in AT&T Park to keep his bat in the lineup, or go with the left-handed and more defensively competent David Murphy?
In Game 1, Washington went with Guerrero. Guerrero rewarded his manager with a first inning RBI single, but from then on his evening turned into a nightmare, as he made three outs at the plate and committed a couple errors in right field. He bobbled grounders, ran poorly, and took bad routes, looking altogether completely out of place.
Following the game, in which Guerrero visibly struggled, Washington remained committed to the plan. For a while, it looked like Guerrero would be sent back out there for Game 2, even after his ugly effort. But somewhere between then and now, Washington changed his mind. Guerrero isn't in the Game 2 lineup after all. Taking his place will be David Murphy, who has the far superior legs, and the platoon advantage against Giants starter Matt Cain to boot.
Murphy will play left field, with Nelson Cruz sliding over to right. The other change for Texas is that Matt Treanor will catch, instead of Bengie Molina. Treanor has caught C.J. Wilson for much of the year, and is a source of comfort and familiarity.
Elvis Andrus, SS
Michael Young, 3B
Josh Hamilton, CF
Nelson Cruz, RF
Ian Kinsler, 2B
David Murphy, LF
Matt Treanor, C
Mitch Moreland, 1B
C.J. Wilson, SP
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