After Vladimir Guerrero's nightmare of a Game 1, Ron Washington appeared to be committed to playing him in the outfield again in Game 2. Until he didn't. When the starting lineups were posted, David Murphy was in the outfield, and Guerrero was on the bench.
World Series Game 2: Vladmir Guerrero Will Be Outfield Option Later On
Washington’s explanation? As manager, he reserves the right to change his mind, and he decided he wanted to get Murphy into a game. This isn’t about removing a guy who struggled; it’s about starting a guy to keep him fresh. Should the series return to San Francisco, Guerrero will again wear a glove.
“If we come back here for Games 6 and 7, I’m going to play Guerrero a game out there, too,” Washington said. “I trust him for a game out there. He missed some balls out here, but that didn’t determine the outcome of the game.” Nelson Cruz returns to right field, and Murphy will start in left.
That quote might be troubling for Rangers fan who don't want to see Guerrero try to run balls down ever again. Game 6 could be an elimination game. Game 7 would definitely be an elimination game. After how Guerrero looked on Wednesday, the thought of starting that kind of liability in the outfield with the season on the line is potentially nauseating.
But Games 6 and 7 are a long way away, and may not even be played. What’s most important is Thursday’s Game 2, and Thursday’s Game 2 has Guerrero on the bench.
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