Is there any point going forward that you would consider moving Vlad out of the 4 hole and moving him down in the lineup if he continues at this level of production or lack-thereof? I realize right now with Cruz, Young, and Kinsler out you don't have much choice, but once this club is at full strength do you even think about putting Hamilton or Cruz at cleanup? Are you ok with Vlad struggling at the plate because he provides some level of protection to Josh (or Ian) or are you at the point where you would rather see a lineup of Elvis, Young, Ian, Josh, Cruz, Vlad...... somewhere down the road?

I've been asking my buddies this question for weeks. They slid Hamilton down to the 5 hole when he was struggling and that has worked out pretty well. Even with Kinsler, Young and Cruz out of the lineup, I'd be more comfortable with Murphy hitting 3rd, Hamilton 4th and Vlad 5th. He's just such a rally killer in the cleanup spot right now. If Vlad keeps hitting at this clip, I would run this lineup out there when everyone is full strength:
Elvis ss
Young 3b
Hamilton CF
Cruz RF
Kinsler 2B
Vlad DH
Murphy LF
Molina C
Moreland/Cantu 1B

That doesn't look half bad. We need to get heathly...the B team is not nearly as much fun to watch...

If Kinsler and Cruz weren't out right now, I think it would be time to sit Vlad for a week. Just send him to the spa and let him relax for a bit. I think he's just tired and needs to get his energy and focus back. It's too bad the current injury situation makes it damn near impossible to sit Vlad.

@smartesttard

wouldn't you rather have sweet stroke murphy in between kinsler/cruz/vlad? that's 3 right handers in a row and muprhy is hot hot hot.

@stache - I would have no problem flip flopping Kinsler and Murphy. Or sliding Kinsler up to the the 2 hole and have Young hit 7th. Either way, with Kinsler or Young hitting 7th, thats a pretty deep lineup with few holes. When (if?) everyone get's healthy, this is going to be a scary lineup again. I think it's definitely a case of the sum being greather that the whole of it's parts...I think having everyone in the lineup makes everyone better. Makes sense - fewer guys to pitch around and more guys getting on base, more opportunities to cause damage.

As tense and frustrated as I have been with this team lately, we are still in really good shape and are the only team right now with a little breathing room and the luxury that it provides to get everyone rested and healthy for the stretch run/playoffs. Hopefully we have it wrapped up early and use the last 2 weeks of the season to fine tune everything and get charged to make noise in October. I like the makeup of our front line guys and think we certainly have the balance and DNA to matchup with anyone.

Lets not get swept tonight tho...

This Ranger offense sucks....