@les: why would you want to put Gentry, one of the best defensive CFs in the league (and possibly the world), in LF?

I want Martin to get exposure, but if he's struggling I don't want him taking at-bats away from our more established players every single day. There has to be a balance.

Also, some people seem to think Murphy should return to being a platoon player, but I think the everyday job is his to lose. He had a significantly better year than Cruz last year...

Definitely agree about the QO FAs, though. None of them look enticing enough for the Rangers to give up the pick and $$.

I don't know if this manager has the lineup-juggling skill to make that work to an advantage

Bingo. If there is one thing we all should have learned from Wash by now, it's that he likes to run our the same lineup card (by position/batting order) day in and day out and plug in replacements where his regulars would normally bat. How many times did he shuffle the card last year?

Also, RE: Martin. The guy is already getting paid an MLB salary. We won't waste another year of his control by shoving him in to AAA with Borbon and E. Beltre. He'll be in Arlington and platoon with Gentry/other as necessary.

If JD signs Bourn he will move back to the Adrian Gonzales days in my book.

" I don't know if this manager has the lineup-juggling skill to make that work to an advantage

"Bingo. If there is one thing we all should have learned from Wash by now, it's that he likes to run our the same lineup card (by position/batting order) day in and day out and plug in replacements where his regulars would normally bat."

I think we've passed the point of limiting our talent to the kind that Wash can't mismanage. If we're building a well-rounded juggernaut that will have huge advantages with managerial dexterity, we can let Wash have one more chance to get it right, but if he isn't up to the task, we need to stop managing with training wheels and get a manager who can.

I agree with just about everything that Andy said...

Murph Dog (My nickname for him) is the left fielder. He played well enough last year that it is his position to lose and in my opinion he has a pretty long leash too.

If Gentry is on the field it is in Center. He is too good defensively to be wasted anywhere else. However, I would like to see Martin get a chance to win the position and start earning his paycheck. Give him a chance to play and if he cant produce then regulate him back to a platoon with Gentry.

For now Cruz is playing Right. Hopefully he has a bounce back season because last year was pretty painful.

I think Moreland is going to be the odd man out this year unless he really shows serious improvement. Every scenario with Berkman, Kinsler to 1st, Olt getting more playing time, etc all seem to be taking playing time away from Mitch.

As far as Wash being able to manage this many platoons and split positions I have my doubts but its the best way to manage this team and if he cant handle it then maybe we need to get someone who can. He said he learned from his mistakes last year but only time will tell.

Personally, I don't see Ian playing 1B or Cruz as our RF, in 2013.
I'm not sure why Andrus is still here, but to get max value in trade.
I'm not put off by Upton, but I;m not giddy about obtaining either.
Certainly a better choice than Nelson Cruz. Game changer? Nope.
I'd see Kubel here, way before Bourn. Nope, neither a fit in long run