Who Plays First Base For The Texas Rangers In The Future?

(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

It appears there is a position battle at first base for the Texas Rangers once again, and with the same players too. The Rangers have been trying to find a good first baseman for a while, and it appeared they had finally found one in Chris Davis last season.

That changed this season though, at least temporarily.

At the start of the season, the job was given to Chris Davis without question. After all, Davis was a Rookie of the Year candidate without playing all of 2008. He wouldn't have won it regardless due to Evan Longoria's rookie season, but Davis' season was great too.

This year, Davis got bit with the sophomore slump like many hitters do. Davis struggled often and was given every opportunity to break out of his slump, but could not.

Davis eventually got sent down over the summer, but now is back up and is probably going to get the majority of starts at first base for a while. 

Hank Blalock filled in nicely while Davis was working in the minors, but now Blalock is in a slump. It's part of the reason Davis is back with the Rangers.

Blalock had no choice but to perform well for several reasons. He is in a contract year, and he has been ousted at his normal position by Michael Young.

There's another guy developing in the minors by the name of Justin Smoak, who some consider one of the best prospects in baseball.

Blalock will be a tough guy to let go, but it appears that's what the Rangers will have to do. The Rangers won't be able to justify keeping him around because of the better, pure hitters they have waiting. There's no telling how much money he might make as a free agent, money the Rangers probably can't afford.

Time will tell, but someone is going to be the odd man out. If Davis can get the consistency down, then Smoak instantly becomes trade bait, or vice versa. Blalock may get resigned as insurance, but quickly become trade bait early next season.

Nonetheless, it's a good problem to have. 

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