Here’s why Texas Rangers are giving Ronald Guzman another chance to be first baseman
Pick a problem, any problem, and chances are the Texas Rangers’ offense has it.
Lousy batting average? Check, the worst in baseball.
Lousy on-base percentage? Check, the second-worst in baseball.
Lousy slugging percentage? Check again, tied for the worst in baseball.
The lack of power has been astonishing, and it’s not all on Globe Life Field being a pitcher’s park. Opposing players seem to have had much less trouble getting balls to carry over the fence.
It’s the biggest problem facing the Rangers as they evaluate players the rest of the season and plan for the offseason.
That’s why Ronald Guzman is getting yet another look at first base.
There is power in that big, long swing of his. There just hasn’t been enough production in his first two MLB seasons to match his terrific defense.
The Rangers are going to add power for 2021, with or without Guzman.
“Most lineups, it’s hard to string three or four hits together in a row in an inning,” manager Chris Woodward said. “A lot of teams have had success scoring runs by hitting home runs. They get on base via walk and hit a home run. It’s not always about stringing five or six hits in an inning.
“It is something we need, but, obviously, with the team we have right now, we got to get the most out of. Some of these guys have power but they are a little bit raw but they are not consistent moving balls forward enough to where that power is going to show up on a consistent basis.”
Guzman made the Opening Day roster but was on the roster only five games before being optioned to the alternate site to revamp his swing. He returned Aug. 28 and has been much better.
He entered Sunday batting .364 with a 1.213 OPS in 22 at-bats since being recalled. Both of his home runs, including a 425-foot bomb Sunday at Seattle, have been since Aug. 28.
Woodward said that Guzman worked on his timing at the alternate camp and trying to be ready to hit. He looks different at the plate, in a good way, and the bat is spending more time in the strike zone and giving him a better chance to make contact.
“So, swing mechanic-wise, it’s smoother because of the pace, because of the timing,” Woodward said. “He’s got a cleaner path for the ball, which allows him to ride through. ... Before it was a little bit rushed at times. His timing was off. His path was a little off at times, so he just mis-hit balls, he was swinging and missing, and everything was just really rushed.”
The Rangers don’t have much behind Guzman at first base, though third baseman Sherten Apostel has been getting reps at first base at the alternate camp. Danny Santana started a series of games there last month before hurting his elbow again, and Scott Heineman picked up a start there against the Mariners.
The free-agent class is thin at first base, with Yuli Gurriel the best of the regular first basemen. D.J. LeMahieu has won a Gold Glove at second base, but played first base in 40 games last season and nine this season for the New York Yankees.
Anthony Rizzo and Carlos Santana could become free agents if their club options aren’t picked up.
Guzman will still be in pre-arbitration in 2021, something to consider with the Rangers expecting to have a reduced payroll.
But the Rangers are going to have more power in 2021, with or without him.
“It is definitely going to be a priority,” Woodward said. “I don’t know where it stands. Obviously, with our ballpark being a little bit bigger, maybe pitching will keep us in more games, but definitely going to be a priority at some point.”
