For the last three years, Marcus Semien has been the leadoff hitter for your Texas Rangers. Going into his 4th year, will he stick in that spot? Kevin & Mike discuss Semien's importance to this Rangers lineup, especially after a tough season in 2024.
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00:00I already saw somebody text in that they think Marcus Simeon should be hitting more like
00:18fifth as opposed to first.
00:20I hear you, but we think a logical predictive lineup for the Rangers, at least against
00:27right-handed pitching.
00:28I know it can change after that to start would be, and Mike, tell me if you think this is
00:32off base, Simeon, Seager, Langford.
00:36I'm 100% sure as long as those three are healthy, that will be your opening day first three
00:41hitters.
00:42This is where I'm not, I won't say 100% anymore.
00:44But Garcia, Peterson, Young, Berger, Carter, Heim.
00:49I think that will be a likelihood against a right-handed starting pitcher.
00:54On opening day, Garrett Crochet will probably pitch for Boston.
00:57So I don't know exactly how hitters four through nine will be trying to protect Jock Peterson
01:03and Evan Carter from a great left-handed starting pitcher.
01:06And so Marcus Simeon had a tough year last year.
01:10He had a tough year in terms of pretty much most statistical metrics, including on base
01:16percentage.
01:17And that's obviously the primary thing you're hoping for and looking for from your lead
01:23off hitter.
01:25So it makes sense to say, hey, we can talk about Seager and I kind of want to talk more
01:29about Langford tomorrow or the new additions with Peterson and Berger.
01:32But if Marcus Simeon plays at the same level that he did last year, has the same production
01:39as last year, that feels like it's going to be hard to overcome for the offense.
01:43Yeah.
01:44And for me, this is a serious key to the first six weeks of the season.
01:48Simeon's going to be your lead off hitter on opening day.
01:50I believe Seager and Langford will follow as long as those three are healthy.
01:55But I think the Rangers have other options as a lead off hitter.
02:00And I get you stick with Simeon to start the year.
02:03But if he hits 237 with a 308 on base percentage and a 699 OPS and we're to May 10th, okay,
02:12you're starting on March 27th, I'll give it till May 10th.
02:15But if those are his numbers, not saying he can improve on those numbers as the season
02:19goes, but now you're going, wait a second, you played 159 games last year and you're
02:23putting up the similar numbers.
02:25I know I'm giving exact same, but you're putting up similar numbers to last year.
02:29I can't have you be my lead off hitter anymore.