Mitch Moreland ‘ready for anything’ with Rangers

Mitch Moreland has seen his role evolve and change with the Texas Rangers, from second half standout in 2010 to a streaky, injury plagued first baseman.

Now, with the acquisition of slugging first baseman Prince Fielder, Moreland could see the majority of his bats at the DH position. He went on Power Alley on MLB Network Radio to discuss how his off season has been going.

One of the topics that came up was what his pending role on the team would be.

"I think it’s about the same as it was: anywhere and everywhere. And that’s what I told them, you know, I’ll be ready for anything. You know we’ve got six weeks out here, we can go out and play a few different positions and get comfortable and get ready for the season…It’s always fun to be out on the field. It’s [DH] definitely a different position, it’s something I’ve never done before…but you know, I’m going to do the best I can."

Moreland recently reached a settlement with the Rangers before his arbitration case. He was the last player the Rangers needed to reach an agreement on, and it keeps the 14 year streak of not going to a hearing with a player alive for the team. How did he feel about it? “It was good I guess. I didn’t really have a whole lot to do with it. My agent told me what he thought I needed to do, and I just said ‘Alright…you take care of it and I’ll go out and play.'”

Mitch has also played as an outfielder in his time in professional ball, and there are possibilities that he could be asked to play some outfield this season. Moreland said that’s something he wants to work on in Spring Training.

"I didn’t get to play out there at all last year, maybe an out or two, but I’ve played there before and I think I can pick up on it pretty quick. Like I said, we’ve got plenty of time out here in Spring Training to get some fly balls…I feel good out there anytime they need me, and I’m going to work at both corners. [laughing] I doubt I’ll get much time at center."

Moreland sounded optimistic about the additions of Shin-Soo Choo and Fielder, noting that he played against Fielder a little bit in college and that he has been greatly impressed with how much Prince has accomplished in his career so far. He said it’s ‘definitely weird’ not having Ian Kinsler in the locker room, calling the current Tigers’ second baseman ‘irreplaceable.’

Last season, Moreland played in 147 games, and had a great first half before going on the disabled list with a pulled hamstring. He under-performed upon his return and ended 2013 with a .232/.299/.437 slash line with a career high 23 home runs and 60 RBI.