Major League Baseball

Rangers manager: Center field is Borbon's to lose

Published Feb. 28, 2010 12:45 p.m. ET

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Texas Rangers manager Ron Washington said the center field and leadoff starting jobs are Julio Borbon's to lose.

``For me, Borbon is in the same position that (shortstop) Elvis Andrus was last year,'' Washington said Sunday. ``It's up to us to keep him relaxed and let him be who he is.''

Borbon made his debut with the Rangers last season as a substitute for an injured Josh Hamilton and hit .312 in 46 games. The 23-year-old entered this spring as the leading candidate to replace Marlon Byrd, who signed with the Chicago Cubs in the offseason.

``We miss Marlon but we're getting something in there to pick it up,'' Washington said.

One distinct difference in the way Borbon will be used is that Washington plans to play Borbon every day, versus both right-handers and left-handers. Last season, Borbon was a meager 2-for-15 against lefties in the limited opportunities he was given.

``I feel comfortable against lefties,'' Borbon said. ``I've never had any doubts hitting versus righties or lefties. It's a matter of coming back out and doing it consistently.''

Flanked by Nelson Cruz and Josh Hamilton, with David Murphy and Vladimir Guerrero also present, Borbon will have considerable help to rely on if needed.

``There are going to be days when things may not go right but he's a young kid who wants to learn,'' Washington said. ``He has a support group.''

NOTES: Rain washed out the scheduled workouts as well as the team's ``Fan Fest'' scheduled in conjunction with their Surprise Recreation Complex neighbors, the Kansas City Royals. Pitchers slated to throw live batting practice instead threw in the cages, hitters also moved into the cages and fielding drills were canceled. ... On Monday, the Rangers play the first of two intrasquad games on the main practice field. Washington said Monday's game will last eight innings and Tuesday's ``five or six. It's all for the pitchers.'' ... RHP Warner Madrigal has not thrown since feeling tightness in his right forearm on Friday. ... LHP Derek Holland emerged from Saturday's lengthy bullpen session without any pain in his right knee, which he sprained on Feb. 20. ... RHP Omar Poveda will have Tommy John ligament replacement surgery on Wednesday.

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