ARLINGTON, Texas -- Texas Rangers manager Ron Washington has already penciled in the newly-acquired Prince Fiedler as the team's No. 3 hitter.
The task of replacing leadoff hitter Ian Kinsler, who was traded to Detroit for Fielder, will go to Leonys Martin for now.
"We'll probably try to get Martin to do it and we'll work with him in spring training," Washington said. "We pushed him up there a little bit last year and I think he's a little bit more mature and more experienced. I think we can try and talk to him and mold him into what we would like to see in a leadoff hitter. Last year we had to let him go and see what he could do."
Martin started 31 games from the leadoff spot and had an on-base percentage of just .301. The only other option currently on the roster is Elvis Andrus. Andrus made 25 starts from the No. 1 spot but his on-base percentage was just .299.
Washington doesn't want to try Andrus there because he's too valuable as the team's No. 2 hitter.
"I live Elvis in the No. 2 hole so we'll try to work with that and see," Washington said. "You never know what will happen. We may make more moves and Jon (Daniels) may get me a leadoff guy. But as of right now, we'll see what Martin can do there."
