Spring Surprise Still Making Case for Texas Rangers Roster Spot
Veteran outfielder Clint Frazier started Spring Training on a high note, hitting .316 with an OPS of .876 through his first six games. Texas Rangers manager Bruce Bochy gave Frazier an abundance of at-bats (second most in the first week next to Ezequiel Duran).
After that first week, Frazier talked about his success and whether he liked where he was.
"You can't predict what's going to happen, but you can be satisfied of what's happened so far, and I'm content [and] happy," Frazier said. "I'm still trying to do a lot more and accomplish a lot more in this short amount of time just to show the guys what I've got is still in there and capable of coming out."
In the past week, Frazier has gone slightly cold at the plate. Since March 6, Frazier is 1-for-11 with five strikeouts in three starts. Despite the struggles on the stat sheet, Frazier said the spring is about making solid contact regardless of the result.
"Nowadays, that seems to be what they want you to do is hit the ball hard," Frazier said." There's only one of me and nine of them to catch it, so the odds are not in your favor even though there's a ton of grass and dirt out there that seems to make it a lot easier than it is."
The key for Frazier is to create an impulsive mindset so that he focuses entirely on the pitcher and the ball, not what he's doing in the batters' box.
Frazier has easily integrated himself into the Rangers clubhouse, a group that is one of the better atmospheres he's been a part of.
"Winning is on the forefront on everyone's mind," Frazier said. "With winning comes things that people need to do right and at the right time to accomplish the right things. I think everyone is able to come here and have a work-first environment but have fun while you're working."
Bochy is appreciative of Frazier's upbeat attitude and humbleness.
"He's loose, free-spirited, has a lot of fun playing and a lot of fun competing," Bochy said. "It looks like he's worked hard to get a chance to get back to the Major Leagues. He's got a sense of humor and having fun with this, but he's appreciative with his time with us."
Frazier is in competition for left field with Duran, Robbie Grossman, Josh Smith, Brad Miller and Travis Jankowski. As for what he needs to do during these final two weeks in spring, Frazier is clear.
"Hit the ball hard and make Bruce and the rest of those guys wonder what's to come every time I come to the plate," he said.
Since Frazier is not on the 40-man roster, the Rangers would need to move a player to make room. And if he performs as he did early in spring training, the team may have no choice.
You can find Alex Plinck on Twitter @aplinckTX.
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