Hank

Blalock

Blalock, who is in a 1-for-25 slump, has hit only .100 against left-handed pitching this month. Manny Alexander took his place at third and went 1-for-3. Blalock should return to the starting lineup tonight against Blue Jays’ right-hander Miguel Batista.

Blalock, who snapped an 0-for-23 skid with a single last night against the White Sox, continues to work with Rangers’ hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo to find the reason for his recent troubles.

Manager Buck Showalter wants his third baseman to stay above .300, and might give him the day off. Then again, Blalock would have to go 0-for-4 to end up at .299, so Showalter could always pull him if he starts the game 0-for-3.

This doesn’t come as a surprise, but it’s nice to have confirmation. Herbert Perry, who would have platooned with Blalock last year had he not gotten hurt, will probably get starts at DH against lefties, replacing Brad Fullmer.

Blalock would have made somewhere around $1 million over the next two years, so the Rangers are buying out his arbitration years for $14 million. Looks like a smart move to us. If Blalock stays healthy and becomes the All-Star that we believe he’ll be, he probably would have made $20 million-$25 million during his arbitration years.

He has started every game for the Rangers this season, but will likely sit out Wednesday’s game against the Royals and left-handed starter Jimmy Gobble. Herbert Perry, who is now able to throw without any difficulties, will take Blalock’s place.

He is hitting only .151 since the All-Star break and according to one AL scout “it looks like he’s swinging a 50-pound bat”. Blalock is the only Texas player to appear in every game this season.

Blalock, who has been struggling since the All-Star break, may need a few days to recover from the shot.

He has four home runs in five games. Maybe this is the tear we’ve been waiting for.

Blalock was hitting sixth against a left-hander again tonight. Before Phil Nevin arrived, he had been batting cleanup no matter who was pitching.