SURPRISE, Ariz. – It's been a miserable week for outfielder David Dellucci.
He's still not sure if his 29 home runs and .367 on-base percentage last year are enough to keep him in the leadoff spot in the Rangers' lineup. Actually, he's not even sure it's enough to keep him in the lineup. And, according to two major league sources, he's not such a sure thing for the roster either. The sources said the Rangers have been discussing trading Dellucci with teams.
Rangers general manager Jon Daniels said he's continuing to talk to other GMs about any manner of moves but has no advanced conversations with clubs.
With the outfield and the batting order unsettled a week before the season opener, Dellucci acknowledged being frustrated Sunday. He suggested that the frustration is having an impact on his performance at the plate. Dellucci is just 2-for-12 this week with six strikeouts in his last 10 at-bats.
"I'm pressing," he said after getting a hit in four at-bats in the Rangers' 4-3 win over Milwaukee on Sunday. "I'm trying to win a spot as the leadoff hitter on this team. That's all I really can say."
There isn't much to say about the Rangers' outfield right now, mostly because there is little known.
Dellucci could be nudged out of the leadoff spot by off-season acquisition Brad Wilkerson, but Wilkerson's health is in question. After an MRI, Wilkerson, who has missed the last four games with right shoulder soreness, received a cortisone injection Sunday and isn't expected to play again until Wednesday at the earliest.
Wilkerson would play center if Laynce Nix or Gary Matthews aren't on the opening day roster. If one, or both, are on the roster, Wilkerson could slide to left, diminishing Dellucci's playing time.