2K14: Jurickson Profar

[onejayhawk]

There is not a lot that needs to be said about one of the best prospect is baseball. Considered the equal of Manny Machado, he still is not guaranteed to start with the big club because of three All Star grade players already in Arlington: 2B Ian Kinsler, 3B Adrian Beltre, SS Elvis Andrus. It is also important to note that all three are defensive plusses, with Beltre and Andrus a cut or two above that. Profar, a MI all the way up, has no position to play, unless a veteran is moved.

Here are some questions that I would like to see answered:

1) Will he start with the Rangers or at AAA? Ranger brass say (see below) that he and Olt will go where the playing time is. Does the answer depend on training camp?
2) If someone moves, it will likely be Kinsler, who could slide to 1B or LF. How likely is that?
3) What should we make of the Berkmann signing? He and Moreland seem to cover 1B or DH. Any of several players, including Kinsler could spell them against LHP, not to mention Murphy in LF.
4) For fantasy purposes, what position will Profar start, based on his minor league appearances?
5) How does Olt fit into the picture. Olt is Beltre's eventual replacement. Unfortunately for him, Beltre is working hard on a HoF resume.

http://www.hardballtimes.com/main/article/jurickson-profar-to-begin-season-in-minors/

J

[Moonlight J]

1) minors. With a guy like him, you give him the everyday PA rather than ride the bench
2) Kinsler would have to move
3) Neither can hit RH well so it's an odd platoon situation
4) SS only
5) I think Olt is traded for pitching eventually.

[onejayhawk]

3) Neither can hit RH well so it's an odd platoon situation

Hence my saying that they covered 1B and DH, rather than platoon. It seems to block Kinsler from moving to 1B.

Berkman could do some time in RF, I suppose. Cruz is a RHB, who is chronically hurt. LF has another LHB, while CF could be a platoon. In any event, there are a large number of big platoon differentials running around, and you add Berkman to the list. The signing just seems odd.

J

[Grinch]

Hence my saying that they covered 1B and DH, rather than platoon. It seems to block Kinsler from moving to 1B.

Berkman could do some time in RF, I suppose. Cruz is a RHB, who is chronically hurt. LF has another LHB, while CF could be a platoon. In any event, there are a large number of big platoon differentials running around, and you add Berkman to the list. The signing just seems odd.


J

Personally I do not see Berkman anywhere other than DH

[onejayhawk]

Personally I do not see Berkman anywhere other than DH

At first choice, sure. But in 2011 he still had marginal range in the OF. Then he got hurt. It remains to be seen if that is close to true now. In any event, I could see him betting time in the OF if, when, Cruz is on DL, especially if they have a ballhawk in CF.

J

[DMT]

From CBS

Rangers general manager Jon Daniels said during the press conference to introduce Lance Berkman on Monday that Ian Kinsler will remain at second base in 2013. Mitch Moreland will serve as the team's first baseman with prospect Jurickson Profar likely beginning the year at Triple-A. There had been rumors during the offseason that Kinsler might change positions so Profar could play second base for Texas.

[BigJonEmpire]

From CBS

Rangers general manager Jon Daniels said during the press conference to introduce Lance Berkman on Monday that Ian Kinsler will remain at second base in 2013. Mitch Moreland will serve as the team's first baseman with prospect Jurickson Profar likely beginning the year at Triple-A. There had been rumors during the offseason that Kinsler might change positions so Profar could play second base for Texas.

I had a feeling this would be the case. I don't think Olt will be on the 25-man either.

[Sour Masher]

I think he can be Pedroia level productive. Probably a few less steals. But everything else.

[onejayhawk]

Kinsler now up. This is posted on Yahoo. Nothing current.

Jurickson Profar went 3-for-5 with an RBI double in the Rangers' loss to the Indians on Wednesday.

Advice: It was good timing for the 20-year-old, as his average had dropped to .269 before Wednesday's game, leaving some to speculate he'd again be demoted when Ian Kinsler returns from the disabled list. There's still a chance that happens, but it was reported earlier in the day that the Rangers were discussing the possibility of keeping him around as a utility infielder. The three-hit night makes his case that much stronger once Kinsler does return.
(Rotoworld.com)

J

[virgonomic]

Multiple sources reporting that he's been shagging flies. He may become a super-sub.

[Grinch]

Multiple sources reporting that he's been shagging flies. He may become a super-sub.

Played 3B today.....

[bryanbutler]

per rotoworld:

Rangers manager Ron Washington said Monday that the club plans to make Jurickson Profar a "functional left fielder."
While the Rangers were initially expected to send Profar down the minors upon Ian Kinsler's return, they now think they can manage to get him enough at-bats by adding the outfield to his resume. For what it's worth, Anthony Andro of FOX Sports Southwest speculates that he could be game-ready for left field within 7-10 days.
Source: Anthony Andro on Twitter

[virgonomic]

Another owner is trying to steal him from me in a trade. He says he expects Profar to be traded to Miami (Stanton) or TB (Price) and not contribute until 2015.

I have him as a keeper at $1 for 2014 only. I just made 2 big trades and probably still can't finish in first, so figure I am better off holding him for next year. Where/what do you expect from him in 2014?

[Don Quixote]

Another owner is trying to steal him from me in a trade. He says he expects Profar to be traded to Miami (Stanton) or TB (Price) and not contribute until 2015.

I have him as a keeper at $1 for 2014 only. I just made 2 big trades and probably still can't finish in first, so figure I am better off holding him for next year. Where/what do you expect from him in 2014?

I'm hardly an expert on Rangers matters, but I expect him to be a full-timer next year with Texas.

It's just a question of where he'll play. Andrus is signed through 2022, Kinsler through 2017, and Beltre through 2015, all with options for another year. I can see them moving Kinsler to 1B or DH and playing Profar at 2B. I can also see them moving Profar to the outfield, where the only long-term contract I know of is Martin (2015). I believe Moreland and Gentry are in their arb years, and Cruz is a free agent at the end of the year.

Oh, one point in Profar's favor--I don't own him in any of my leagues.

[Jefe]

Based on the sticky, is the intent now to extend 2k13 threads into 2k14 instead of starting new ones?

If so, I'd love to hear some opinions on Profar for this year.