cheapskate

Things they DO need: SS | 3B | real SP’s

They’re not going to trade for Kinsler, although he’s a nice player, because that’s not what they need. They already have one of the top second basemen in the league. The idea of trading Upton is that they can still be pretty solid in the outfield and they can get better in another position. They’re not going to get worse in the OF so they can have an extra guy that doesn’t really fit in anywhere.

Reflex: Via my eyes and supported by the metrics – Andrus is above average to very good in the D department – and at 24, likely to continue to improve – not to mention a top of the order caliber hitter with significant playoff experience. And while he’ll probably never be a 30 HR hitter like JUpton, I believe he could develop some additional power in the 10-20 HR range.

Having said all that, I can’t believe the Rangers would trade Profar under too many scenarios, and certainly none that doesn’t involve a Matt Harvey/Matt Barnes level pitching prospect – so the Rangers are likely playing chicken until they get a better idea of how the trade market will shake out. That, or they are making it clear they expect pitching in return for Andrus. OR, they won’t trade either because one or the other is ticketed for the OF.

From an organizational standpoint, it probably makes most sense for the Rangers to hold on to both players. Give Profar the SS job and keep Andrus tucked away in OF in case Profar struggles mightily. If Profar performs well and Andrus is showing that he’s adept at adapting to OF, then win/win. Hamilton has been very streaky – especially this year.

All of those scenarios are likely on the table at this point.

And to the cheaper point, do you think that he’s going to be cheaper in 2 years? I don’t. Upton signed his contract when the team still had years of control. Andrus is going to be a free agent when he signs his next contract.

I semi-agree with Reflex. Andrus is a below average to average hitter. I think that he has a very good glove, however. If I’m the Rangers I would love to go forward with Profar/Upton because both of those guys are young and very good.

Profar/Upton is likely very similar to Andrus/Hamilton over the next few years, but younger and with potentially higher upside.