Quote (Profar @ Feb 17 2017 06:06pm)
Then why are you speculating on something you don't have a lot of info about lol?
Hmm. Is Evan Grant, probably the Rangers biggest beat writer a good enough source?
Seems to be saying the exact same thing I said.
Quote (http://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/rangers-joey-gallo-likely-headed-to-triple-a/)
Rangers' Joey Gallo: Likely headed to Triple-A
Gallo will have a chance this spring to join the Rangers' left field mix, but will most likely open the year at Triple-A, playing third base, first base and left field, the Dallas Morning News' Evan Grant reports.
The signing of Mike Napoli moves Jurickson Profar from first base to left field, and Ryan Rua is a natural platoon partner for Profar, so Gallo is likely ticketed for Round Rock. Everyone knows Gallo's strengths (elite raw power) and weaknesses (major swing and miss issues) at this point. If he can cut down on the strikeouts, either in spring training or at Triple-A, there should be opportunities for him to see at-bats against righties in the majors at some point this season. He suffered a strained hamstring in late October during winter ball, but the injury was only expected to require six weeks to recover, so he should be fully healthy.
Quote (http://sportsday.dallasnews.com/texas-rangers/rangers/2017/02/16/mike-napoli-ripple-effects-profar-outfield-gallo-minors-josh-hamilton-conundrum)
Mike Napoli ripple effects: Profar to the outfield, Gallo to the minors and the Josh Hamilton conundrum
SURPRISE, Ariz. - With the signing of Mike Napoli Thursday to be the Rangers primary first baseman, there will be ripple effects throughout the roster.
Here’s a look at how players will likely be impacted:
Shin-Soo Choo will be the primary DH
The Rangers value Choo’s offense far above what he brings on defense and will take steps to keep him as healthy as possible.
Last year, Choo was limited to 45 games by a fractured wrist and multiple soft-tissue injuries. As he approaches his 35th birthday, there is more concern that constantly tracking balls increases the possibility of muscle strains. The Napoli signing allows the Rangers more ability to protect Choo by shifting Ryan Rua and Jurickson Profar to more outfield responsibilities.
“Our offense goes when he goes,” GM Jon Daniels said. “Choo is one of the guys who brings balance. We need that in our lineup as much as possible. It will work out how it works out.”
Choo said last month that he did not want to move into a full-time DH role and Thursday echoed that sentiment. He also said that he is not overly concerned about how the at-bats will be divided.
“I’m not even thinking about the situation,” he said. “We just started spring training. I know we will try a lot of different things, playing DH, playing the outfield; hitting first, hitting second. We’ll see how we make the team at the end of spring training. I’m not really ready to DH full-time. I love to play every day. Whatever makes the team better, that’s how I’ve always done it.”
Jurickson Profar is now primarily an outfielder
Rangers manager Jeff Banister praised the versatility of Profar and Rua, but said they could “focus more on concentrated effort to compete in left field as a primary spot.”
The duo could comprise a platoon with Rua vs. lefties and Profar vs. right-handers. It would also create another avenue to increase Profar’s at-bats, perhaps giving him 2-3 starts per week in the outfield and 2-3 more in the infield. Profar will play left field for The Netherlands in the World Baseball Classic. Profar started eight games in left field last year and four games in 2013.
“I think I did a good job in left field,” he said. “The ground balls and the fly balls are the same on that side of the infield to what I am used to at shortstop. I’m just going to be ready to play. What I want to do is play every day.”
A year ago, Profar said he planned to be an everyday shortstop in 2017, but acknowledged Thursday that his main desire is to simply get on the field more regularly.
Josh Hamilton’s path to the roster became a little more complicated
Hamilton, trying to make the club as a non-roster player, has made first base his primary goal to keep his injury-ravaged body healthier. With Napoli as the primary first baseman, there could be limited at-bats at the position. He could also play some left.
For Hamilton, though, it’s not the position that matters. It’s health first and then offensive production. If he hits, the Rangers will find a roster spot.
“The biggest thing about my spring is going to be my bat,” said Hamilton, who has had 10 surgeries on his knees, including a complete reconstruction last season. “I think there is a lot left in the tank, a whole lot. I’ve spent time with [hitting instructors Anthony] Iapoce and [Justin] Mashore and they understand me and where I need to be. And they really get the mental aspect of it for me. I’ve got a good feeling about doing some of the same things I used to do.”
Joey Gallo’s minor league ticket is all but certain
Gallo had hoped to compete for the first base job, but the signing blocks him as being anything more than a bench option there. He needs more regular at-bats.
There may still be a path, though it is narrow. Banister and Daniels indicated Gallo will work more at third base and in left field. A big spring at the plate could make him part of the conversation for a left field platoon. Gallo, however, spent most of his offseason work on first base drills. While third base is natural for him, he will have to do some cramming on left field. But, as with Hamilton, it’s more about offensive production with him.
“I’m in the same situation as a lot of us are,” Gallo said. “We want to play, but the team wants to win the World Series [this year]. I want to do what I can to be a part of solving that puzzle. I’m not really worried about anything. Hopefully at some point, I’ll get major league at-bats this season and be able to learn more up there. There is only so much you can learn at Triple-A.”**
E: Idunno who your insiders are that are pumping out the info that is opposite to this, but maybe they are the shitty sources lmao
This post was edited by xVitality on Feb 17 2017 05:47pm