Justin Upton Rumors, and More

Today we reached the 10-day mark since the 2012 season officially ended, meaning teams have already sent out their qualifying offers and free agency has already (technically) begun. Although we’re likely not going to hear much in the way of free agents choosing new destinations until sometime after the winter meetings at the start of next month, there are certainly rumors being bandied about in this very infantile stage.

Last night USA Today’s Bob Nightengale floated out some Justin Upton/Elvis Andrus trade banter, as well as Fox’s Ken Rosenthal the other night.

/Associated Press

What’s interesting about Nightengale’s article is that he states the Diamondbacks covet one of the two Rangers shortstops, Elvis Andrus and Jurickson Profar, and that the Rangers (at least right now) are reluctant to deal even Andrus. Since we’re so early in the process, it makes sense for each side to posture, as the Rangers don’t want the perception to be that Elvis Andrus is available, and the Diamondbacks don’t want to move Upton unless they receive what it really is they are looking for. It keeps each player’s value high.

The other day I wrote just how much sense this makes for the Rangers, and will not be surprised when new information starts leaking out. Arizona is reportedly also willing to shop star 21 year-old pitching prospect Trevor Bauer, so a super-trade between the two organizations could certainly be in the works.

In other news, the Rangers made a trade with Kansas City today, netting 31 year-old minor league pitcher Tommy Hottovy for a player to be named and cash considerations. Hottovy put together a pretty nice AAA campaign last season, striking out 61 in 50 innings and holding an ERA of 2.52. Because of his age he doesn’t figure to be in the plans too deeply in 2013, but with the Rangers relatively thin on left-handed relief pitching, it doesn’t hurt to add a little depth. With the move, Texas is now at a full 40-man roster.

The offseason can certainly feel like grasping for straws at times, but it’s hard not to be excited for all the potential this one holds.