Rangers Trade Fan Favorite Craig “Kitten Face” Gentry

Today the Rangers have traded Craig Gentry and Josh Lindblom to the Oakland Athletics for Michael Choice (outfielder) and Chris Bostick (infielder). Barring another trade or acquisition, Michael Choice will be in the mix for the Texas Rangers starting left fielder job come spring.

Jul 30, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers center fielder Craig Gentry (23) makes a diving catch during the third inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Lindblom was up and down for the Rangers last season, sometimes spot starting and sometimes pitching out of the pen. Fans never really caught on to the pitcher that came to the Texas Rangers in the Michael Young trade. He just never really established a role for himself.

Craig Gentry, on the other hand, was a fan favorite who had a lot of speed and a pretty decent arm. His speed on the base paths was a very nice commodity for the Texas Rangers. He was also a good teammate and he was very liked in the community. I had him slated as the Rangers everyday left fielder going I to the 2014 season.

Choice is a very high prospect, and he had a pretty good line in AAA ball last season (.302/.390/.445, 14 HR 89 RBI). It will be interesting to see if the Rangers plan on going with him or if there is another move coming quickly to sure up the outfield. If Choice is slated to be the starter, I guess that means that the Texas Rangers feel Engel Beltre is ready to be the fourth outfielder on this team.

I always hate seeing one of my favorite players go to a division rival, and this case is no different. Choice is a local kid and I think he is legitimately excited about playing for Texas. I hope this trade works out, because I am not looking forward to seeing Craig Gentry’s speed on the base paths in an Oakland uniform. Only time will tell.