Projecting the Rangers 2013 opening day roster

Here is an early prediction of what could be the Texas Rangers 2013 opening day roster:

Starting lineup:

1. Ian Kinsler, 2B
2. Michael Young, 1B
3. Justin Upton, RF
4. Adrian Beltre, 3B
5. David Murphy, LF
6. Nelson Cruz, DH
7. Mike Napoli, C
8. Jurickson Profar, SS
9. Craig Gentry, CF

Bench:

BE: Mitch Moreland

BE: Mike Olt

BE: Leonys Martin

BE: Geovany Soto

Starting Rotation:

SP: Yu Darvish

SP: Matt Harrison

SP: Derek Holland

SP: Alexi Ogando

SP: Martin Perez

Bullpen

CL: Joe Nathan

SU: Jason Grilli

SU: Koji Uehara

RP: Robbie Ross

RP: Tanner Scheppers

RP: Michael Kirkman

RP: Wilmer Font

Some notes:

Upton: Here early there are a lot of discussions about the Rangers and Rays being the favorites to involve themselves in a trade for the former MVP candidate. Obviously, Elvis Andrus is missing from the lineup. I’m predicting that, no matter what Jon Daniels is saying now, that the team will work a deal for him. This will provide the team with an opportunity to move Profar to the starting lineup. Also, Upton gives the Rangers the perfect 3-hole candidate for the starting lineup. Assuming Josh Hamilton does not return, who fills that hole? Cruz? Murphy? Young?

Still no “ace”?: The Rangers are in deep discussions for a chance at landing top free agent pitcher Zack Greinke, but I don’t think the team has what Greinke wants. I think the biggest downside for the Greinke signing is The Ballpark in Arlington. Greinke also enjoyed his time in LA, so I think the Angels and Dodgers will make larger offers and he will accept one of those. I’m predicting that the Rangers don’t make a big move to sign an prototypical ace.

Perez as the fifth starter: The Rangers, after not signing an ace, will focus on preparing Perez to be a major league starter during spring training. Obviously, starting him late in the 2012 season did not pan out, but he is still the No. 3 prospect in the organization. With time to prepare, I think Perez will be an excellent option as the fifth starter.

Napoli re-signed: I think the Rangers will work a deal for Napoli for 2013. He’s the best option for the team at catcher, especially if they trade for Upton. Some people are talking about a trade to the Blue Jays, but I don’t see that being an option if they shop Andrus to Arizona. If they can work out a way to get Travis d’Arnaud or J.P. Arencibia without giving up too much, they will work on that deal.

This is a very early prediction, as the GMs are just beginning to discuss potential trades. Only time will tell.

What do you think about my predictions? Who’s missing? Where did I mess up?