Dominican Winter League – Texas Rangers update (Oct 24)

Sep 26, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers second baseman

(13) hits a walk off home run during the ninth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Dominican ball started back on October 18 and both Jurickson Profar and Engel Beltre have both managed to see some game time.  The Texas Rangers used both young prospects during the 2013 season, more of Profar than Beltre.  We saw Beltre mainly to fill the holes due to injuries.

Profar, who was rated the number one overall prospect, was called up by the Texas Rangers back in May 2013 played well throughout the 2013 season.

Profar appeared in 85 games and bounced around the infield and also played in the outfield.  He didn’t have a stellar year, probably more of a below average.   He only batted an average .234 and 6 home runs. Hopefully he’ll find his stride and bring that back to the Rangers in the 2014 season.

So far in the Dominican Winter League, Profar has done quite well.  Profar after 5 games (over 22 at-bats) leads the league in batting with a .545 batting average, 9 runs, 12 hits, 2 doubles, 2 home run, 2 RBI, 5 walks and only 2 strikeouts.  This is a lot better than he did in the majors, but he was pretty green back in May, and was not seeing regular playing time.

The Texas Rangers hope with the extra at-bats, it will help with his plate discipline and bring up his batting average.

In Profar’s last game on Oct 24, Profar went 1 for 3 with 1 run and 2 walks, which is similar to what he’s done in the other 4 games this season.

It does help Profar that he’s only seen one pro pitcher so far this season in winter ball, but if he can remain hot, he’ll get those hits not matter who is pitching.  He has a good eye, he just needs to get at-bats under his belt.

If Profar does keep this up, this will help drive up his trade value.  John Daniels had several offers during the 2013 year for the young Ranger.  Over and over he turned them down, but it seems now that could change.

“If helps us get better and win, then yeah, and I think we’d consider trading somebody.  If it doesn’t, we’re not going to force it.  There are a lot worse problems than having too many good players for a position.”  said John Daniels (The Ben and Skin Show)

Also, from Twitter there are a couple of comments about a possibly trading Profar.  For example from T.R. Sullvan via Adam Morris.

My opinion is you keep Profar. If he continues to develop, he’ll be a stellar future Texas Ranger.

Engel Beltre, Neftali Feliz and Leonys Martin haven’t played yet in the Dominican Winter League.

I would expect to see them play at least some during the season.  Feliz missed a majority of the season due to Tommy John surgery should see quite a bit of work.  He’ll need something to prepare him for the 2014 season.  I would expect Leonys Martin to get some playing time starting in December.