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Old 10-09-2015, 10:01 AM   #34
Murphy3
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-Gallo is a top 10 prospect. He could still use some seasoning in the minors. He'll almost certainly start the season in AAA next year.
-Williams was moved in the Cole Hamels trade. He's one of the top prospects in baseball.
-Mazara is considered by some to be the best pure hitter in the minors. He will be ready to take the next step to the majors next year but will probably stay in the minors simply because there's nowhere to put him. He'll be in AAA to start the season next year. Mazara started the season as a 19 year old. He did not struggle at AA or AAA. Not at all. He's the player I'm most excited about because he's the future best hitter on the Rangers team. He's the kind of guy that could eventually win batting titles.
-Cordell - moved up to AA and struggled for the first time in his professional career. He'll start the season in AA next year.
-Guzman - He had a bit of a bounce back year after a rough 2014. He'll start the season in High A probably although there is an outside chance of him starting the season in AA (very, very slim chance). He's still at least 2 years away.
-Rua - He had a lost season due to injuries. Unfortunately, his injuries will probably keep from him ever getting a good shot here in Texas. Hamilton will be the starting Left Fielder. If he's injured (which he will), Mazara may be the guy to replace him next year with a call-up. Rua might stick as a guy that can play multiple positions.. OF, 2nd, 3rd, and 1B
-Moreland - He's probably your starting 1st baseman next year although you might see him platoon with:
-Napoli - He was brought in late in the season. I can see him back playing some first, left field, and DHing from time to time next season. The Rangers need right handed bats that hit lefties. Napoli fits the bill.
-Hamilton - He'll be the starting LFer going into the season unless there's some type of relapse or he's found dead in a ditch from an overdose. He's injury prone so that'll give other guys plenty of playing time.
-Deshields - He's the starting CFer going into the season next year. He has taken that from Leonys Martin. Martin is vastly superior defensively, but Deshields gets on base. You need that at the top of your order.
-Martin - Maybe Martin will stick as a 4th outfielder. His arm is absolutely electric and plays well from any outfield spot.
-Choo - He's your rightfielder going forward for the next few years. He was perhaps the best offensive player in the league the second half of the season. After the All Star game, he had a .343 Avg, .455 OBP, 1.016 OPS with 30 extra base hits. When he's going good, he walks a ton and works pitchers. He hits the ball with some authority... just a tremendous guy to have towards the top of the order when he's on. He's also another guy that could sit from time to time versus certain lefties.
-Fielder - your DH of the future. He had a great bounce back year but did fade the second half of the season.
-Blanks - I don't know what to expect out of the guy. He produced when healthy, but health has always been an issue. He had surgery on both achilles... The Rangers could use a right handed bat. I don't know if he's the guy or not, but I could see him getting a look in Spring Training.

To further cloudy the waters, the Rangers future CFer is probably Lewis Brinson.
-Brinson is another top prospect that really came into his own this year. He spent time at High A, AA, and AAA. He hit at every level. He has become more patient and has cut down on his strikeouts the past couple of years without losing power. He has a legitimate 20 HR bat. He hit .332 in the minors this year.. stole 18 bases.. and is likely a plus centerfielder. He is a five tool player. I mentioned him not because he's a future corner outfielder or corner infielder. He's mentioned because he'll likely push Deshields to one of the corners or to the trading block. Brinson looks like he could play in the majors as a September call up next year or to start the year in 2017 if he continues to hit.

And, Jurickson Profar is healthy.. Where does he play?
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