I wrote a couple weeks ago that the Rangers shouldn’t – and weren’t – giving up on Jurickson Profar. Then he promptly went out and proved why.
Profar, baseball’s top prospect in 2013 before a shoulder injury derailed his ascension the past two years, furthered his comeback with an impressive showing in the Arizona Fall League. Profar, still only 22, was so impressive that he landed a spot on the AFL’s All-Star team selected by MLBPipeline.com.
Further stoking the fires of the Rangers’ future, outfielder Lewis Brinson also was named to the team.
It’s obviously not the majors and it’s dangerous to give accolades and make plans after merely a six-week league. But for Profar it’s a major step in the right direction. Still limited to DH because of the shoulder, he hit .267 as a switch-hitter and led the league with 20 RBI. He still has a ways to go in his recovery and must prove he can throw during Spring Training. But it’s good to know Profar’s bat and power are still there.
Brinson, the Rangers’ No. 4 overall prospect, made quite an impression despite playing in only 11 games in Arizona. The 21-year-old outfielder hit .300 with six extra-base hits and five stolen bases. Joey Gallo and Nomar Mazara are considered above Brinson on the Rangers’ prospects chart, but there were times in the AFL when he appeared to be the best player on the field.
A native Texan who was born in Duncanville and graduated from UT-Arlington, Richie Whitt has been a mainstay in the Metroplex media since 1986. He’s held prominent roles on all media platforms including newspaper (Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Dallas Observer), radio (105.3 The Fan) and TV (co-host on TXA 21 and numerous guest appearances, including NBC 5). He lives in McKinney with his wife, Sybil, and two very spoiled dogs.
