Decision Day Comes for Roster Protection

The MLB winter meetings last year proved to be pivotal for the Texas Rangers, as they made the sly move of stealing an unprotected minor-league infielder by the name of Delino DeShields from the Houston Astros in the Rule 5 draft, paying a mere $10,000 for him.

Of course, DeShields ended up becoming the Rangers' leadoff man and everyday center fielder, so that was definitely a win. However, what was often forgotten was the fact the Rangers lost Odubel Herrera in the same fashion to Philadelphia, and he ended up as a key piece of the Phillies roster and is a key piece of their future.

So, you win some, and you lose some. On Friday, the Rangers have to make the decision on their 40-man roster make-up leading into the winter meetings in a couple of weeks and the subsequent Rule 5 draft. If a player is on the 40-man, he can't be selected in the Rule 5 draft.

So who do the Rangers have to protect to not lose another Herrera or their own version of DeShields? Well, it all comes down to minor-league service time, so some of the newer guys to the system are safe. However, there's one obvious candidate for inclusion on the 40-man that isn't, and that's outfield prospect Nomar Mazara.

Mazara is as much of a sure thing as you can be as a prospect, as he jumped from Double-A to Triple-A for the final month of the season a year ago and never slowed down in terms of productions. He's a future star and the Rangers won't let him get away.

It'll be interesting to see who else is included, and who the Rangers target anyone in the Rule 5 draft. You never know, they might end up with another everyday player.

Copyright FREEL - NBC Local Media
Contact Us