The talk is picking up in recent days that Texas Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus is being shopped around the league and is garnering some serious interest from big-spending clubs like the Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Yankees, who are looking to replace some guy at shortstop.
An Andrus trade would make sense for the Rangers because they have a wealth of middle infield talent that is young, cheap and controllable for years to come in the form of Rougned Odor, Jurickson Profar and even Luis Sardinas. Odor is the most proven of that bunch, though, and he's not even all that proven.
While a trade would make sense, it would come at a price — good or bad. Depending on how you see the current Rangers culture, you'd either be a big fan of the deal or hate it because make no mistake, if Andrus goes away it would change the dynamic in the clubhouse, for sure.
Even though some fans might scoff at the idea, Andrus is a leader of the team — on the field and in the clubhouse. Depending on your views, you think that's awesome or really bad, but he's a leader nonetheless. He and Adrian Beltre's schtick can get a bit annoying at times. As much as we love Beltre and his carefree approach to the game, you never doubt his seriousness when it comes to business time. Sometimes, Andrus gives reason for pause in that department.
When the Rangers inked Andrus to his long-term deal in April 2013, they did so thinking he'd be the cornerstone of their franchise for the next 15 years and to prevent him from ending up as Derek Jeter's replacement in New York. Now, they might facilitate that.
What do you think? Would Andrus' departure be a good, fresh start for the Rangers, or would it kill the culture that was a winning one until 2014?
