Texas Rangers manager was quick to put a stop to any thought of relaxation or resting on laurels for 20-year-old prospect Jurickson Profar.
Profar, who will turn 21 in February, served in a super-utility role in 2013, will seemingly get his shot to be an everyday second baseman after the Rangers dealt Ian Kinsler to Detroit for Prince Fielder on Wednesday night.
But the job won't be handed to the youngster.
"He’s a guy we like," Daniels told ESPN Dallas Wednesday night. "We like his potential and what he can bring to the table. He’s a guy we would like to see claim the job, but he's going to have to do that.
"We may bring in some competition for him and guys to push him, and he’s got some guys behind him that will push him."
Now, it all makes sense as to why the Rangers signed the well-traveled Adam Rosales to a one-year deal for 2014, as he'll likely take Profar's old role of being the do-it-all backup infielder, with the ability to play all four infield positions.
Texas has two more stud middle infield prospects in Double-A in Luis Sardinas and Rougned Odor, though neither is expected to be ready for the bigs until 2015 at the earliest, and the Rangers could still be making more moves this winter.
Profar has fared well in the Dominican winter league this offseason, swinging a good bat as one of the league's top hitters, and Daniels hopes that can carry over into 2014.
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"But there's no entitlement," Daniels said. "He’ll have to come in and win the job."
