For a young middle infielder in the Texas Rangers' organization, there's not much higher praise than what 20-year-old prospect Rougned Odor received on Wednesday.
Former Ranger great Michael Young, the all-time leader in several offensive categories and games played for the Rangers, spent a lot of years roaming the middle infield for the Rangers as both a second baseman and shortstop, and he had some pretty big words of praise for Odor while speaking to 105.3 The Fan.
“[He] might be one of my top five favorite players in the game. That kid is animal," Young said. "I love watching him play. … I think he comes to whoop your ass, man. That’s what the big leagues is all about. It’s one thing to show up and enjoy it and have fun, which is great … When I see that kid. I see that kid, at 7:05 he’s ready to go out there and whoop some ass. As a fan and a former player I love it, especially with somebody so young.”
Wow.
Odor probably shouldn't even be in Arlington yet, but Jurickson Profar's injury and the ineffectiveness by his replacements at second base forced the Rangers' hand to bring up their top prospect from Double-A Frisco. He's now the youngest player in the big leagues.
So far, Odor is hitting .182, but he showed off his deceptive power in Houston when he mashed a two-run homer 430 feet to the upper deck in right field at Minute Maid Park. He has brought an edge and some energy to a pretty listless club.
The only concern could be Odor being overwhelmed and having his confidence shot before Profar returns in a few weeks, but with Young's take on the youngster, you have to think that he can handle some failure.
