The Rangers have signed infielder Andrew Romine to a minor league contract, per a team announcement. He’s part of their 60-man player pool and will head to their alternate site.
Prior to joining the Rangers, Romine most recently spent time with the White Sox, who signed him to a minor league deal in the winter before releasing him in July. He has combined for a .235/.291/.300 line in 1,323 plate appearances among the Angels, Tigers and Mariners since he first became a major leaguer in 2010. Romine hasn’t played in the bigs since 2018.
While Romine hasn’t had much offensive success so far, he has been quite versatile as a defender. Most of his work has come at shortstop, third base and second – positions that have been sore spots for the Rangers in 2020. General manager Jon Daniels told TR Sullivan of MLB.com and other reporters Tuesday that shortstop Elvis Andrus and second baseman Rougned Odor aren’t guaranteed starting jobs going forward. However, it seems tough to believe Romine will wind up unseating either one of those struggling players. He’ll have to earn a roster spot first, after all, and even that may be a tall order.
That Elvis deal just looks worse and worse. Great guy but ugh.
Obviously the Andrus hype is going in the wrong direction, but I think the Rangers ought to keep him as the starting SS next year. His numbers look horrible right now, but he has an expected slash line of .252/.306/.437. He hasn’t lost anything in terms of exit velos, hard hit rates, or launch angles. So he has been having horrible luck this season. Up until this year he has always graded out as a very good defensive SS, and I don’t want to just assume he is done being good since he has been playing through a back injury this season. If they play him next year and he produces like he is projected to, plays a good SS again, they might be able to get a suitor in a trade – not a good trade, but it could give them something back. Also Anderson Tejeda isn’t ready (don’t get fooled by the .421 babip, he has a 39% k rate) and Kiner-Falefa is a better fit defensively at 3B or 2B, so they don’t really lose anything by keeping him out there next season when they don’t really have a shot at competing.
He’s been hurt almost all year. Can’t judge anything based on this season but Tejada looks good out there.
I guess you didn’t read the .421 babip and a 39% k rate part.
A large percentage of the massive long-term MLB deals don’t look great the final 20-30% of the contract term. I’ve been a big fan of Elvis. His recent numbers notwithstanding, he has been a strong player for the Rangers. Great leadership, connects with the fans (which is sorely lacking), and has played hard. Tons of great memories with him on the field.
His contract, like so many before him, highlights the value of the draft and creating a pipeline of talent from the minors. One of the more overarching issue with the Rangers is their draft record has been abysmal under Kipp Fagg. As much as the Rangers need to find a new 2B, SS, 1B, etc… they need to put someone else at the helm in lieu of Fagg. Needs to be the Rangers number one priority. He’s been given a hall pass for way too long.
he can pitch too!
That has to be the best picture in the history of MLBTR posts.
Agreed Elvis is a fan favorite and an excellent clubhouse leader. He is not the future SS for TX as ultimately that will be Tejeda and he is not ready. The future DP combo for TX will be Tejeda and Solak. The only MLB team a trade of Elvis might work for is Cleveland if they let Lindor go. Perhaps Yankees for depth behind Torres. I believe keeping Elvis one more year is a good move. Odor, Lyles have to go. Guzman looks better at plate and love the defense, but w/o run producer at 3B and thus no protection for Gallo, I could easily see deal made with Mets for Dominic Smith or Pitt for Josh Bell, both are young and really do not block anyone close to ready as Jung is 3B and Wendzel and Apostel 2+ years away. Could see either of them and Tejeda included in trade for future pitching. Perhaps White Sox for Kopech/Dunning. LF is bigger concern as White and Heineman seem more suited for 4th OF duty. Other than Springer whose price tag will be high no real FA possibilities available as upgrade. Perhaps they look at Pederson but he would need RH platoon. Would love to see Waters from ATL or Gurriel from Jays out there or possibly trade made with package headed by Lynn to Cubs for Bryant.
Lynn for Bryant? Naaaaah.