Jurickson Profar is undecided if he'll play for the Netherlands in this year's World Baseball Classic.
Profar said his decision would likely come down to whether he'll have a chance to make the Rangers' roster in spring training."I'm still thinking about it ... maybe I've got a spot to make on the team," Profar said. "That's why I'm thinking about it to see where I'm at and what will happen."As of now, it appears Profar will be headed to Triple A Round Rock to play every day. There isn't a regular spot for him on the Rangers, as the infield is set with Adrian Beltre at third, Elvis Andrus at short, Ian Kinsler at second and Mitch Moreland at first.There is still a need for a utility infielder, and Profar is open to the idea of being a bench player. But the Rangers would prefer the 19-year-old Profar to play every day at Triple A rather than in a limited role in the big leagues.And Profar, who is 100 percent after having some right forearm soreness in winter ball, understands that."If it's like that, I just have to go there and play," Profar said. "That's it. There's nothing I can do."If Profar ends up playing in the WBC and at Round Rock, he'll likely be joined by outfielder Engel Beltre at both stops.Beltre is playing for Spain, his father's homeland, in the WBC. He played in the qualifying tournament last fall, as Spain beat out France, Israel and South Africa."It's a good thing in my career to play at that level and play against different countries that might help me and my career," Beltre said. "I'll try to do good there and see what happens."Outfielder Leonys Martin played for Cuba in the 2009 WBC, but defected from the country a year later.He's not eligible to play, but made it clear he'll still pull for them."Of course, I would love Cuba to win," Martin said. "I am Cuban."Minicamp benefitsFirst-year hitting coach Dave Magadan is becoming more and more familiar with the Rangers' batters, and felt the team's hitting minicamp was worthwhile.Jurickson Profar, Mike Olt, Leonys Martin, Engel Beltre and Jorge Alfaro all participated in it, and Magadan got a first-hand look at the Rangers' best prospects."It's a chance for me to develop a relationship with them so when spring training comes around, we'll hit the ground running," Magadan said. "There are going to be some opportunities for young players to win spots on the team, so in that regard spring training is going to be real important to them."Magadan was impressed with all of the players, particularly Profar."He's as advertised," Magadan said. "Always has a smile on his face, loves being out here. If you let him, he'll hit for two hours in the cage. A lot of energy, a lot of positive energy, and that's a good thing."Drew Davison, 817-390-7760Twitter: @drewdavisonHave more to add? News tip? Tell us
