Jurickson Profar goes about business as trade winds build
No need to wonder about Jurickson Profar’s state of mind. With the trade deadline approaching (3 p.m. Monday), the Rangers infielder is not letting rumors of his pending departure bother him.
“The decision they have to make, it is what it is,” Profar said. “I don’t really care about that. I come to the ballpark and see my name in the lineup, it’s go time for me.”
We don’t talk about it so I don’t know ... I guess he’s handled it very well.
Rangers manager Jeff Banister
Profar, who started in left field for the second consecutive game (his first time in the outfield in three seasons), has handled the trade speculation with aplomb.
“I think he’s handled it pretty well. He’s focused on what he needs to do,” said Adrian Beltre, who remembers being the subject of trade speculation as a young player. “He’s been thrown to the fire in not only people asking about trades but playing different positions. He’s been unbelievable for us.”
Profar has talked openly about the possibility of a trade since spring training. Manager Jeff Banister said there has been no need to talk to Profar.
“The only conversation you’d have with him is if he’s been traded or if it became an issue. I watch the kid play and it seems like he’s doing OK with it,” Banister said. “And if it is bothering him, he’s not showing it and I haven’t heard anything to indicate it’s bothering him.”
Beltre said Profar doesn’t monitor the media like some players.
“He doesn’t talk about it. He’s not the type of guy who looks at the media a lot, so I don’t think he has an idea and that’s probably a good thing,” he said. “He’s a smart kid. Not only talented but he works hard. He wants to get better. I think sometimes we ask too much of him but he answers the bell every time.”
Profar wants to be a full-time shortstop, but would love to remain with the Rangers.
“Sure,” Profar sad. “This is the team that signed me and always believed in me so I’ll be happy.”
Young inducted
Michael Young was inducted into the Rangers Hall of Fame during a pregame ceremony Saturday.
Young thanked numerous former teammates, including many of the 19 previous members of the club’s Hall of Fame, who were on hand to help pay tribute to him.
He thanked members of the front office, of which he is now a special assistant, current Rangers he played with such as Beltre and Elvis Andrus. He also thanked Rangers fans for supporting him during his 14 season, including the first 13 with the Rangers.
“Through it all, this community stood by me, stood by my family, as a player, and as a neighbor,” Young said. “And because of that I’m so proud to be a Ranger and I have you guys to thank for that.”
Young also paid a special tribute to Rangers coach Bobby Jones, who is retiring after his 50th season in pro ball in October.
A video tribute included special wishes from some of his contemporaries, including Derek Jeter, Don Mattingly, Nelson Cruz and Mavericks great Dirk Nowitzki.
Choo on pace
Shin-Soo Choo took batting practice again before Saturday’s game and will hit live pitching against Derek Holland on Tuesday in Baltimore. Choo, who is out with lower back stiffness, is eligible to come off the disabled list Thursday.
“He’s kind of hitting all the marks,” Banister said. “He’s gotten better.”
Stefan Stevenson: 817-390-7760, @StevensonFWST
This story was originally published July 30, 2016 at 8:12 PM with the headline "Jurickson Profar goes about business as trade winds build."