DALLAS (105.3 The Fan) - The Rangers made a small but interesting trade over the weekend when they acquired second baseman Nick Solak in a deal that sent flamethrower Pete Fairbanks to Tampa Bay.
It's noteworthy because Solak is one of the Rays better prospects and is knocking on the door of the major leagues. Solak also has the advantage of being a right-handed hitter, which the Rangers have a shortage of in their lineup. It's also noteworthy because Solak plays the same position as the struggling Rouged Odor.
Odor has performed better over the last couple weeks, hitting .243 with 3 home runs and 13 RBI. However, he has slumped a bit over the last few games, getting just one hit in his last ten at-bats.
Rangers general manager Jon Daniels was asked Monday about the trade and what it means for Odor?
"For us, with Nick, he's going to play 90 percent of the time in Nashville at second base. He played outfield in college the first two years and he went to second base his junior year. He's actually a natural outfielder that has been working to convert to the infield. He's working hard and he's getting better there. He's close to average now but it hasn't been a real easy transition like some guys make. So we're really going to work him there at second base and see what he can do, and see where it goes from there. Obviously, we have a second baseman in Rougie but competition is a good thing.
"(He has a) right-hand bat that can do different things. Both second base and the outfield are hard to come by. We like how he has a chance to balance our lineup going forward."
Daniels was then asked about the perception that this trade sends a message to Odor:
"It's not about messages. We've spoken to Rougie and we told him early on that there are some areas where he can look to make some adjustments. To his credit, he's been working there and has played better. But we told him this is not going to be a situation where if he's struggling we're not going to look to send him down. I think he's passed that point in his career, but he's gotta be able to get on track here. But if there are other options that are helping the team better, it would be playing time that could come into focus.
"So, I think he understands that. That's not what he wants to hear. He wants to play every day, but that's the nature of the beast. At some point, if someone is a better option and Rougie isn't turning the corner like it looks like he has been these last few weeks, then we'll look that direction and consider that."
Listen to the entire interview below:
