Could The Dodgers Con The Rangers Into Giving Up Elvis Andrus?

So what do you guys make of these Carl Crawford for Elvis Andrus rumors? Well originally the rumors were just that the Dodgers were interested in Andrus. Now Crawford’s name has popped up on twitter as somebody involved in this yet to happen and probably won’t happen, supposed trade. Somebody tell me why the Rangers would do this?

Fred Roggin and The Beast980 show are reporting that the Dodgers are talking to Texas about a possible Andrus trade. This isn’t the first time we’ve heard Andrus’s name pop up in rumors surrounding the Dodgers. If you remember it was rumored that Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier were being trade for him at one time. Seemed like Andrus was always popping into trade speculations. That’s what Andrus is to us, he’s a popper.

Who wouldn’t want Andrus? He’s an all-star shortstop, and just 26 years old. The Venezuelan born player has put up plus defensive numbers with a .272 career average, and 192 career stolen bases. Last season Andrus only stole 27 bases, but had 30 or more steals in four of his six MLB seasons, including 20+ every year he’s played.

Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Ok so we know he has speed, and plays good defense. Here’s the thing though, Andrus is a table setter. He’s a top of the order bat with no power. If you were to replace a Hanley Ramirez for Andrus, then you better make sure that you’re making up for the loss of power elsewhere on the diamond.

Andrus has hit just 20 career home runs, and his OBP is a .335 career mark. The last two seasons has seen Andrus’s on base skills decline from .349 in 2012, to .328, and .314 in 2013 and 2014 respectively. Andrus averages around 55 walks per season, and about 100 strikeouts per year.

Let’s not forget to mention that Andrus is still under a large contract. Andrus is due to make 15 million dollars per year until 2023. His contract calls for two opt out years in 2018 and 2019, and a vesting option in 2023 that kicks in at 550 plate appearances, or 1,100 plate appearances combined in 2021-2022.

If Crawford is involved then there would have to be other players involved as well. I just can’t see the Rangers doing a Crawford for Andrus trade. Even if the Rangers are in salary dumping mode, which they have said they are not. Carl Crawford can’t be worth an Elvis Andrus….right?

Unless the Rangers are in desperation mode, and willing to just start dumping guys. After all they did stink it up something awful in 2014. They may have a shortstop prospect ready to come up. I think they do. No, no, I just can’t see this happening.

Especially since Crawford himself is under contract until 2017. His bloated deal still guarantees him 20.5 million dollars in 2015, 20.7 million in 2016, and 21 million in 2017.

Crawford played well in 2014, posting a .300 (103 for 343) average with 8 home runs, 46 runs batted in, and 23 stolen bases in 370 plate appearances for the Dodgers. Crawford had a good year, but you know, he’s still Carl Crawford. He’s still rusty as all hell. He averages about 100 games per year now. He’ll get hurt. He’ll spend time on the disabled list. It’s inevitable.

So would the Rangers be stupid enough to make this trade? This has to be speculation correct? Is this the twitter machine fast at work? Would you guys make this trade? And who else would you throw in? Is this the first trade of the new Andrew Friedman regime? Why am I asking so many questions?

Put on your GM hats and tell me what’s going on with this. It seems too good to be true