Joaquin Arias

2013

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2011

Arias, at one time a solid Rangers prospect, was designated for assignment by Texas, then traded to the Mets for Jeff Francoeur. Arias saw minimal action in September, then was claimed off outright waivers in October by Kansas City. Arias will be used as a utility infielder but offers little to fantasy owners.

2010

Arias spent the bulk of the year at Triple-A Oklahoma City, hitting poorly (.266/.295/.335) while flashing occasional speed (24-for-27 on the bases). There's still doubt regarding his arm strength following shoulder surgery in 2007, and Texas' acquisition of Joe Inglett should put an end to any thoughts of Arias spending the year in the majors as Texas' utility infielder following the departure of Omar Vizquel. His time in Texas could end at the end of spring when rosters are tweaked.

2009

Arias' slow recovery from 2007 shoulder surgery limited him to playing second base in 2008, and his arm strength was poor at best. He took over at second following Ian Kinsler's late-season injury, hitting .291 in 110 at-bats, but continues to show little patience and only moderate power. Plans to move him to center field to give him more versatility have been put on hold until he regains his arm strength, taking the "utility player" tag away at the moment. He's got Elvis Andrus charging hard behind him, and little role in the short-term. An option off the bench (provided his arm strength returns), or a fill-in for the next Kinsler injury, will be his role in 2009.

2008

A shoulder injury limited Arias to just 11 at-bats at Triple-A Oklahoma City following a spring training where he was going to see an extended look in the outfield. There's no room for him in the Texas infield, and his bat (.268/.296/.361 at Triple-A in 2006) isn't good enough for a corner outfield spot. He's still young, having just turned 23, but his trade value took a serious hit due to the injury-marred season.

2007

Arias' .268/.296/.361 line at Triple-A Oklahoma City looks a little better when you consider he was just 21 years old, but he's not developing quite as quickly as the Rangers would like. He's blocked in the majors with Michael Young and Ian Kinsler up the middle, which could lead to him being included in a trade for pitching. If he remains with Texas, expect another year in the minors.

2006

Getting in a full season at Double-A and hitting .315 in the process is a pretty good accomplishment for a 20-year-old. Arias is still pretty raw, which you'd expect given his age (17 BB in 499 AB; 67 percent steal success), but he's a lanky kid whose power will likely emerge soon. He'll move up the list of middle infield prospects quickly.