Baseball America's Tools Issue has hit newsstands (you can also subscribe to the digital edition here and see the tools issue now), and Rangers feature prominently in their major leagues rankings. For those unfamiliar, BA polls MLB managers to determine the top three in the American and National Leagues in several different categories.
Managers voted Josh Hamilton the second best power hitter (tied with Miguel Cabrera) behind Jose Bautista and second most exciting player, also behind Bautista. Elvis Andrus was voted the best defensive shortstop and second best baserunner (Adam Morris will be happy to see that) behind Jacoby Ellsbury. Adrian Beltre was voted the best defensive third baseman and best infield arm, and Ian Kinsler was voted the third best defensive second baseman (behind Robinson Cano and Dustin Pedroia). Despite the strong season on the mound, no Rangers pitchers were ranked.
BA also polls minor league managers in each league, and the following Rangers were ranked tops in their respective leagues:
Texas League - Best Defensive 3B - Tommy Mendonca
Texas League - Best Managerial Prospect - Steve Buechele
Carolina League - Fastest Baserunner - Leury Garcia
Carolina League - Best Defensive 3B - Mike Olt
Carolina League - Best Defensive OF - Ryan Strausborger
South Atlantic League - Best Defensive 3B - Christian Villanueva
South Atlantic League - Best Defensive SS - Jurickson Profar
South Atlantic League - Best Infield Arm - Jurickson Profar
It's safe to say that the Rangers have the best set of defensive third basemen in baseball, and all three of their prospects are having nice offensive years as well. Strausborger has faded some offensively (he's hitting just .194 since their ASB), but he's put himself on the map with his all-around play. Profar had the bad fortune of being in the same league as überprospect Bryce Harper, so he missed out on any offensive accolades, but it is worth noting that he shared the league with another elite shortstop prospect, Manny Machado, and was regarded more highly defensively by managers.
Robbie Erlin and Joe Wieland, the pair traded for Mike Adams, were also voted best changeup and best control in the Carolina League.