If Texas Doesn't Trade Michael Young: The Four Scenarios
As baseball-invested people of all sorts -- the emotionally drained Rangers fan, the curiosity-driven blogosphere wanderer, the proselytizing columnist, and so on -- hold forth on the Michael Young imbroglio, and vigorously debate the merits and (many?) flaws in his hardline position against the ballclub, a rather significant question continues to fly freely and largely undetected: if the Rangers reciprocate Young's stubbornness by digging their own heels into the dirt, and outright refuse to accept a team-unfriendly deal, who the hell is going to want Young? And perhaps even more significantly, how do things end up playing out if they can't (or won't) trade Young?
The not-so-secret dirty little secret about the Young-approved eight-team list of possible landing spots is that virtually every one of those teams either (a) can't furnish the infield playing time that Young so desperately covets (e.g. Yankees), (b) can't afford to assume the salary commitment that would still exist even with the benefit of a generous cash subsidy (e.g. Padres), or (c) simply don't appear to want him for one good reason or another (Astros, Twins, Cardinals); meanwhile, the Dodgers and Angels continue to linger around on the periphery, and I suppose something could conceivably still happen there, but the point is that with Young's hottest pursuer (Rockies) now reportedly out of the mix, the likelihood of him being dealt without being more amenable to other possibilities is falling fast, to say the least.
So, in the event that the Rangers tell Young something to the effect of "we're not trading you, but we're also not expanding your role beyond that which we already laid out for you, so get over it," I'm seeing one of four possible scenarios playing out -- one or two of which may have little to virtually no chance of actually happening, but need to be included in the interest of thoroughness:
Scenario No. 1: Young initially fumes after being told that the organization won't punch his ticket to such exotic locales as Houston, Minneapolis, and/or St. Louis, but reports to spring training (as per his contractual requirements), dons his customary professionalism mask, and continues to ooze good-vibe intangibles by the bucket. In this scenario, Young sets aside his frustrations and misgivings about his playing-time situation (which will likely still comprise 600-plus plate appearances when all is said and done, provided that he's not dealt), ceases publicly voicing his distrust of the Rangers' front office, and at least ignores adversary Jon Daniels while continuing to be what most would consider a "good teammate." Texas goes on to enjoy a competitive season, thereby placating Young after a reasonable period of time, and eventually things quiet down to the point that he no longer wants to be traded.
And everyone lived happily ever after.
Scenario No. 2: Young is ticked, remains ticked going into spring training, and carries it over into the season ... except this time, it negatively colors his attitude and conduct in the clubhouse, in the dugout, and/or on the playing field. The extent to which this could occur is up for debate; it may be that he sulks quietly and merely no longer emanates those good-leadership vibes (or does so in far smaller quantities), or it may be that he's a bit more aggressive, to the extent that he ignites several disruptive episodes in team environments where such conduct is not tolerated. I will be upfront in saying that I have an inordinately difficult time imagining Young transforming into a clubhouse cancer in the way that, say, Sidney Ponson did three years ago, but I would be remiss if I did not at least acknowledge the possibility of Young adopting a scorched-earth policy as a means of expressing his discontent and forcing the trade issue more than he has already.
To those who would completely write off any prospect of Scenario No. 2 actualizing, I would point towards at least one disturbing little sign that has come to light this morning -- in addition to not being on speaking terms with general manager Jon Daniels, team president Nolan Ryan, and probably the rest of the Rangers' upper-level brass, Young has apparently severed all verbal contact with manager Ron Washington, who has never been anything less than a devout Young supporter and has always shown Young an overabundance of love. That bothers me. A lot. It leads me to wonder what other shenanigans Young would be capable of pulling, should he continue to not get his way during the remainder of his time in Texas.
Scenario No. 3: An amalgamation of scenarios No. 1 and No. 2, where Young sucks it up and maintains a friendly, amicable and team-first personality around his teammates, coaches and manager, but continues to be a thorn in the organization's side otherwise, with repeated trade requests throughout the season and a continued icy stance towards upper management. In this scenario, Young makes the best of what he considers an unfortunate situation, but also continues to work to extricate himself from it behind the scenes.
Scenario No. 4: The apocalypse scenario, where Young either (a) outright refuses to report to spring training, or (b) pulls the Alfonso Soriano-tried-and-tested 2006 gambit and simply refuses to come up to the plate as a designated hitter in his first spring training game, despite being penciled into that spot. This assumes an especially bitter, vindictive version of Young who wants to make everyone perfectly aware of just how serious he is about not being a designated hitter -- one who is willing to risk damage to his long-term financial well-being to prove his point, and to call the organization's bluff and hopefully force his way out by the most extreme means imaginable.
When Soriano pulled a similar stunt during his first 2006 spring training game with the Washington Nationals (involving an awkward scene where Soriano never came out of the dugout to assume his post in left field with the rest of his teammates, which temporarily delayed the game), then-manager Frank Robinson was forced to make a quick defensive switch -- and immediately after the game, then-general manager Jim Bowden issued an ultimatum: play left field tomorrow, or land on the disqualified list, meaning no accrual of service time and forfeiture of his salary. Soriano, of course, relented, thereby precluding the possibility of involvement by the players' union, who could have conceivably taken up the argument on Soriano's behalf that his value would have been diminished by a move to left field.
So, either flavor of "Doomsday" Scenario No. 4 carries far-reaching implications that would probably steer what is already a nasty public rift into historically nasty territory. I cannot imagine Young's pride is so immense that it overshadows his bank account, and it is for that reason that I find Scenario No. 4 almost unbelievable ... but when he was asked what would happen if the team didn't budge from its stance, Young refused comment. And when this blew up for the first time two years ago (when he was far less angry than he is now), Young remarked: "I'm not playing third base. I'm pretty adamant about my stance." I'd like to eliminate this possibility out of hand, but it strikes me as pretty obvious why we really can't rule anything out where this thing is concerned anymore. Hell, it's virtually beyond our comprehension as it stands right now.
Let's all try to remember this little episode the next time a major league team wants to overpay for things not directly related to the happenings on the baseball field. Because this ... this is a disaster.
Analysis, The Off-Season
Reader Comments (163)
Kinsler, known to be as close to Young as anyone on the team, sounded ready and willing to move on yesterday on Durrett's ESPN blog. He stated that although he would miss his friend, other leaders would step up and they would still want to win. Losing Young will not mean a leadership vacuum or doom and gloom clubhouse.
I think at this point Young's caustic remarks (and disrespect of his manager) mean that keeping him around would cause greater issues than losing him.
We're finally seeing how flawed and over-hyped Mike Young has been. He is the classic over-achiever, for which he should be applauded. And he has generally conducted himself professionally both on and off the field. Kudos again. But he's just a pretty good player who was given a ridiculous contract and began to believe he really was a superstar. He owes the Rangers far more than the Rangers owe him. They've vastly overpaid him to be The Face, only to be greeted by whining every time they ask him to take one for the team. He's hated JD since the meeting where he was asked to move to third base. He needs to shut up and play -- wherever they ask him to play.
Poor baby.
I think everyone needs to realize that they don't know anything about what has gone on behind the scenes. I've been a player and I know how a coach/owner can be when there isn't a microphone or writer in his face. But it goes both ways. You don't REALLY know MY.
Wait..what??? He is now stonewalling his greatest supporter in Wash?
Link?
@Joey~
It bothers me greatly that Young's broken away from Wash.
There was the medium, that might have quelled smake at least.
Even in the heat of a battle, one must respect an opponent.
Are we seeing the 'sulking stage' now?
He thinks that DHing is going to destroy his value, as what HE
views as still being a complete player? Hey buddy get a grip.
Going immature mode plays much worse on Youngs character
personas. Some team may like the fact you have a leadership
quality. Are we going to see a complete meltdown of Young?
If so, this is about to turn into the "sad stage".
Ditto to the above two coinages.
It is truly funny that he is so mad about not getting to play a position that he never wanted to play.
I see this all washing out in a "we all sat down, stated our differences and are now moving on. It is unfortunate that this all had to be played out in the media" type of scenario.
Too bad MY cannot clearly see his deficiencies, which would then allow him to see just how valuable he could be in the role the Rangers want him in. Paul Molitor is a prime example. But even lesser defensive ability players at this point in their careers have done pretty well for themselves and experienced good longevity. Edgar Martinez, Big Papi even Vlad .
Lastly, if he really wants to put his money where his mouth is, then he should offer to void his contract and then the Rangers could work a real trade the is good for them and gives him his precious defensive playing time. That would take guts! Otherwise shut up and play ball.
Wait..what??? He is now stonewalling his greatest supporter in Wash?
Link?
I embedded a link into the post to my rather angry Clubhouse rant about the new MY-Wash dynamic ... hopefully people can actually see the bolded, red, non-underlined links without too much difficulty.
@Rodney: The link (to a Jean-Jacques Taylor article, which, of course, now requires "subscriber content access") is in Matches' latest "Clubhouse" piece, which is, no surprise, also excellent.
NM, I say the JJT post in the Clubhouse.
Coinages???
Damn auto-correct!
Sure this is a disaster, one that has most likely been caused by John Daniels' mismanagement.
Now the team is in a real tough spot because JD treated MY like shit and was not honest with him.
Oh riiiiiight, I forgot, this is actually a situation where JD pulled a "jedi mind trick" on MY and made him make himself look really bad. That was a really smart move, that mind trick was AWESOME!
Maybe we should reconsider that one....
You're right. I haven't seen Mike's contract. It may say that the GM must be nice to him, or he can demand a trade. It may say that he has the right to approve any trades or FA signings the GM makes. It may say that he is guaranteed a position in the field whether the GM or Manager want him in the field or not. It may say that if he demands a trade, the team is required to finance it by paying another team tens of millions to take him. If so, Mike is being treated poorly. Let's suppose that JD has been some kind of a jerk toward Mike, so much so that he won't take it anymore. Resign. Rescind your contract with the Rangers. Then you (Mike) will be free to sign with whomever you wish for whatever you can get. But this idea that because he thinks he was treated badly he doesn't need to fulfill his contract, but the team needs to continue to pay him is ludicrous. Unless it's in his contract.
JD's job is to look under every rock to make this team better. Not to pamper divas.
Great read. Just out of curiosity, can anyone expand on the Sidney Ponson situation? I guess I don't remember what he did that was bad in the clubhouse.
If MY wants out he needs to agree to renegotiate his contract to make his compensation commensurate with his performance. He shouldn't make a penny over $7 Million a year. If you agree to that MY, we'll trade you wherever you like good sir. Until then STFU and play.
Joe,
I know I asked you yesterday and never got a response. What exactly was JD supposed to say to Michael? Michael is an employee, and doesn't deserve to be consulted about his organization improving.
Funny how with each day the odds are stacked more and more against Young. Suddenly we go from 80/20 keeping him so he can DH and strive for 200 hits again to 95/5 that he simply must go.
He has said he's a team player and wants to play for a winner but that got thrown out with yesterday's trash. I still think he and his buddy Jeter can have a pity party about how they've been mistreated with millions of dollars above true value to play baseball.
@Joe
Building a better team and upgrading a poor defensive 3B isn't faulty management. That's what you want your GM to do.
He's reigning Executive of the Year for good reason. Nearly every beat writer in town has turned on Michael Young... and that's something I'd never thought I'd see.
JD has done a great job this offseason.
Lfloyd, from wiki:
Ponson compiled a fairly solid 4-1 record and 3.88 ERA for the season, and was one of the few bright spots on a dreadful rotation. However, he ran into trouble off the field. He was seen late at night in the hotel bar in St. Petersburg, Florida while the Rangers were visiting Tampa Bay. The next day, the Rays lit him up for 12 hits in five innings. Rangers officials told Ponson that any further incident would result in him being dropped from the team.[8]
He was pulled four innings into a June 4 game against Cleveland, and reacted angrily, especially since three errors led to four runs. The next day, he blew up at manager Ron Washington after being told he'd be pushed back from his next start to keep Kevin Millwood on his regular schedule.[9]
On June 6, Texas abruptly designated Ponson for assignment for what general manager Jon Daniels called "disrespectful and adverse reactions to situations unbecoming of a teammate."[8] Daniels added, "We don't feel Sidney deserves to be here or wants to be here. We're not going to get into details other than to say we're clearly trying to put together a team here, in a true sense of the word. Based on some recent comments and other such things, it was pretty clear that he did not want to be part of that, and it's something we're not going to tolerate."[10]
All of you guys praising JD's ability to make MY look stupid or whatever are going to be eating shit, runny shit, when JD doesn't trade him or can't trade him for a reasonable deal.
Then you really have some shit pie on your hands.
And doesn't JD need a contract extension. I wouldn't wan't to lose him but he's starting to looks real bad from a management perspective when he make Mr. Ranger so pissed that he comes out talking SHIT.
I never said JD should not have went out and got Beltre.
Yes he is good at whealing and dealing.
However, it seems very much like he may have been very dishonest to Mr. Ranger.
Regardless of whether he was or not he has woefully mismanaged the situation and may suffer the consequences.
Where is that contract again? Has it been inked? Has it been signed?
LFloyd,
JD should not have told MY that he wanted him to be his DH all along shopping for a DH. Therein lies the dis. hon. es. ty.
Most here freely admit that they knew JD wanted MY to ask for a trade all along, that he wanted to replace him all along regardless of what Nolan or Wash wanted.
THIS IS NOT ABOUT TELLING YOUR PLAYERS EVERYTHING.
IT IS ABOUT BEING HONEST TO YOUR PLAYERS. BASIC STUFF FLOYD, basic stuff.
Joe
I still would like Joe to answer this question: why do you have to interpret this whole thing as some kind of nefarious plot by JD to screw with Mike? The simplest solution is usually the right one. The simplest solution is that Texas intended all along to let Mike play 3B another year, spending their big money on Cliff Lee. When Lee spurned them, they went after the next best available guy, Beltre. They never would have gotten Beltre if they had gotten Lee. They still needed someone to shore up their offense; most importantly, they needed a decent 1B in case Moreland pulls a Chris Davis on them - that's where Napoli comes in. Napoli wasn't signed to supplant Young or mess with Young's head. At this point, the team has 1 too many players, and some people are going to lose some playing time. But if everyone can check their egos, put the team ahead of themselves, etc. - they will see that it's actually a good thing to have depth, and it helps the team to overcome a serious injury, God forbid.
This is why the vast majority of pushback is critical of Mike Young, not JD. JD is just doing his job, trying to improve his team and keep competitive against the AL East. Did you see what Boston did this offseason? If Mike is a team player, he will do whatever it takes to help his team win, and he will do whatever his boss asks of him. That is the simplest answer to the question, why is this happening?
Sure this is a disaster, one that has most likely been caused by John Daniels' mismanagement.
Refresh my memory -- your position is basically that this is a conspiracy being orchestrated by JD to push Young out of Texas that began when they signed Beltre, right? And continued when they pursued Manny/Thome and acquired Napoli, right?
Except ... didn't/wouldn't ever single one of those moves materially improve the team in some way? I guess I don't understand why JD isn't supposed to work to improve the team just so that he doesn't trod on Young's toes, and why actually doing so constitutes part of the conspiracy.
As far as whether they should have done a better job of communicating the situation to MY -- I don't know. Not nearly enough details have been divulged to render an objective opinion on this, and it's essentially a glorified game of finger-pointing at the moment. My basic understanding of the situation, however, is that Young acquiesced to the Beltre signing and to the move to DH (generating much love for his selfless attitude, including around these parts), and the Rangers then saw further opportunities for improvement that would not have necessarily impacted his total number of PA, and pursued those opportunities, and Young took umbrage.
If the organization was shopping him around immediately after assuring him that he wouldn't be traded, then yes, that's an issue, and something I can understand his frustration over ... but if demanding a trade is his response to being shopped around, well, there's something really strange going on in his head. And I'm not seeing the other egregious behavior on the part of the Rangers, either.
Joe,
So essentially he should have said "Mike, you are the DH/Utility infielder. I promise not to improve the team further at the expense of your ego." Is that accurate?
I'm not shocked that MY has stopped communication with Wash. When Wash couldn't keep his noise out of the snow, MY was the ONE who stood up and had his back and challenged his teammates to do the same. I'd be pissed too if I had a man's back and come to find out that he and the FO were actively trying to trade me. After they said they weren't. After they were said I was the full time DH but still were trying to find other DHs.
I find it interesting that a club that wouldn't go 7 years for Cliff Lee (when it seemed thats all it would take) but would overpay a "contract year" player; are now trying to trade the Face because of a bad contract. Why not overpay a Top starter, take the defensive hit with MY, and re-sign Vlad. It seems that scenario would be better than one where you have no #1 starter, no intimidating DH, and lose a inevitable PR battle.
Another scenario - Rangers buckle because they cant get anything for him. Both sides agree to be nice. The concession is that MY gets more PT in the IF. The only logical spot is at 1b. Now Moreland's development is seriously stunted. Moreland has trade value. A future with Moreland as our locked in up and coming star first baseman gets sacrificed at MY's expense. It's just stupid enough to happen.
Joey,
I am not against JD making moves to improve the team even if Young doesn't like them.
I am against the fact that he misled MY saying he wanted him as his DH all along looking for a DH to replace MY and trying to trade him. In short, he did not really want him as his DH and was trying to pressure him to ask for a trade. Many on this site have been clear that they feel this is what happened, that JD played a "jedi mind trick" on MY.
You think it is strange to want to leave an organization that misled you? How is that strange? I think that is quite reasonable, that is not something strange in the head, he's thinking quite clearly on that one.
Joe
"So essentially he should have said "Mike, you are the DH/Utility infielder. I promise not to improve the team further at the expense of your ego." Is that accurate?"
Actually Floyd, this is very simple. He should have been honest to MY and not told him he wanted him as his DH when he actually wanted to trade him. He should have just been upfront with him instead of misleading him to lead him on in the event he couldn't get a better bat. MY was told he wouldn't be traded while trade talks continued. MY was told he would be the DH while the GM continued to looks for replacements for MY at DH.
Not sure why you want to stick you head in the sand on this one Floyd. You usually seem quite reasonable.
Most here are freely admitting that JD was not honest with MY, that he tried to make him make himself look bad which he succeeded in doing. Great!!! JD!!!! Congratulations!!!!! You made Mr. Ranger serve up a shit platter for us all too eat!!!!! You should be really proud.
WONDER F-ING FUL.
@Joe - time to take down your MY poster from your wall, man.
@WW~
That's pretty much how I see it also. JD improving the Team.
Certain(Lee)scenarios didn't fall into place. Beltre was Plan B.
This Jedi Mind Deal from JD, is about as weak as your language.
Joe, how do you explain MY's perceived behavior? JD a LIAR?
No never mind, don't answer. I already have 3 books ready to read.
Or maybe I'll get out that plethora of truth DVD~ "JFK", Oliver Stone..
Wolf
Was he the one that stood for Wash or the one who made sure "it was reported" that he sttod for Wash?
Face: Past Face. I would say Elvis, Neftali and Josh are much more the current faces of the franchise.
WWJD,
I do not think this was a plot to screw with MY from the beginning.
I am not against he Beltre sign and was never, I was actually for it very early on.
I don't care if JD wanted to trade Young, go ahead trade away.
I do care that JD misled MY after the Beltre sign telling him that he would be the DH all along trying to trade him and searching for a new DH.
That is called dis. hon. es. ty.
I'm not a MY loyalist! I hear he is an asshole and a lot of times won't even sign things for people. But that doesn't change the fact that he should be treated with respect and not mislead. It doesn't change the fact that this situation has been WOEFULLY mismanaged by JD. I would not be surprised it this effects his contract situation.
Joe
Joe doesn't get that Young was moved from 2B to SS because Soriano there made the team better...certainly offensively. He moved from SS to 3B for Andrus which made the team better...certainly defensively which we have seen actually does work. He was asked to move from 3B to DH when Beltre came into the mix to make the team even stronger in multiple ways. Thome was an option to DH when Young perhaps played the field and to PH from the left side. That move would have made the team stronger still. Napoli was brought in to play some first and catcher, yet another move to make the bench more versatile. Young was going to DH and be the utility infielder that would give the team more flexibility than Vlad did while allowing Murphy to play even more. It was all a master plan by management to get the most out of everybody while making Young one of the highest paid players of his type in the game. Too bad he can never see the big picture when he's always acted like he's the only one that can.
Joe,
I guess where this disagreement stems from us him "being shopped" on the trade market. Again I will say it is JD's job to improve this team. Trade talks happen. You can't call MY every time a trade involving him is discussed. He had an opportunity to negotiate a no trade clause if it was so important to him, but he left 8 teams he could be traded to. JD taking and making phone calls trying too improve the Texas Rangers is exactly what he is supposed to be doing.
"I do care that JD misled MY after the Beltre sign telling him that he would be the DH all along trying to trade him and searching for a new DH."
This is where you've gone wrong in your thinking, Joe. There is simply nothing to indicate this is what happened. Until we hear proof, this is merely speculation.
It's not a disaster yet. It's a disaster if Scenario 4 happens or Scenario 3 happens in conjunction with a massive drop off in productivity at the plate.
If the organization was shopping him around immediately after assuring him that he wouldn't be traded, then yes, that's an issue, and something I can understand his frustration over ...
I'm pretty sure this is what is going on from the stories I've read. It would be like you hearing that your boss is trying to transfer you to another branch out of state. You go to your boss and he tells you that he was thinking about it but there is nothing to it now. You are going to stay right here where your family and home are. Then you find out that your boss is still trying to transfer you. Hey all you want is to know if you are going to have to find a new place to live and a new school for your kids.
Look I know there are a lot of people on here that worship at the feet of JD, and I think he has done a very good job lately. But reading between the lines, I think he's really screwed this one up. MY deserves to know I don't care how much he makes and that shouldn't be a consideration. For those of you that think otherwise, you may want to check your jealousy at the door. MY has been loyal to the Rangers for 10 years and deserves honesty from the front office. Plus other players are watching this and will take how the FO treats players into consideration when thinking about signing.
The truth will all come out in the end. Right now it's a whose story do you believe? MY or JD?
Lets put it this way if something happened to me and I had to choose one of the two to raise my kids, I know who I would trust, MY. Does that mean that he is the one in the right, no, but it will all come out in the end. I just find it amazing how many people just want to throw MY under the bus.
@Joe~
Wait a minute. Now you're ridding the fence of JD's motives?
You've been screaming conspiracy for a week. Your theory
is documented here. Personally, I'm still seeing it as Young woke
up not wanting to be a DH, because it effects his future contract(s).
He saw what Vlady went through and it woke him up to reality of DH.
He views himself as Jeter of the Rangers. He's 'entitled'~ He's Mike Young!
WWJDD,
Many here have freely admitted that JD was clearly trying to pressure MY to ask for a trade, that he wanted to trade him all along. I also think that is rather obvious and MY clearly has some information to that effect as well. That is why he is pissed.
Joe
Joe,
You said you hear MY is actually an asshole. If that is indeed the case, why does he deserve respect? For being an asshole?
Thome/Manny were not going to affect MY-Thome knows he is not a full-time guy anymore, and manny went to TB because he knew he would get more at-bats there,
Nolan said(and I believe him much more than Young) that MY changed his mind b/c he is concerned about his NEXT contract! Now My has to come out and claim he was misled to try to save his public image, which is obviously not who he really is at all.
Hubz,
What are you talking about? My position has not changed at all.
I have said that I thought JD was dishonest with MY from the beginning, that he was trying to get him to ask for a trade and as others here have said to make himself look stupid.
Joe
The scenarios that worry me involve multiple week injures involving Kinsler or Elvis. Does Wash give in and put MY in their place every day. How will the drama play out when his defense costs us games. Those will be some tough post game questions. What if Wash starts Blanco at those positions instead? What meltdown happens then? I don't like this at all.
Randy,
I said I have heard MY is an asshole. I DO NOT KNOW AND NEITHER DO YOU.
And yes assholes deserve respect just like anyone, one shouldn't lie to anyone asshole or angel. You know in the Bible it says "Thou shalt not lie." It doesn't say only if the person is a nice guy. Regarless of this being dishonest to MY has caused a rift in the entire organization. A shit pie has been served up by JD for all of us to eat and we have no choice in the matter. If you are not honest with assholes because that is the right thing to do then be honest with them because that is what will save your ass from shit pie.
Are you ok with lying to assholes because they are mean? Give me a break man, regardless of whether he is a mean guy he deserves respect because he is a human being with dignity.
Joe
LFloyd,
You don't tell someone they aren't going to be traded and then go shop them on the market, that is called dishonesty. It means that JD was not really assuring MY that he would not be traded, that he was only saying that to MY for the sake of expedience.
Joe
Young should be given the first base position. Who else would be better? This way, he gets what he wants and the Ranger get what they need.They can not afford to lose his bat and versatility. As for DH, Russ Branyon could team with Napoli,giving them solid numbers from the DH spot.If not Branyon,Scotty Poesednik could be another DH candidate,giving them a back up out fielder with speed as well..Young should be a career Ranger.There are far to few of those types anymore.The kid that played some first last year could then be an excellent trade piece come the trade deadline when they need another starter.With Young planted at first for the next three years,this would be the logical move for him.
Joe,
I don't believe JD said that. And it would be unreasonable for MY to expect that. Baseball is business, and change is part of that.
Young should be given the first base position. Who else would be better? This way, he gets what he wants and the Ranger get what they need.They can not afford to lose his bat and versatility. As for DH, Russ Branyon could team with Napoli,giving them solid numbers from the DH spot.If not Branyon,Scotty Poesednik could be another DH candidate,giving them a back up out fielder with speed as well..Young should be a career Ranger.There are far to few of those types anymore.The kid that played some first last year could then be an excellent trade piece come the trade deadline when they need another starter.With Young planted at first for the next three years,this would be the logical move for him.