Ron Washington Holds Forth On Michael Young

Very good post by Evan, who pins Wash down on the matter of Michael Young never, ever sitting, and gets affirmation from Wash as far as Young being an everyday guy down the stretch:

Washington doesn’t plan to change his usage of Young at any point this year. Though Young was hitting .270 with a .643 on-base-plus-slugging-percentage for the year and had only three homers, Washington said he was not moved by any statistical indices more than by his own feel for the game, the team and the players.

“I know his season isn’t up to par on what he’s capable of doing, but I’m not getting off the ship,” Washington said. “He’s done it for 12 years and the bottom line is before the year is over, he’s going to do something grand for this club. I’m willing to wait for it as the manager. If fans are jumping off the ship, I’m a little surprised after all he’s done for this team.

“He does way more than what happens whenever he gets in the box. He busts his butt every day working early. He works with other players to try and help them get better. I’m a big believer in Michael Young. And if the ship sinks, I’ll still be on it.”

Wash also talks about how he has never paid attention to WAR, and favors his "eyes and instincts" when it comes to allocating playing time, while Young says that he feels he has made an adjustment that has better enabled him to get his hands through the zone, and also has this remark:

"Right now, I feel like myself going up there. I don’t think I’ve completely turned the corner, but I expect that I have a long hot stretch in me before this season is over."

So, there you go. I recommend reading the post in full, and props to Evan for getting these quotes. Basically, if you're mad about the status quo, you can screw off, because Young isn't losing any playing time to anyone. At least he didn't call the fan base "unloyal" for not sticking by Young this time. Not directly, at least.

I wish I could erase these thoughts of Young killing the Rangers in the post-season ...