Michael Young Saga

Some comments on this ongoing saga between the Rangers and Michael Young.  It's very unusual to find such contention between a franchise icon and the team he came up with.  As a recap, Young has been a fixture for Texas for 10 years, has a .300 career average with a little pop, and is the franchise all-time hits leader with over 1,800.  He moved from 2nd base to accomodate Alfonso Soriano and later moved to 3rd base to accomodate Elvis Andrus.  Through all the losing and the position moves, Young continued to hit and be the unquestioned leader in the clubhouse.

Jon Daniels bungled the relationship with Young this off-season leading to a rift between the 2.  Asking Young to switch positions a 3rd time and pursuing a trade left him feeling understandably unwanted, and he feels that Daniels has been dishonest during the process.  Despite all of this, I actually think the Rangers have done what is necessary to make the team better and it tells me that this management group is willing to make tough calls to produce a winner.

Young's defense is very average, he lacks speed or a great arm.  As this team has improved across the board, his deficiencies have been magnified.  The roving utility player role that the Rangers have proposed is probably the best fit for him because he can do a good job at about 5 positions on the field and will hit in the clutch.  And his clubhouse skills are invaluable.  Yes, he could start for several teams, but Texas is talented enough now that he just doesn't belong in the starting lineup each day.

It's a tough call for a franchise and a player who deserves better.  Young could become a thorn and force a trade, or take his 400 at-bats and continue to be a positive influence on a young team.  At 34 no one wants to be told his best days are over, but I think the Rangers have made the best decision and given Young the best role possible given his declining skills.  I'm hopeful it will work and won't be a season long soap opera.

S