In case you have been living under a rock, Michael Young, all-time hits leader as well as locker room leader for the Texas Rangers, has requested a trade, stating that he’s been “misled and manipulated on different occasions.”
A few teams, most notably the Philadelphia Phillies, have expressed minor interest in Young, but the chances of a deal being made before the start of Spring Training are very low.
Young, 34, has a contract that goes through 2013 at $16 million per year, an amount that is a deterrent for prospecting teams, considering his age. In order for the Rangers to make a deal, they would want the opposing team to eat up most of that remaining salary, which doesn’t exactly entice other ballclubs.
The dilemma stemmed from the Rangers’ offseason signing of third baseman Adrian Beltre. At this point, Young stated that he would be fine giving up his position to Beltre, as he would do what is best for the team.
So why is Young not doing what is best for the team now?
I digress, however. The Beltre signing was not quite the tipping point. With Beltre now the everyday 3B, Young was placed as the designated hitter-“super-utility” infielder to relieve fatigued or injured teammates. Yet, not long after, the Rangers signed Mike Napoli, a former Los Angeles Angel who could play catcher, first base, and the DH spot well.
This is where Young figured he was not wanted anymore, and demanded a trade.
Who knows who is really to blame for the way Young has been treated. The consensus mainly states GM Jon Daniels as the main culprit. Minority owner/President Nolan Ryan has stated that he wants Young in a Ranger uniform this season, as well as Manager Ron Washington.
Not to mention the entire Texas Rangers clubhouse.
It’s understandable as to why Young demanded a trade after the Napoli signing, but here is a few unknowns that typically (and probably) will happen during the season:
The past few years, the Rangers have made lineup adjustments depending on who is hot. For example, David Murphy eventually began starting over Julio Borbon. Thus, this raises my argument that unless Young has a unrecoverable slump, he will have no at-bats taken away from him. Napoli will, in my opinion, predominantly play catcher, leaving Young rock solid in his DH-utility infielder position.
Also, injuries happen. Beltre may go down with an injury, therefore placing Young back in his familiar hot corner spot.
Lastly, baseball is unpredictable. The unknown void that expands over Major League Baseball is never ending. In layman’s terms, we really never know what will happen as the season unfolds.
So, although things may not be going well in Young’s eyes, you can guarantee that he will enter Spring Training with his head held high, as a leader should.
Because that is what a leader truly does.
All opinions are solely those of Dustin McWilliams. McWilliams is a sports writer at the Durant Daily Democrat. If you have any questions or feedback, please message McWilliams at dmcwilliams82@gmail.com
