Friday, March 18, 2011

The Michael Young Situation

Between three separate drives from Stillwater, OK to home, and back the last three weekends because of my little sister's state basketball tournament and spring break, I've been a busy guy.

But just because I haven't had time to write on this blog does not mean I haven't had my eyes set on Surprise, AZ, and all things Texas Rangers.

Overall, I've been excited about what I'm hearing out of the Cactus League. I'm ecstatic to see what Adrian Beltre can do this year, and Chris Davis' resurgence might be even more interesting - although I keep getting deja-vu on the subject from the last 2 years of his sudden explosion, only to falter in the big leagues.

But perhaps the biggest storyline that is developing in the Rangers clubhouse is the Michael Young trade that isn't happening.

The fan's perspective of the matter stinks, as seeing a Rangers lineup without Young would be like seeing Lady Gaga walking around in a pair of jeans and no makeup. But I don't see a huge loss. Yes, it would be great to always have a top player at every position in the infield no matter who is hurt, but when you look at Young's salary, which is one of the highest on the team, is it really worth it?

Instead of paying his salary, the Rangers could go pick up another starting or relief pitchers on the trade market, or put it in the bank until this off season to bring in another big name.

The Rangers are already stacked at every other position I can see when healthy. You know you're set when David Murphy is your fourth outfielder, and Mitch Moreland is your weakest infield link.

So what is the point of keeping Young around? Yes, he is the modern day "Mr. Ranger", but he's never REALLY embraced the role. I've been to a million games in the past five years, and have never once seen him signing autographs. His actions seem exclusive, and perhaps that's the reason it won't phase me if there is a trade.

The problem is, that Daniels can't get enough return value, which makes me hope they don't get tired of it and cut him or trade him for nothing next off season.

We'll all find out soon enough, but I fully expect to see Young in the DH spot on Opening Day, and most likely stay there until someone goes down in the infield.

That's all I've got, look for a March Madness update, as well as a Spring Training recap/season preview for the Rangers.

Questions? Comments? Follow me at @bmorris_ocolly on twitter.

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