Philadelphia Phillies’ Michael Young to not play in World Baseball Classic - MLB Update
Infielder, Michael Young, has announced that he will not play in the World Baseball Classic.
Instead, he has decided to devote all his time to prepare for the upcoming season of the Philadelphia Phillies.
Young does not want to be distracted at the moment.
His entire focus is on making sure he achieves heights of success next year and helps the Phillies reclaim their lost crown in the National League East Division.
Young was acquired by the Phillies through a trade with the Texas Rangers.
The club pins high hopes on him, considering his remarkable track record as a hitter.
He is being touted as potential stand out performer for Philadelphia in 2013 and the force to be relied on in the crucial matches.
While playing for the Rangers for such a long time, Young clinched enviable laurels.
He had All-Star appearances for various positions, including short-stop and third base.
Unfortunately, a slight decline in his performance during the last season forced the club to get rid of him, as opposed to retaining Young for life.
Young wanted to end his career with the same club where he began his Major League expedition, but uneasy relationships with some of the officials of the Rangers led to his trade to the Phillies.
Actually, Young asked for more playing time, whereas the officials of the Rangers, fearing a decline in his defensive effectiveness, were reluctant to guarantee anything.
"At the time, our team was scuffling. We were a .500 team and I felt like I was the one guy there every day doing my job," Young said. "When I got moved out of my position, my initial reaction was, 'There's a lot of changes that need to be made elsewhere,
why am I the one being moved out of my spot?' If I could go back in time, I would have embraced it as a great challenge.”
For the same reason, Young readily accepted the idea of being sent to the Phillies, because there he will be used as a regular third baseman.
Indeed, the 2013 season will pose a great challenge for Young to prove himself.
It will be interesting to see how he lives up to the expectations of the Phillies.
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