Texas Rangers gain slow response on Michael Young trade offer
The Texas Rangers and Michael Young are at the centre of a controversy, that has triggered a wave of speculations.
The 34-year old had requested a trade from Arlington last week, saying that the Rangers have ‘misled and manipulated’ him. The six-time All-Star and a Gold Glove winner was made the Designated Hitter last month, after the club signed on Adrian Beltre who
replaced him as third baseman.
Young had initially agreed, but after Mike Napoli was signed on, Young saw his prospects in the team take a dip.
The club has been trying to sell the disgruntled veteran on a trade, but it seems the situation hasn’t presented quality bidders.
Sources say The Los Angeles Dodgers are interested in the player but they’re not willing to handle the $48 million salary tab that comes with him. The Los Angeles Angels, Minnesota Twins and the San Diego Padres could fit the player in, but salary is a big
concern.
The New York Yankees have the financial backing to buy him, but they already have infield strength.
The only likely place for Young would be Colorado, where he could play with the Rockies. For that deal to go through: Texas will have to make financial concessions of $20-25 million, something they may not be willing to do.
Team President, Nolan Ryan, has iterated his desire to have the experienced player in the roster, filling up the role for Designated Hitter.
"He doesn't view himself as a designated hitter at this point in his career," Ryan said. "At this point, he still views himself as an everyday player. I understand the way he feels. ... I tried to assure him that from a career perspective, I didn't think
it was a step down. Michael's feeling is that once you go to DH, you're going to be considered a DH. He feels that limits him as far as his career."
However, Michael Young is more than vocal about his displeasure with how things have turned out in the club. Young was asked if he thought there was a way he could stay on the roster for the coming season. He replied in the negative.
"I don't think so," Young said. "I think a trade is going to happen. The shame of this is I have a great group of teammates that I have grown to love. It's a shame this has come up when we should be focused on getting ready for the season."
Though the Rangers are exploring trades, they may decide to keep him despite his unhappiness if a favourable deal fails to materialise.
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