MLB Trade Rumors: 10 Ways Rangers Can Still Salvage Michael Young Situation
When the Texas Rangers ponied up and offered free agent Adrian Beltre a six-year, $96 million contract, incumbent third baseman Michael Young, the Rangers all-time leader in hits and several other offensive categories, indicated that he was okay with moving to the role of full-time designated hitter.
Then, the Rangers acquired Mike Napoli from the Toronto Blue Jays, and shortly thereafter, all hell broke loose.
Two weeks prior to the start of spring training, the Texas Rangers went public in saying that Michael Young had demanded to be traded, with general manager Jon Daniels saying that Young had a “change of heart” regarding his role as designated hitter and utility infielder.
One day later, Young ripped the Rangers, telling Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports:
“The suggestion that I had a change of heart and asked for a trade is a manipulation of the truth. I asked for a trade because I’ve been misled and manipulated and I’m sick of it. Other than that, I’m not going to reveal any details about how this process unfolded. It’s not my nature to start blasting people publicly when I don’t think it’s necessary... But at the end of the day, I know the truth. And so does JD.”
While the Rangers said that they would honor Young’s request for a trade, there have been no significant discussions with any teams, and now, with the calf injury to Beltre early in spring training, the Rangers will certainly be in no hurry to accommodate Young’s request.
While Michael Young has been a consummate professional throughout his career with the Rangers, the current situation is still a distraction, regardless of what Young or anyone else on the Rangers says publicly.
The Rangers can still salvage the situation and try to trade Young, but there are only eight teams on Young’s contract that he has agreed to be traded to: the Yankees, Twins, Astros, Cardinals, Padres, Dodgers, Rockies and Angels. Young has also indicated that he would we willing to waive his no-trade clause to other teams “on a case by case basis.”
So, with that in mind, here are ten ideas that the Texas Rangers can use in order to save face and get value for Michael Young in return.
10. Michael Young to the LA Angels for 3B Alberto Callaspo and RHP Trevor Bell
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This deal probably has the lowest chance of happening, because the Los Angeles Angels already took on $84 million in dealing for Vernon Wells, and the added $48 million that Michael Young’s deal would add to a payroll already approaching $140 million for the Angels.
However, Young would certainly look good in an offense that scored 202 fewer runs in 2010 than the previous season, and with the addition of Wells, the Angels would become instant contenders for the AL West title once again.
General manager Tony Reagins would no doubt also want financial considerations included in the deal to make it more palatable, however the Rangers would be unlikely to oblige, and they would be very reticent to dealing Young within their own division.
Michael Young to the LA Dodgers for 2B/SS Jamey Carroll and Pitching Prospects
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Quite frankly, this possibility would be more like a pipe dream, considering the shaky financial situation with the Dodgers and the ongoing McCourt divorce case. MLB commissioner Bud Selig has already nixed a potential $200 million loan from the Fox TV network to McCourt, leaving the Dodgers in even further financial turmoil.
However, Michael Young could be a viable option at either third base or left field. New Dodgers manager Don Mattingly has already told incumbent third baseman Casey Blake to bring all of his gloves to spring training, and will have no problem moving Blake to left field if the combination of Marcus Thames and Jay Gibbons fails to materialize.
Jamey Carroll, who filled in more than capably for SS Rafael Furcal during his stint on the disabled list last season, can easily fill in at third, shortstop or second for the Rangers, and would add great depth to the bench.
8. Michael Young to Minnesota Twins for 3B Luke Hughes and RHP Kyle Gibson
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Michael Young could fill multiple roles for the Twins in 2011. He could platoon at DH with Jim Thome against left-handed pitchers and can spell Danny Valencia at third base from time to time. Also, if Justin Morneau still feels ill-effects from his concussion symptoms that cut short his 2010 season, Young could easily fill the void at first base.
The Twins are also relying on Japanese import Tsuyoshi Nishioka to fill the void at second base, created by the departure of free agent Orlando Hudson. Should Nishioka falter, Young will certainly be called upon.
The Rangers can utilize Australian-born Luke Hughes as a backup to Beltre at third and utilize his right-handed bat off the bench.
The Twins may be very reluctant to deal Kyle Gibson, considered their top pitching prospect. However, Gibson could be ready to join the Rangers rotation if he continues his meteoric rise in the minors, and as insurance if Brandon Webb is unable to recover from the arm problems that has plagued him for the past two seasons.
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7. Michael Young to Colorado Rockies for 3B Ian Stewart and LHP Matt Reynolds
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This could be a very attractive option for the Colorado Rockies. Young’s bat would add another powerful weapon to an already loaded Rockies offense, and provide stability at third base.
The combination of Young at third and Troy Tulowitzki at shortstop would be lethal indeed.
Ian Stewart can play both third and second, adding insurance for the Rangers should Adrian Beltre or the oft-injured Ian Kinsler suffer injuries during the season. Matt Reynolds would give Rangers manager Ron Washington an attractive left-handed option out of the bullpen.
6. Michael Young to the Chicago White Sox for 3B Mark Teahen and C Josh Phegley
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The Chicago White Sox have a definite void at third base, with Mark Teahen returning from a sub-par season and untested rookie Brent Morel battling for the position during spring training.
White Sox general manager Kenny Williams might be reluctant to pull this off however, considering he’s already grossing about the projected $120 million payroll.
What, you don't think White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen would LOVE to have Michael Young's bat in his everyday lineup?
5. Michael Young to the Cardinals for INF Daniel Descalso and Pitching Prospects
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This is probably an unlikely deal as well, considering that the St. Louis Cardinals will be trying to store away every single penny they can in the hopes of signing Albert Pujols to a lucrative long-term contract. However, with the uncertainty of the production of David Freese at third base and a down year for 2B Skip Schumaker, Young’s bat would provide a great supplement to Pujols, Matt Holliday and Lance Berkman.
Minor league prospect Daniel Descalso is an emerging offensive talent, however he would be buried behind Schumaker and Freese, and could get an opportunity in Texas to get some at-bats spelling both Ian Kinsler and Adrian Beltre.
4. Michael Young to the New York Mets for SS Ruben Tejada and Pitching Prospects
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21-year-old Ruben Tejada is clearly a star on the rise, however with Jose Reyes at shortstop, he is unlikely to see much time with the New York Mets. In Texas, Tejada could be a capable backup for both Elvis Andrus and Ian Kinsler while continuing his maturation process.
Just who will play second base for the Mets is also cloudy, with the aging Luis Castillo and rule-5 pickup Brad Emaus vying for the role. Young would solidify a position long in flux, and give the Mets a potent infield combination with Ike Davis, Young, Reyes and David Wright.
Again, this deal is highly unlikely, considering the Mets took a $25 million loan from MLB to cover operational costs in light of the Wilpon/Bernie Madoff investment scandal.
3. Michael Young to the Braves for SS Diory Hernandez and Pitching Prospects
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What better insurance for the Atlanta Braves than to have Michael Young just in case 3B Chipper Jones doesn’t rebound from his torn ACL? Jones will reportedly be ready for Opening Day, but he has already had fluid drained from his surgically repaired left knee, and there is no guarantee whatsoever that he can return to full health.
Young could also spell both Alex Gonzalez and Dan Uggla at times, and can provide insurance at first base behind rookie prospect Freddie Freeman.
2. Michael Young to the Tigers for 3B Brandon Inge and RP Daniel Schlereth
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Let’s face facts, no one knows exactly what is going to happen with Detroit Tigers 1B Miguel Cabrera in the wake of his DUI arrest and subsequent counseling.
Carlos Guillen is also on the shelf for at least the first month of the season, so Michael Young would provide value right from the start for the Tigers.
Brandon Inge could serve as insurance for Adrian Beltre and get at-bats at DH as well for the Rangers.
1. Michael Young to the Giants for 1B Travis Ishikawa and LHP Barry Zito
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OK, so I’m being a little facetious with this one. But hey, what if Pablo Sandoval, aka Kung Fu Panda, decides he feels better with a playing weight of a defensive tackle rather than an outside linebacker?
And what if Miguel Tejada decides he has no heart in San Francisco? Maybe he left it in Oakland instead?
While it’s highly unlikely that any of these deals will happen now that Adrian Beltre is having calf issues, stranger things have happened just before Opening Day in the past (think Steve Carlton in Feb. 1972 and Norm Cash in April 1960).
If the Texas Rangers can avoid another soap opera, they would certainly be served. But then again, they got through last year’s bankruptcy issues and manager Ron Washington’s admittance of cocaine use, so why not keep Michael Young? Maybe, if they can come up with some other sort of calamity, they can repeat as American League champs once again.
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