A report in the Newark Star-Ledger says that the Dodgers have asked the Rangers about the availability of shortstop Michael Young. Hmm. Entertain this:
Young, a native of the LA area, could return home.
The Dodgers could afford to take on his salary and have prospects (Clayton Kershaw of Highland Park) who the Rangers would want.
Young could play shortstop this season for the injured Rafael Furcal but move to second base next season if the Dodgers don't exercise the $9 million club option on 40-something Jeff Kent.
The Rangers could easily move either Joaquin Arias or Elvis Andrus into Young's vacated slot for the rest of this season and beyond.
The money the Rangers are saving on Young could go toward a free-agent third baseman, assuming they don't pick up the option on Hank Blalock. Joe Crede will be a free agent after this season.
Is the trade going to happen? Gosh, no. But it's not that farfetched.
AS much as I would hate to lose an All-Star and all round guy, could we get a CLOSER for MY?
Posted by: Clark Carradine | July 30, 2008 at 06:08 AM
Young is a fan favorite and a class guy and player, but this deal could and probably should happen if L.A. is willing to give up prospects. The Rangers have two excellent minor league short stops they could move up. They won't get 200 hits but they have more range and will develop. AND if the Dodgers can provide pitching this Ranger team needs all they can get.
But doubt this deal will be done because Ranger Management is concerned with PR and Young going anywhere is bad PR.
Posted by: Don Hansen | July 30, 2008 at 03:18 PM
Rangers management would be stupid to let Young go...he's done nothing but prove he's worth the money and the label Face of the Francise. Keep Young, build around him!
Posted by: Texas fan | July 30, 2008 at 10:59 PM
sick and tired of hearing that Young doesn't have good range! He's got better range than jeter and renteria, but you don't see the Yankees or Tigers trying to move either of those guys from SS. Betancourt has better range than Young, but who would you rather have on your team, Betancourt or Young? enough said...Young makes every routine play and several great plays. he has one of the best arms in the league, and top 3 SS in baseball...
Posted by: Jim Brett | July 30, 2008 at 11:05 PM
Thank you, Jonah...finally a ranger's fan who knows baseball. I agree with every point you made. I love Young at SS. he's a career .300, hit machine, good defender, plus arm, and clutch...what more do you people want from a SS?? any thought to move him to 3rd is ridiculous.
Posted by: Jonah Abe | July 30, 2008 at 11:08 PM