Texas Rangers short stop Michael Young was recently asked to move from his position of shortstop to third base in order to make room for super prospect Elvis Andrus, who was acquired from the Atlanta Braves in the Mark Texiera trade.
How did Young respond? By asking for a trade, reports MLB.com.
Young has been an all-star every year since moving to shortstop in (2004) and even won a Gold Glove in 2008.
So, what does the trade market look like for a Gold glove winner who is a career .300 hitter with a career OPS of .788? Not very good.
ESPN’s Buster Olney says that Young is nearly untradeable. He cites his age (32), declining ability and, most importantly, his high salary ($16 million per for the next five years).
Olney’s co-worker, Rob Neyer, calls the entire situation foolish.
According to Mike Hindman, of the Dallas Morning News, young’s numbers have been in decline for the past three seasons and his best day are behind him. Hindman also references Bill James range rating system and John Dewan’s fielding bible to say that, despite winning the Gold Glove, young is in the bottom tier of fielding shortstops.
Rangers General manager Jon Daniels expects Young to be with the team this season, according to MLB.com. The story also does a nice job of breaking down his trade market.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Here’s a situation I’d examine were I Mark Shapiro. I know Shapiro doesn’t want to take on salary, but a Gold Glove shortstop who gets — until last year, anyway — 200 hits a year and is a solid citizen is a guy you at least check out. I’m sure the Tribe’s pitchers would appreciate a middle of Young & Cabrera, especially a groundballer like Westbrook. Better baseball may raise the funds, in the form of attendance, to pay for this guy. Here’s hoping …
Canton Terrier
Cooler heads seem to have prevailed, as reports are that Young has now agreed to play third in Texas. I imagine he and his agent quickly figured out that a trade wasn’t doable, at least right now.
Interestingly to me is the contrast between that and The Padres signing of David Eckstein. Talk about a team guy….Padre brass reportedly asked Eckstein where he would like to play. The long time SS was honest with himself and his prospective employer in answering that at his age and skill level, 2B would be his best position.
Many feel that Young’s range is overated. If the rookie Andrus pans out like they think he will this will solifiy not one but both positions on the left side of the Ranger infield.
BTL