Michael Young: A Texas Ranger (cont.)

So, yes, Michael Young will continue to play for the Texas Rangers. It was a situation that caught me a little off guard but I'm glad it was resolved quickly. He will start at 3rd base next year.

The story was that Michael and GM John Daniels had breakfast together one morning when Daniels told Young that they wanted him to transition to 3rd base. After winning a gold glove and having already made the transition to short stop from 2nd base after the Alex Rodriguez trade, Young wasn't too happy. He asked to be traded. News reports and blogs had a hayday with the report. Well after a couple days of thinking and talking to friends, baseball players and Nolan Ryan, Young decided he would make the switch.

Did Daniels and Co. really think Young would react the way he did. No way. Young has always been the ultimate team player. He is the face of the franchise. The Rangers didn't sign him to his giant contract just because he was a great baseball player. They signed him because...

1. He's a great baseball player (hits .300 and gets 200 hits a season).
2. He's a leader. Everyone in the organization has an amazing amount of respect for him.
3. Like I said, he's the face of the franchise. Though all the seasons of not making the playoffs, Young has stuck by the Rangers side and is an encouraging force within the organization.

I think Young realizes what's best for the organization and really wants to be a part of this club when the club breaks through. He also has been quoted saying he thinks it could happen soon, something I believe strongly in.

Put aside the bad moves made in John Daniels' managing. He turned a new leaf last year so all the Ranger haters need to get a grip. Look at what they are doing now with the calling up of Elvis Andrus. The future is coming and it won't all be dealt. Deals do make sense sometimes and the way they are taking care of the system right now they have me conviced that they can handle it correctly.

GO RANGERS!