UPDATE: We got Adrian Beltre. He will be our 3rd baseman for the next five to six years and will bat cleanup behind Josh Hamilton for the 2011 season. Michael Young will be our super utility player and isn't too happy with the organization, not because of the move which he was happy with but the continued miscommunications between him and the front office. He is still a Texas Ranger and I hope he remains one because his role will be of the utmost importance to the clubs success. We did not get Grienke or Garza though we did pursue them. We did sign Brandon Webb to a one year low risk high reward contract.
Adrian Beltre, born April 7, 1979 in the Dominican Republic capital of Santo Domingo, should now be the Texas Rangers number one free agent target. Having come off an MVP caliber year, albeit a contract year, Beltre could solidify the Rangers lineup and open up a potential starting point in the Zach Greinke/Matt Garza talks. Of course there is one blatantly obvious issue blocking the signing of the highly coveted free agent third baseman and that is the Texas Rangers' franchise third baseman, one time short stop and one time second baseman Michael Young.
You might say, "well he played short stop and second base so just scoot him over." Its not that simple. Two years ago Michael Young took offense to being asked to learn and play third base with young blue chip prospect Elvis Andrus ready for the big league challenge. Young is still a Ranger and happier than ever after the Rangers made their first World Series appearance in franchise history to go along with Mike's first trip to the post season.
"Well then move him to second if you've got Elvis Andrus holding down the short stop position for the next four plus years." Again, its not that simple. You've got the oft injured, yet freak of nature home grown second baseman Ian Kinsler locked up for years to come as well. I know he's dealt with injuries the last couple years but is one of the biggest impact players on the team and that's with reigning MVP Josh Hamilton leading the way [also: Nelson Cruz tied the record for most extra inning homeruns in a season with 5 in 2010].
And now, "What's all this talk about trading our franchise player and life long Ranger (was acquired from the Toronto Blue Jays as a minor leaguer) Michael Young to make room to sign Adrian Beltre?" Young cannot block a trade to Colorado who had inquired on Young during the 2010 Winter Meetings. The Rangers front office was just doing their due diligence in listening to anyone that wanted to talk business and were never too serious about trading Young and three year contract. Michael Young should be a Ranger lifer with all that he's been through and seen here. The guy can still hit even with a down year in 2010 and plays solid defense although range is lacking. It sounds like I'm trying to say that just because he's the Rangers Derek Jeter there should always be a place in the lineup and on the field for him. Actually what I'm trying to say is Michael Young is still good. I'm not going to put it past him to have a couple more .300 - 200 hit seasons. It is very possible if not expected.
I will go ahead and post this now and make changes later because I want to shower and get something to eat. Exams got me down, man!
General Outline: Young - 4, Beltre - 5, Hamilton - 7, Kinsler - 8: Bourbon added in package for Greinke/Garza
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