A Way to Get Beltre

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

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!

Michael Young: A Texas Ranger

Michael Young has rescinded his request to be traded and has agreed to move to 3rd base. Love it. More to come.