Monday Morning Manager...Michael Young

1)Yes,Yes, and Yes
2)Yes but I can understand frustration.
3)Yes
4)It was a possiblilty. I dont think that would have been best as Young has lost a couple of steps.
5)Young will eventually accept the move to third.

1) Yes, but they could have handled it MUCH differently.

2) No, but I understand why he would want to leave. Getting told to change what you've become after settling in to a second position with the team would be frustrating.

3) Yes

4) Yes

5) Young will be at SS and Andrus will be at AAA to start the season. Don't be surprised to see Young gone at the deadline if the Rangers are out of it.

1. Gotta field the best team possible
2. He's just being an 80 million dollar baby
3. Yeah
4. Then what Cat at DH? PLEASE
5. Let the baby pitch his fit, then he can go pout at third base.

It's un-freaking-believable the entitlement some of these guys carry around. Your a freaking multi-million dollar baseball player. Get a grip.

1. Hmmmm – Elvis Andrus has never played an inning above AA and all of the sudden he’s slated to be the starting shortstop for the 2009 major league team? What happened to the “patience” mantra that we’ve been hearing for the last two seasons? Why does this sound to me more like Ranger ownership wanting to get out from under a big contract than actually wanting to put a true contender on the field? I’d like the stat heads to explain to me how the offense of this team will be better off minus Bradley and Young replaced by Travis Metcalf (217 AB .249 BA) Elvis Andrus at (0 experience at ML) and Nelson Cruz (442 AB .230 BA before 2008).

2. Well according to your blog – Michael wasn’t asked, he was told he was moving to 3B – so his request doesn’t seem out of line in my opinion. Can’t help but wonder if the approach had been a little more conciliatory if we’d even be discussing this today?

3. Hard to say – if the Rangers are willing to pick up a big portion of his contract – I’d say no he’ll be wearing a different uniform. (And if that happens wouldn't that defeat the underlying purpose of the entire scenario?)

4. Absolutely yes – if you are going “tell” someone to move – probably a better idea to “tell” a rookie like Davis, rather than a veteran like Young.

5. Knowing the Rangers as I have for the past 30 years: badly.

“Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it” -- Edmund Burke

http://emcmlb.blogspot.com/

1. Maybe. It seems like they have options, but are taking a long-term approach. The team definitely needs a better solution at 3B than Crede.

2. No. I think he's being unreasonable. He should review who signs his checks. However, Ryan and JD need to perhaps read a few books on management skills. Perhaps highlight the chapters on tact. You don't tell your team leader and recent GG winner to move positions. You include him in the decision making. This crap wouldn't have flown when Ryan was playing, either.

3. Yes. I think he was disappointed more in the handling of the situation than the actual decision.

4. Yes. I also think that Young to 2b and Kinsler to 3b is a better solution.

5. Cooler heads will prevail after Ryan and JD apologize (privately).

1. Elvis Andrus has been predicted as the future SS for quite some time. So, the writing's been on the wall. I think the organization is doing what it has to do to accomplish what the fans expect -- a championship-caliber team.

2. I honestly don't blame Michael for his reaction. He strikes me as a player with a lot of pride, and I can't say I would be very flattered by this move if I was in his shoes. I'm hoping this is a kneejerk reaction on his part and that he eventually calms down and not only accepts the new role, but embraces it.

3. I hope so, and I believe so. I'm not sure any team is willing to take on his contract.

4. I still think Davis belongs at 1B.

5. I think Young and the Rangers will continue discussions, and it will eventually all be smoothed over.

- Micah
http://www.baseballismybf.com

1. Can't believe they're just ordering "the face of the team" to move positions and entrusting a lineup spot to a kid who hasn't played above AA. It seems to me this is just an attempt to make Michael look bad in the public's eyes in order to justify trading him and his salary. The Rangers ownership team seems, as always, more interested in the bottom line than a winning product.
2. Yes!
3. It depends on how little the team is willing to accept in order to dump salary.
4. No. You can't depend upon Blalock at any position. He'll be lucky to DH in as many games as Bradley without being as productive. Davis can handle 1B much better than he can 3B. Young can handle SS another year or two until Elvis has proven himself ready at the ML level.
5. As someone said earlier, probably not well.

1. I think the Rangers had to do something to address the situation at 3rd. Metcalf isn't the answer as our 3rd Baseman. I do think the Rangers should have shown Michael Young more respect than what they did. He has gone over and beyond for this ballclub on and off the field. They should have discussed it with him instead of demanding the switch, but at the same time the club really has 2 options. Either move young or andrus or have one of them switch positions.

2. Young has every right to be upset because he has worked his tail off to become a great SS. He was good enough to get the gold glove last year.

3. My heart hopes yes but my gut says no. The story is to public now and I don't see either side budging on the Young move to 3rd base. My feeling is that the Rangers will end up in a trade with the Red Sox that moves Lowell and Bucholtz and a couple prospects for Young and Salty.

4. Absolultly. We are going to have the same issue in a few years when Smoak comes up.

5. Young will be traded and the Rangers will be further away from a Championship. I've been really disappointed this offseason and it's just getting worse... much much much worse.

A team would take an All Star Shortstop...continually voted as a favorite of other players....other players! and switch his position....and handle it soooo poorly that they alienate him to the point where he wants to be traded...I'm incredulous!!!! Only the Rangers could think that a AA Shortstop is equal to an all star shortstop. They luse the same kind of thinking with the pitching staff. No wonder it's hard for us to win! Leave Michael the heck alone. Put Davis at third and Blaylock at first and move on down the line. And a word to Nolan Ryan....I've respected you guy from day 1...if this was your idea shame on you.

1….Yes

2….No

3….No

4….Perhaps…but would have only been temporary(1/2 to 1 season) anyway.

5….Young traded

It now appears that the “face-off” between Young and JD/Wash happened about a month ago. If a conflict resolution were possible, it could/would have been done behind the scenes in the last month.

IMO, JD and Washington were on the same page before and after the meeting. The Ryan comments over the weekend supports the GM and manager.

It seems as if the Rangers realize the need to improve IF defense and are trying to address the problem. I was not impressed with Blalock’s defense at 1B in 2008. Some fans are not happy with Davis’s defense at third or Young’s range at SS. Some even say that represents three weak spots. Was Blalock’s option picked up so that Young would not “lash-out” at the FO like Chipper Jones on the Braves vs. Smoltz issue?

It is an assumption on my part that the blog reporters that reported the “face-off” were assuming that the move was to free up space for Andrus. This may not be correct…maybe for some other “defensive whiz”.

I do not know what happened behind the scenes. I do not “have a need to know”.
But the “gauntlet has dropped” and I am moving on. I am looking forward to the catchers and pitchers reporting, ST, and the opening of the season. I am not concern if the Rangers get a 3B in return for Young or even a SP in return for one of the “catching trade chips”. What is the difference if the catcher brought a 3B and Young brought a pitcher?

The most positive thing over the weekend has been that I have not heard any “hoof-n-mouth” remarks from Mr. Hicks.

Life is good. PLAY BALL.

Surprise, surprise, surprise. The highest paid, everyday player is on the trade block. I am not against this, however it is more of the same old for the Rangers, i.e. salary dump. Someone over in Rangerland is learning how to spin things though, making Young out to be the bad guy. If the Rangers just trade Young outright and don't tell the fans how he isn't a "team player" won't change positions then they would get roasted. To me moving Kinsler to third and Young back to second makes more sense and improves the defense. An added plus is that Kinsler hits for more power something i want from my thirdbaseman. If the Rangers really wanted to keep Young then they move him back to second. He probably goes for that, But that is the point they don't want him and they don't want that salary. So lets have Duran at second and Kinsler at third, it is a younger and cheaper team, the future. I would like to see Young's salary spent on starting pitching....end of story. But that takes me back to my other rants. Why is it that we always deal from a position of weakness? Everyone is going to try and get Young on the cheap side and we end up not getting "value" for a good player. It stinks and we never learn.
1) No move Young back to second and Kinsler to third. Won't happen because the Rangers want to get rid of the face of the franchises salary. (Please tell me i am wrong).
2) Yes, he wants trade because he has wanted out of here for awhile. This is just the last straw. The Rangers want him to look like the bad guy. Well he isn't the bad guy, he just won a freaking gold glove, which i believe is a joke, but hey he has the skins on the wall and his position is being given to Andrus. Where is the patience for a rookie? Gone. Another prediction from the DWIGOD, Andrus starts on opening day.
3) Depends if someone comes up with a good offer. Right now and again we are dealing from a position of weakness with other teams. They know the Rangers want to get rid of him, so they are going to lowball us.
4) No
5) Young is going to be dealt. He is the highest paid everyday player, doesn't fit for the long term. Same old same old, it is our history and continues to be our present. I am not against this, i was ostracized last week by some idiot last week about this. Something along the line of "this bs about Young getting traded." As long as we spend that $20 million on pitching then i am especially for it. So Nostradamus is right again and is out front on a story one to two weeks ahead of time. Hey TR, isn't that what you are supposed to be doing?

Daniels is quoted as saying, "the Rangers process will be sped up by trading Young. Young is scheduled to make $62 million over the next five years." The Rangers have the upper hand, the precedent was set with the Nationals with Soriano. You either play the position or get suspended and not get paid. Does anyone on here really think he is going to walk away from $62 million and not play? So if the Rangers really wanted to keep him and not get rid of his salary all they have to do is say you are now the third baseman, your range is limited at short, this improves our defense. So get used to it. But they want to appease the player, why? Because they are going to financially benefit from it. Does that sound familiar? Depending on what team Young goes to he is going to have to change positions, most likely back to second base. He may get to play SS if the team is really desperate. But the bottom line is another position switch is in his future, he knows this, he like the Rangers is just using this as an opportunity to get out of Dodge. Something that this boy believes he has wanted for awhile. The losing has grinded on him and i bet if he had a do over, he would have taken his free agency. But know he got the money and now will get out of town. My only fear is that we will be stuck paying a 1/2 of his salary to do so. Please say it ain't so. The more things change, the more they stay the same. Lets say it all together, salary dump, salary dump, salary dump.

This maybe the move that puts me over the edge!

A gold glover, a batting champ, a five time(?? is that right??) all-star!! Let's send him out to pasture for a 20 year old kid who has never had a major league at-bat???

JD is as outclassed as a GM as Wash is as a Manager. And we have the dumbest owner since Marge Schott.

Michael Young is an elite player. To say he's being a baby about this is simply not fair.
And to say the ranger's are better with Andrus at shortstop is the kind of logic only JD can justify because anyone that's been around this game at all knows that is ridiculous.

Sorry michael, thanks for what you've given us.

Oh and I want to be traded too!!! I'm officially a Royals fan now. after all, they have our Manager!

1. I'd rather it come a year from now, but it's been in the mail for a while either way.

2. No. You're being paid 16 million a year to play baseball. Move 45 feet to your right and play baseball.

3. I think so.

4. Not if they want to improve the defense. I guess it would've been a fine 1 year stop-gap, but Davis isn't a long term solution at third and, like I said in the answer to #1, Andrus taking over at SS has been coming.

5. I think they'll kiss Michael's ***, stroke his ego and he'll begrudgingly accept his future at the Ranger's third baseman.

I like Michael and I sort of understand him being rubbed the wrong way by being ordered (at least in his mind) to third base rather then being consulted and asked to switch positions, but at the same time his comments about shortstop being "his job" are offputting. This appears to be more about Michael's ego than anything.

He should take his large salary, move to third, continue to be productive and we won't have to watch our already weak pitching staff get screwed on potential outs up the middle that bounce 3 times before getting into center field uncontested.

Andrus is going to make more errors, but his range is far superior. I'll take an extra 20 errors in a season while he gets to and makes an extra play or 2 every game.

Why is it okay for Salty to tell management that he doesn't want to play first base, just concentrate on catching?
Why is it okay for Hank to tell management he's now a first baseman?
But MY doesn't get that same "priviledge"?

If you read, very carefully, what Young is saying here is that he was "told", not "asked" to make the move. He admits that he is not against changing positions (he even said to tell a potential trade partner he would). So it sounds like JD and Wash could have presented their "view" a little better. Apparently they screwed it up to the point of it being much more than just a case of "semantics" to Young.

I don't know about y'all, but my GM and manager are the last two people in my organization I would want to have "bad people skills".

Hefe, i love you and i agree with you Young has no range. If he isn't positioned right he doesn't get to the ball. Period end of story. Andrus has far better range and will get to more balls and make more errors, but he will also get to those balls hit up the middle that Young can't get to. I personally think Young should go back to second if we are going to keep him. But the Rangers love this, his request for the trade. This gives them what they want, a chance to move his salary and play him as the bad guy. I believe this was the primary motivation, pushed his last button and he let them off the hook with his request. WE HAVE SEEN THIS ALL BEFORE PEOPLE. It is all about the Benjamins! Don't forget that. (Again i want him gone especially if we can get a rumored deal of Dye and a top pitching prospect from the White Sox or something along those lines. Surely the Red Sox want him, he is their type of player. Lets play both ends against the middle and get the best deal. The bottom line is if the Rangers truly want to keep him, they tell him you play where we tell you or you are suspended. If he doesn't like that then tell him to tear up his deal and do what he wants. I still find it hard to believe that some team won't give us what we want. By the time this team is a competing for a championship, Young will be on the backside of his career and making too much money. Age wise he doesn't fit. Young made a ton of money when he switched to shortstop from second base, otherwise he would still be the secondbaseman and probably making less than he is now. I sure would like to know where i get a $12 million + per year and dictate to my boss what i do? It just goes to show you. If he didn't have a guaranteed contract, he would shut his mouth and play to keep that $12 million + per year. Kinda like the rest of us have to do, keep our mouths shut to keep the money flowing. This isn't about a position change, Young has spoken numerous times about his desire to win. He should have taken that opportunity told them he was going to free-agency and he would have been traded a couple of years ago. Hamilton is the face of this franchise, a feel good story. Just what are we gonna do with another outfielder Jermaine Dye????? Is it still too late to enact that perpetual jersey turn in. Michael Young is my son's favorite player and he has that $75.00 authentic jersey but i guess i am stuck with it. Ha ha.

Here are my questions: 1) Who leaked the story to the media? 2) Why leak the story to the media? 3) When did he make the request? 3) If they asked him to move back to second base would he do it? I personally think Kinsler belongs at third and Young at second, this improves our defense.

I suspect the issue with MY is being "TOLD" and not being "ASKED". Seems like last year, management "ASKED" Blalock to move to first, from third and he agreed. If I remember correctly, DGoodie, you wanted MY moved to third and now you want him on second. Where next? If you got an authentic jersey for 75.00 then you better keep it. Might check the label. Ranger Management is not known for strong people skills nor making great decisions. This season will be much like the last several and Mr Hick's new video boards will not fill the seats, but a winning team will.

"I do not know what happened behind the scenes". Absolutely correct, troseyf. Nor do I, and nor does anyone else who posts here. (Or anywhere else for that matter) But heck, why spoil good conspiracy theories for lack of facts? Nostrodamus, d'god? You make me think more of Iago, pouring his poison into Othello's ear. But then again, Nostrodamus was quite mad, so you could be right

1) Yes, with "moving" him being the operative word. A 32 year old SS usually does not improve their range and defense as they get older. However, I do think they could have sought his input into the matter even if they knew the outcome they wanted all along. At least he will feel like he is part of the solution.

2) No, at least not publically. If he wanted to be traded, he could have asked his agent and the Rangers to not go public with it. If a trade could not be done, then no bad PR like what is happening now. Ultimately, Young's response should have been that he was not in favor of this move, but he would like some time to think about it then discuss other possibilities where he could be confident with the ultimate decision while remaining a Ranger. He needs to remember who signs his checks and not forget exactly why the Rangers decided to commit to him with the 2nd largest contract in team history. That contract was not all about his stats and awards.....it was partially about his character, which now appears to be loosing some respectability.

3) Yes, the contract will be too hard to move. Furcal was paid $30 million / 3 years this off-season and his range is much better than Young's. Young's contract was not just one given to reward him for his success since taking over SS, but one to make him the face of the franchise. Except for the Yankees as they did with A-Rod, no team is willing to take on a full, 5-year, face of the franchise contract, especially for a player in decline, albiet slightly.......unless the Rangers eat part of it, which will then be the excuse as to why they are limited in signing FAs or resigning upcoming in-house FAs.

4) It's still a possibility and one that needs to be discussed. Chris Davis is not that far removed from playing 3B and he stated in an interview that JD asked him to bring both his 1B and 3B gloves to spring training. Blalock spent enough time learning 1B that he would not a problem with it. Another possibility is to move Young to 2B. Though he does not have the upside and range of Andrus, give him Young at 2B over Kinsler everyday. Kinsler has his long-term contract without the Gold Glove, so they could "draw the line in the sand" with him rather than Young. Considering that Kinsler and Young have a very tight friendship, he may be very willing to move to 3B or LF in order to keep Young with the Rangers. Kinsler certainly has less of a bargining chip than Young when it comes to defense.

5) It's hard to tell as this point as both parties dig in their heels to see who breaks first. I'm all for growing from within and committing to it, but I'm also for retaining homegrown players who represent commitment to the team rather than their own marketability and $$$. I'm not sure which side leaked this information, but it is giving all parties involved a black eye. If I'm the Rangers, I start by letting Nolan (not JD) speak with Young going forward. I would tell Young that we want his input into the situation and find a way for Michael to remain for the next 5 years. There are many different ways to "skin a cat, and in the end, the cat is skinned." The ultimate goal is to open up SS for Andrus and I do not think the Rangers should back down from that because it is the right thing to do given the player Andrus projects to be. Having a conversation with Young about moving to 3B is MUCH different than a conversation about Young moving to 2B. I would be willing to bet that he would move to 2B in the middle of a season when Andrus is ready. Once a PLAN is in place (as much as this organization talks about their plans and not deviating from them, seems like there should be a better and more thought out one for this situation), Hicks, Nolan, JD and Wash need to face the media and public to let everyone know they mishandled this situation. They should not just cave and let Young remain at SS for as long as he likes, but there was a much better way of handling the situation. For Young, he could benefit from admitting he flew off the handle by overreacting with the immediate trade demand. The end result would be the face of the franchise remains just that (regardless of the position he plays), and the franchise shows the fans that they 1) can admit their mistakes (helped Giambi, but not Bonds or Clemens) and 2) they are committed to their YOUNG players.......the ones with very few years of age, and the one that has shown a committment to the Texas Rangers by his play and character.

1. No, Andrus hasn't earned that kind of move by management nor does MY deserve it. Jeez a guy wins a Gold Glove with two broken fingers but doesn't get 200 hits and it time to move him? Statistically better than Derek Jeter in just about every category.. I have an idea, trade Andrus for young stud pitching. How about Salty and Andrus for the two young pitcers Boston obviously has no place for.

2. This guy NEVER makes waves so there must be something to his side of the story. Plus he has been on record for sometime about his desire to not switch positions again. That said, negotiations thru the media never work very well.

3. 50/50

4. Definitely for the short term. Based on last September that lineup was not exactly bad on either side of the ball. Besides it would have given Andrus a full year at AAA. Defensively, I do not see a difference between Davis and Blalock at first.

5. The team probably will have to back down. I can't see this being a positive from any viewpoint. everyone loses in the end. It can't help ticket sales, team chemistry, Andrus' development, the team's future. Mike would be the best off getting to go somewhere else but since he asked to be traded does that stereotype him in the future as well. Not good no matter how you slice it. Besides, it makes A-Rod's "Me and the kids" comment look rather prophetic.

1. Do you think the Rangers are doing the right thing in moving Young to third base to make room for Andrus.---I think Mike is a perfect fit at 3rd base, his defensive numbers aside, you put you do what you can to get all your best players on the field.

2. Do you think Young is doing the right thing by asking for a trade instead of accepting the move.---I'm shocked. I understand his feeling of not getting the respect he deserves, and if JD and Co decided to move him without consulting him first, thats was a big mistake. But bottom line, he's under contract, the Rangers have been bad for a long time and if this move helps them start leaning toward something positive, he needs to accept it and do what he can. The worst thing he could do in all this is appear like another selfish me first player with an attitude.

3. Will Young be with the Rangers in Spring Training.---Yes, I think it's a bit of a hard play by Young just to let the Rangers know he didn't appreciate having his future decided without his input.

4. Should the Rangers have kept Chris Davis at third base, Hank Blalock at first base and Young at shortstop.---Hank needs to focus on hitting, with his injuries, and lack of time at first, having him DH will let him focus on his specialty and reduce the chance of another devastating season long injury.

5. How do you think this situation will be resolved?---Young will move to 3rd, Elvis will play SS and be masterful, Hank will hit 30 home runs, the Rangers will win the 2009 World Series and we will all live happily ever after.

1) 2010 is when the Rangers are supposed to competitive. 2009 is probably going to be a AAA year for Andrus and Holland playing for the Rangers. Young should have never been signed to a huge contract anyway.

2) Young is kidding himself if he thinks he comes out of this situation looking like a winner. He is 32, making a huge sum of money and his whining because his employer wants him to move 15 ft. to his right. Stupid decision to complain.

3) He has no choice if he wants to get paid. The Rangers have alternatives at 3rd base.

4) No. Young is not a particularly great defensive shortstop. For a team that wants to build its pitching staff around ground balls, that's kind of necessary.

5) Young will report to spring training and play 3rd base. If he doesn't, the team suspends him and he can sit the season out.

1. I think that the Rangers are trying to put the best ball club out on the field. However.. the Rangers did not handle this well and better be 100 percent about Elvis being ready to be the starting short stop on opening day. My question right now is.. With all of this stuff going on with Young and the Rangers how does this affect Free Agent signings this year? Does it take us out of the market for Sheets?
2. I think Young is getting frustrated with not winning. I think that if he really saw the Rangers as a contender with him moving to third base that he would do it. I don't think that Young really believes that this team can win with this move. I respect Young and he's been through a lot with this ball club. He is justified in feeling this way because he deserves to win and if he can't win then he deserves to be put in the position to have personal success.
3. I do think that Young will be with the Rangers on spring training not because he wants to but because at the end of the day Young is a team player and will play because his teammates don't deserve to go through the hell that he has gone through. The Rangers won't find a trading partner probably until the break. If... IF they do find a trade partner my assumption is that it will either be with the Giants, White Sox, or Red Sox. But I still don't see it happening this offseason.
4. I think that they definitely don't have faith that Hank can be healthy for an entire year. If they did.. then why else would they be doing this right now.
5. Sadly, I don't see this situation getting resolved anytime soon. I think JD must have not used the right words to Young and I don't think that Young trusts upper management.

1. Do you think the Rangers are doing the right thing in moving Young to third base to make room for Andrus. I remember almost all of us regulars mentioning a move to 3rd base was in M Young's future. If Andrus is the stud I think he is, the rangers are doing the right thing.

2. Do you think Young is doing the right thing by asking for a trade instead of accepting the move. NO. My boss called and said he needed me to go to Chicago this week for a convention. The high on Thursday is going to be 4. I asked if he really needed me? Couldn't someone else in the company go? My plane leaves at 4 this afternoon but then again I can't command 12.5 mil a year either.

3. Will Young be with the Rangers in Spring Training. I think so. Maybe not happy but he'll be there.

4. Should the Rangers have kept Chris Davis at third base, Hank Blalock at first base and Young at shortstop. Hmmm. I wonder what happens when Smoak gets here? I could see Andrus and Smoak forcing there way on the team out of ST. Then what? In my very humble opinion, these are the types of problems good deep teams endure. And next year it will be a push with our starting pitching. Isn't this what we all wanted?

5. How do you think this situation will be resolved? I think Young plays 3rd base for the coming years. Blalock will be moved by the ASB and Smoak & Davis fill a 1st/DH role. People when the pitching gets here, this team is going to be deadly! Think about this lineup.
1. Kinsler
2. Young
2. Hamilton
4. Cruz
5. Davis / Blalock / Smoak
6. Salty / Tea
7. Blalock / Smoak
8. Murphy
9. Andrus

Very nice.

What happened to the patience is a virtue, let Andrus play one season at AAA? I still would like to know who and the why of leaking this story? What purpose does it serve other than to make Young appear to be a baby and facilitate the trade? i.e. let the Rangers off the hook. If you want to keep the guy then move him back to second and Kinsler over to third. IF you want to save the money for pitching then trade him and play Duran at second. I personally believe they want Young gone and he wants to leave. Red Sox and Dodgers and maybe the White Sox sound like serious trade partners. Lets not be unreasonable, but lets get something for Young he is an above average player, tough and hard nosed. He is tired of playing for next year. HE has assessed the situation and correctly identified that we are at least 2 and maybe 3 years away from competing. I will wait, he won't . I would have taken my free-agency when i had that opportunity if i were him. The bottom line is the Rangers hold all of the cards and i would like for them to bottom line the guy and say play second or get suspended and don't get paid. He really doesn't have a leg to stand on. We all have to do what is best for the organization even if we are making millions of dollars.

1. If the Rangers feel Elvis Andrus is ready than moving Michael to third base or back to Second and moving Kinsler to left field is the best thing for the team. I agree with the Rangers Management on that point because it should make the Rangers better in the long run by giving Andrus the shortstop position on an everydat basis. But the way that management told Michael is the wrong way to do business. This is not the way to treat your best player by saying to him your have to do this or else. So I agree with the plan but I don't agree with their method of choice because it has soured our franschise player who is the team captain. Michael deserves better treatment than this for what he has done in the past for this franchise. Michael has represented this organization with class and dignity and should have been giving this information a different way.

2. Do I blaime Michael for asking for a Trade? No, I think he is not asking for the trade because of moving position it is because of the way he was told to move. So i would be mad as hell too. He has every right to ask and demand a trade. I do hope the Rangers can patch things up with Michael and move forward because the Rangers are a better team going forward with Michael as the team leader than without him.
3. From what I have heard it will be very difficult to trade Michael because of the money invovled. If the Rangers do trade Michael I like trading him with Salty to the Red Sox for Buchholz, Masterson and either Mike Lowell or Jed Lowerie. I like the White Sox deal I have heard as well. Dye, Josh Fields and a top level pitching prospect for Young. But I really hope the can put this all behind them and not trade Michael.
4. I think if Andrus is ready he needs to be the Shortstop. If not Michael should still be the shortstop until Andrus is ready. Chris Davis's his best defensive position is first Base so I would like him to stay there. As for Hank he can fill in every now and again at first and DH most of the time. But on the other hand with Justin Smoak coming quickly it may not be the Rangers best move to ask Michael to move to Third Base it might be Second and moving Ian Kinlser to left field. Then you would have Davis at Third, Andrus at short, Michael Back at second and the Smoak at first with Hank filling in at first. But I don't know how close Smoak will be by the time spring training is over with. But that is just my opinion.
5. I hope it will be handle with care and resolved soon either way so we can move on and enjoy srping training and the start of another great season and Major League baseball.

If I were the front office, I'd see if I could work out a Smoak+prospect package for Josh Fields. Then, I'd move Kinsler to 3B, Young to 2B and Andrus to SS.

Don't they owe us for taking McCarthy off their roster???

I was hoping the Rangers would go after Fields last year. It may be too late at this point.

Where does Fields play in the scenario?

I don't get these scenarios that people are throwing out with moving Kinsler to left field and Young to second. Young is pissed that he is having his spot at SS being taken away. Moving him to 2nd isn't any different than moving to 3rd regardless if he has played there before.

The Rangers have been in a losing situation. They try and buy their team a championship and we saw how that worked. Now the front office is showing that they are fully committed to their youth and we the fans still complain because we are impatient and tired of losing. It looks like we are going to have to fight it out for another year and hope that we catch lightning in a bucket and that everything goes right for us like it did for the Rockies and Rays. The only thing that is going for us is that we are still in the West and the Angels lack offense, the Mariners are in a bigger mess than we are, and the A's still lack a lineup (granted Holiday and Giambi make them a better club but their pitching staff is still real young and their lineup is not even close to as good as the Rangers)

Daniels has rebuilt the farm system---bless his soul. It's reputedly one of the top systems in the whole of MLB. Terrific!
Given his very shaky trading history, why am I not surprised at this "Move Michael" story? You must handle this with deftness and diplomacy. I thought Daniels was intelligent, even though just because one attends an Ivy League college, it SURE doesn't make them have more "smarts."

It's always great having great farm system players, scouting, player development, and the astuteness to sign them in the first place--Sandy Johnson, for example. In the Sandy Johnson era, we signed Pudge, Ruben, Juan; we developed them, and we KEPT them.

I hate, simply hate, going to all the trouble to develop a tip-top farm system, recruit in Latin America, the Pacific Rim, etc...and get them to the summit of the Major Leagues, and fritter them away to other teams. . . . .WHAT ON EARTH DOES THIS HAVE IN RELATION TO MICHAEL YOUNG, you might ask. . . .

I see bringing up Andrus now as Daniels' seemingly sly attempt of going on the C-H-E-A-P (If you look up cheap, there will be Tom Hicks picture in the Funk and Wagnalls). Milton Bradley made a huge difference protecting Josh Hamilton last year. Michael Young is the glue that holds the team together, and Daniels goes off and tees Michael off, which he has every right to be teed off. No subtlety or nuance there with your best player, your "Franchise Player." Is Daniels an absolute Ivy League idiot?

I'm beginning to think so.

Let's see. Beyond the bad trades he's made, and coupled with Liverpool Tom (the soccer lover) squeezing the dollars and funneling them to the hapless hockey team East of Fort Worth, and funneling funds to the Liverpool gang, I just don't see much commitment to REALLY build a top-notch baseball team here. Hiring Nolan, at least at this stage, seems a P.R. move only. If Daniels can go out and haphazardly treat his biggest star this way........well, I shudder to think what's next.

I like player development, and the Chris Davises, etc. of the world. But from a strictly baseball decision, letting Josh's protection in Bradley go, and not signing a Real-Life closer (PLEASE, not C.J.----good pitcher-not a closer). Can Nolan somehow convince Liverpool Tom to spend some money on his team in Tarrant County for a change? We need a closer. We need another bat. We let successful veterans skate on us. A MAJOR MARKET TEAM LIKE THE TEXAS RANGERS deserve so much better than Liverpool Tom, Ivy League Daniels, and everyone else is doing TO the team-not FOR it.

I used to blog daily, but I really can't stomach the small-market mindset and the pinch-penny style of Hicks, and Daniels sending good players away, and CHASING them away.

Grade for Daniels so far this off-season: F-

I pray that my favorite sports team, my beloved Rangers can overcome their sorry front office meddling and stinginess with the dollar.

Stay, Michael, Stay.

Oops....forgot to answer the questions T.R. put forth:

1) No, not now
2) No
3) No
4) Yes
5) What SHOULD happen: Chris Davis at third, Michael at SS, Ian at second, Salty at 1B, and Gerald should have been catching. He had all the tools. Salty is a learning powerbat and switch-hitter, not unlike Tex. Mistake was trading Laird and hoping for a miracle at catcher. We'll miss Gerald-mark my words.......meanwhile, Hank should be traded for an arm in the bullpen--if he could still bring that much-given his arm ailments anymore.

We always do everything mulebackwards around here. Young told he was moving to third a couple of days ago, then Sullivan puts out an article Andrus invited to spring training. Ha, ha, ha. Hey TR, i would at least think if you were going to give Young's position to Andrus, he should at least be invited to spring training, maybe you do the invite before you tell Young your position has been given to Andrus. Ha, ha, ha. No wonder Young wants out of here and it has nothing to do with what position he plays. It is just the insanity of being a Texas Ranger. Here is hoping that Young becomes a big disruption and gets his trade wish. Emphasis on the word trade, i.e. get value for him. I personally don't care for Daniels but he has been good recently in dealing veterans for prospects. So lets do it. If i can dump his salary and play Kinsler at third and Duran at second then i do it in a heartbeat, if and only if i use that money on pitchers and a big contract for the new face of the franchise, the feel good story of the year and best selling author, you guessed it Hamilton. The bottom line is #1 Young was acquired by trade from Toronto for Esteban (Steven) Loaiza. He wasn't home grown. There was a time when Jerry Narron could not decide on whether to play Young or Catalanotto at second. Mike won out and the rest is 200 hit per year history. Loaiza went on to be a 20 game winner with the White Sox. If and when the Rangers do deal Young, the "cinco" have won out. The "cinco" wanted a total committment to youth for 2 years. Almost if not all of the young guys produced last year and they make less money. So lets get on with it. Lets deal Millwood and Padilla at the ASB if we are out of it. Then we will really be on our way. This team looks good without Young and that is $16 million off the books. If we get rid of Cat that is another $11 million, that is $28 million and boy that is some financial flexibility. Isn't that what all this is about? I can't wait and it is already happening, we want Mike Young to stay. HA. They are going to deal this guy bet on it and make him out to be the bad guy. Bet on it! For those who do not have MLB. COM, John Hart was on there last night and Young was being bashed. Where there is smoke there is fire. By Mikey, i hope the Dodgers love you.

Young will move to third after a little time soothes his sore ego.

I'd like to thank TR for his consistent reporting of the 'MY position change' events. Professional and objective reporting. Nothing less than we've come to expect from this space.

It's too bad that professional and objective reporting on the Rangers in the DFW market seems to be in short(er) supply these days. Being left with the worthlessness that is Jim Reeves for print-media coverage is quite disappointing.

You have gone and done it now stork. Revo and Sully are old drinking buddies from the Startlegram. The bottom line is the Rangers need to get tough with Young, like they should have done with Soriano. You play where we tell you. Would we be looking at Manny Ramirez if Soriano had gone to left field for us. Frank Robinson of the Nationals is a man's man. He told Soriano to put up or shut up. Once Soriano found out the Nationals were going to suspend him and there was nothing he could do about it. He decided to collect his paycheck. All Washington, Ronald that is has to do is put Youngs name on the lineup card at third. IF he refuses to go out there during the regular season then you suspend him. Young can't rant and rave all he wants, the Rangers are holding all of the cards on this one. They are only entertaining trading him, because they want to do it. The former face of the franchise has shown his ***. Ha ha, Hamilton is new face and what about an extension for him? I personally want Young dealt for prospects if we only use that money saved for pitching. What about Roger Clemens? Could he slide back in and finally pitch for Hicks? Kinsler makes more sense at third especially if we can move Young, then Duran gets second base.

1) If Andrus is ready, yes, absolutely.
2) I can understand his frustration....but no, suck it up and act like the professional we know he is. He had to have known this was gonna happen sooner or later.
3) Yes, because no one is going to take his contract in a trade unless The Rangers pay part of it.
4) No-Chris Davis is a potential premier defender at 1B. Blalock looked OK last year at 1B, but he should be the DH this season. If Kinsler improves his defense, an infield of Davis at 1B, Kinsler at 2B, Andrus at SS and Young at 3B might become the best infield in the AL someday.....
5) I believe Young wants to win here, he lives here in the off season now, and I think he will do what's best for the Rangers-especially when he sees there won't be any takers for his contract.

1.Maybe. Way too soon for such a decision. Andrus is a great prospect, but too untested. Thus, the only explanation for the Ranger's Machiavellian power play with Young must be to set up a trade so they can get rid of the salary they willingly gave him. Another seat-of-the pants decision that just galls Ranger fans.

2. No, but I don't blame him. I WISH he would accept it so he would be a happy camper, but when you have an organization with only a couple of proven, all star caliber players, you don't bust their chops without one helluva reason.

3. Probably. But if the Rangers are out of it before the trade deadline, he will be playing 2nd, 3rd or short for a team in contention.

4. Yes, until such time that Andrus, or another prospect, had proven he was ready for the big time. Oh, and by the way, Bradley should have been the DH, 4th outfielder too.

5. The bridge is burned. Unfortunately for Ranger fans, he will be traded as soon as a payroll-rich team like the Yankees, Red Sox or Angels need an all star infielder. I predict when we listen to future ALL STAR GAME broadcasts, we will have to hear "former Ranger Michael Young" just as we have to hear "former Ranger Edinson Volquez , "former Ranger Mark Texiera, and "former Ranger Milton Bradley. I am ticked off.

Alas, the words "Bradley" and "outfield" don't belong on the same page - as the Cubs are about to find out very expensively. He made all of 14 appearances as an OF last year, and didn't look good out there. Even though the Rangers can play him as DH, how many who post here would pay $30 million over three years for him? Or would the money be better spent on pitching? (If there is any spare money, that is. Ain't it easy to spend up big when someone else is paying!) For the Rangers he's DH. For the Cubs he's DL.
As for Volquez, every Ranger fan wishes we had him back. No arguement. But NOT if it means giving back Josh. Of course, a half decent GM would have got Josh for Blalock and Cat without breaking into a sweat.
Salary dump? Nah. The real reason behind the Michael Young saga is that aliens have taken control of the minds of the entire Ranger management. I'll probably be in trouble for letting the secret out. Hold on! There's someone at the door. NO! Don't... Please... ARRRRRG......

Is is just me or does it seem like there were more Michael Young trade rumors BEFORE he requested a trade?

1. Yes. It needed to be done sooner or later, and if the Rangers think Andrus will be ready at some point in 2009 (whether it's on opening day or not) then it needed to be done now.

2. I'll let ESPN's Keith Law do my talking for me here:

"I think Michael Young should shut his mouth and move to third base. Reminds me a little of John Valentin's snit-fit the year Nomar came up. To his credit, Valentin eventually acknowledged that he was wrong. That Gold Glove for Young was the worst thing that could have happened to Texas - now the guy really believes he's good at short."

3. Yes. I don't see us trading him.

4. Only if they wanted to allow over 900 runs again.

5. I think sooner or later, Young will come to terms with the fact that he's moving, and accept his new position, reclaiming his sainthood among the fans and the media in the process.