There's a part of me that's sort of sad to learn this story apparently is over:
Michael Young is headed to third base, albeit reluctantly. The five-time All-Star just completed a conference call with local beat writers to announce that it's time to get the controversy behind him and get ready to move from shortstop."After some careful consideration over the last month or so, and in an effort to not let this thing drag out and move forward at the task at hand -- which is winning baseball -- I've decided to put an end to this and start bearing down and playing third base."
He is no longer seeking a trade, and he wants to see first-hand if the Rangers can indeed become contenders with a young nucleus bubbling in the minor-leagues. He also regrets that the fans were forced to take sides between a player and the franchise, and he laments any questions that have been thrust upon his assumed replacement at shortstop, Elvis Andrus.
Young isn't expecting an easy transition to third base. He said he might as well be moving to left field. But he also said third base will be a challenge that will get his competitive fires going.
Aren't there a lot more tough grounders at third base than left field? And did that careful consideration come before or after Young unloaded on the front office four days ago?
But like most such kerfuffles, this one seems to have ended logically and will be mostly forgotten within a few years. Young will be remembered mostly for being a durable .300 hitter, and for signing a contract his performance really didn't merit. This little bout of petulance will be little more than a footnote.
It's certainly been amusing, though. And I'm amused, too, by the comments below the above item. Two examples from this Star-Telegram blog:
Young is as classy as it gets. Doing what is best for the team even though it's not what he wants. I'm not sure we deserve him, but thanks for saving him Nolan.
Also …
I knew Michael was a team player and a mature whole hearted person by the actions he took with both AROD and Soriano. His reluctance to play third surprised me, but I definitely saw his side and didn't fault him. Now that he has agreed to play third, I can only hope that players and people in general take note of this "Texas Rangers" Hero. If only there were more people in the world like him.
Michael Young might be the greatest human being since Mother Teresa, but I have a hard time seeing this recent incident as evidence of that. Backtracking here isn't about being a good guy; it's about being a smart guy. If Young had continued to refuse to play third base, he (1) would have made it even more difficult to trade him, and (2) in the absence of a trade, would eventually have put his paychecks at risk. Considering the Rangers still owe Young $68 million, that's a pretty hefty risk.
It's not clear what Young thought would happen when he first went public with his complaints. Maybe he just wasn't thinking at all. Sometimes it's easy to forget that these guys have feelings, too.
Rob Neyer
