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Michael Young News & Rumors

Rangers' Michael Young named Marvin Miller Man of Year for 2011
November 4
Dallas Morning News
 
"Rangers infielder Michael Young is the winner of the 2011 Marvin Miller Man of the Year Award. The award is presented to the player "whose on-field and off-field performance most inspires others to higher levels of achievement by displaying as much passion to give back to others as he shows between the lines on the baseball diamond." It is the second time Young has received the award, the other coming in the 2008 season. The only other two-time winners since the award's inception in 1997 are John Smoltz (2002, 2003) and Jim Thome (2001, 2004)."
Michael Young to be back at first base in Game 6; Hamilton will play left
October 26
Dallas Morning News
 
"Rangers manager Ron Washington said Tuesday that Michael Young will start at first base in Game 6, ending Mitch Moreland's two-game run as the starter there."
Michael Young to move to DH; Mitch Moreland not expected to reclaim 1B spot
October 22
Dallas Morning News
 
"Michael Young, who played first base in the first two games, will move to DH on Saturday, but the Rangers will not go back to Mitch Moreland at first. Manager Ron Washington indicated he probably would move Mike Napoli to first and insert Yorvit Torrealba at catcher."
Rangers aren't sitting on their AL throne without Young
October 16
CBSSports.com
 columnist Danny Knobler
"The Rangers didn't need Cliff Lee to get back to the World Series. They did need Michael Young. They weren't severely damaged on that night in December, when Lee turned down their millions to sign with the Phillies. But they may well have been saved on those days in February, when they didn't trade Young. The Rangers without Lee are American League champions, just as they were with him. The Rangers without Young just wouldn't be the same."
Young misses out on AL batting title, but gets a nice consolation
September 29
Dallas Morning News
 
"On the last day of the season, Michael Young had only one hit and fell to third in the AL batting race, fractions of a decimal point behind No. 2 finisher Adrian Gonzalez. Young, however, got a nice consolation prize. He scored the run that gave the Rangers home-field advantage in the first round of the playoffs."
Young takes lead in AL batting race -- barely
September 26
Dallas Morning News
 
"Michael Young, the Texas Rangers' man for all positions, sat out the 12-5 win over Seattle on Sunday but nonetheless improved his standing in the race for the American League batting title. Boston's Adrian Gonzalez went 1-for-8 in a doubleheader against the New York Yankees. That dropped Gonzalez' average to .33762, and he fell behind Young by the slenderest of margins. Young is hitting .33764."
Michael Young relieved his liner didn't serious injure King Felix
September 25
Dallas Morning News
 
"Seattle starter "King Felix" Hernandez left in the fourth inning after being hit in the right forearm by a Michael Young liner. Hernandez emerged with a severe contusion but no fracture, which came as a relief to Young. "I don't like to see people get hurt," said Young, who made an in-game call to the Seattle clubhouse to check on Hernandez. "I was hoping it wasn't anything serious. I've got a lot of respect for Felix. He competes.""
Rangers' rotation falters again; Michael Young - 'We'll respond'
August 26
Dallas Morning News
 
"The Texas Rangers' flagging starting pitching took another hard hit on Thursday night in a 6-0 loss to Boston. Alexi Ogando allowed a career-high four homers - all on poorly placed fastballs - in only four innings. It marked the second time in Ogando's last four starts that he failed to go beyond the fourth inning. Boston won the final three games of the series by a combined score of 30-7. The Red Sox hit nine homers in those games. "You've got to pitch to stay in the game with them,'' Rangers manager Ron Washington said. "It's that simple.'' The loss cut the Rangers' lead in the American League West to two games over the Los Angeles Angels . The Rangers open a three-game series against"
Rangers' Michael Young DHs after 19 straight starts at third base
August 26
Dallas Morning News
 
"Infielder Omar Quintanilla made his first major league start at third base. Michael Young, who had started the previous 19 games at third, got the break that comes with a start at designated hitter. Quintanilla has been ineffective in all areas. In his first at-bat, he popped up a bunt attempt. … The Rangers could stay with the eight-man bullpen for a few more games. Washington admitted he is uncomfortable having only three position players on the bench. … Since returning from in-season surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left hip, right-handed reliever Darren O'Day has faced 29 major league hitters and allowed five homers. … Georgia outfielder Zac Cone, whom the Rangers selected with"
Adrian Gonzalez vs. Michael Young go down to wire
August 25
Boston Herald
 
"Adrian Gonzalez was only 22 years old when he broke into the majors with the Rangers in 2004. But even then, Michael Young believed he had the look of a future batting champion. "He had .300 hitter written all over him," Young said yesterday. Seven seasons later, with Gonzalez starring for the Red Sox [team stats] and Young still piling up hits for the Rangers, the former teammates are running neck and neck for the AL batting crown. Boosted last night by two hits, including another home run, Gonzalez holds a 10-point lead, .347 to .337. Ask either hitter about the other, and their mutual admiration is apparent. Young marvels at Gonzalez' ability to drive the ball to all fields. Gonzalez"
Rangers' Michael Young continues to wear many different hats on the field
August 20
Dallas Morning News
 
"At the beginning of the season, there seemed to be some question as to what Michael Young's role as DH/super utility player entailed. Here's what it entails: Being both a regular at DH and a regular in the field. As of this week, Young has actually started more games in the field (64) than he has at DH (61). Given that Adrian Beltre is likely to miss another 10 days or so with a hamstring strain, it's very possible Young will end up with more games in the field than as a DH. Young started at third base Friday for the 24th time this season. He's started 26 games at first and 13 times at second. Those starts have allowed the Rangers to keep rookie first-year starter Mitch Moreland from being"
2,000 hits nice, but Young wants more
August 9
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
 
"As Michael Young was acknowledging the crowd Sunday night after collecting his 2,000th career hit and as a large congratulatory banner was being unfurled in center field, the baseball was thrown out of play as a keepsake for the Rangers' all-time hits leader. It's not headed to a mantle or a trophy case in Young's home, or being given away to a family member or coach as a token of his appreciation. For now, the 2,000th-hit ball his headed to a closet, joining a collection of other baseballs from past milestone hits. At least 2,000 will reside in a protective case. Others are kept in a tube sock. But they will see the light of day again someday."
Rangers' rally icing on cake for Young's 2,000th hit
August 8
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
 
"Michael Young's next individual goal is career hit No. 2,001. His overall goal Sunday night was just trying to win a ballgame. Josh Tomlin was doing his best to prevent that, even though the Cleveland right-hander couldn't prevent Young from collecting his 2,000th career hit. No. 2,000 might look like a line drive in the box score, but the fact is neither it nor No. 1,999 left the infield grass. That was a sign of how effective Tomlin, a native Texan, had been through the first seven innings. He hadn't allowed a hard-hit ball and had faced just two more than the minimum. But Tomlin gave the Texas Rangers an opening in the eighth, and the Rangers' bats kept pumping as soon as the door to"
Michael Young picks up his 2,000th hit in Rangers 5-3 win
August 8
Dallas Morning News
 
"Nothing else would have been appropriate. The Rangers marked a special occasion in the glittering career of Michael Young on Sunday night with a memorable accomplishment of their own. Helpless for seven innings, the Rangers rallied for five runs in the eighth inning to defeat Cleveland, 5-3, at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. "We had to win the game out of respect for everybody who was out there fighting, including Michael," manager Ron Washington said. Before the eighth, the Rangers had only three hits: two by Young. With his second infield single of the game in the seventh, Young became the first player in franchise history to reach 2,000 career hits. Young got there in career game No."
Rangers' Holland talks out frustrations with Young
August 7
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
 
"Derek Holland is working on consistency.

The 24-year-old has shown flashes of brilliance, throwing four shutouts, but then has subpar outings, such as the one on Friday night.

Holland allowed six runs (four earned) on five hits over 12/3 innings to the Indians, struggling with his fastball command. In his previous start against Toronto, he threw a four-hitter in a 3-0 victory. Holland has yet to string together three quality starts this season.

"It's frustrating, but I'm not going to sit and dwell on it," Holland said. "I just wasn't being me [on Friday], that's the best way to describe it."

What exactly does that mean?

"Mixing in all of my pitches," Holland said. "Establishing"

Michael Young talks with Derek Holland about keeping his confidence high
August 7
Dallas Morning News
 
"The day after a disappointing start, left-hander Derek Holland got together with Michael Young for a wide-ranging discussion. Holland declined to go into details, but Young said the subject of confidence did arise. Young stressed the need for Holland to keep his belief in his abilities. "I think he's always confident," Young said. "I just wanted to make sure it's something he stays on top of. He'll be fine." Holland allowed six runs in 1 2/3 innings against Cleveland. His biggest problem was a fastball that stayed high and hittable. Carlos Santana belted two fastballs for a three-run homer and a two-run double. "I didn't execute very well," Holland said. "It's frustrating, but I'm not"
Rangers' Young rolls out new charity with bowling event
July 26
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
 
"Michael Young has prided himself in being active in the Dallas-Fort Worth community throughout his tenure with the Rangers. He, along with his wife Cristina Barbosa, have supported several charities, most notably the Wipe Out Kids' Cancer Ambassadors program. But the Youngs felt it was time to take the next step. So they launched their own charity, the Michael Young Family Foundation. The nonprofit organization will focus on improving children's health, whether it's physical, social, mental or educational."
Young's hamstring fine
July 22
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
 
"Anyone who has followed the Texas Rangers knows by now to not doubt a medical diagnosis from Michael Young.

The designated hitter pledged on Wednesday night that his tight right hamstring muscle was no big deal, and he was in the starting lineup about 12 hours later Thursday afternoon.

Young felt discomfort after a double in the fifth inning Wednesday but remained in the game. He batted in the ninth, also collecting a double, but left the game in favor of pinch runner Craig Gentry.

The move, Young said, was premeditated. He had told manager Ron Washington to have Gentry ready in case he reached base as the potential tying run in an eventual 9-8 loss that snapped the Rangers' 12-game"

Michael Young (leg) expects to play Thursday
July 21
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
 
"Rangers designated hitter Michael Young said that he will play Thursday in the series finale against the Angels after tweaking his right hamstring in the ninth inning of the Rangers' 9-8 loss Wednesday. He said that he slipped on second base after doubling with two outs, and was removed for pinch-runner Craig Gentry. Young's leg was wrapped in ice after the game."
Twins' Cuddyer prevents Rangers' Michael Young from achieving All-Star first
July 14
Dallas Morning News
 
"Minnesota's Michael Cuddyer prevented the Rangers' Michael Young from achieving an All-Star first. When Detroit first baseman Miguel Cabrera was forced out of Tuesday's game after one at-bat because of a strained oblique muscle, American League manager Ron Washington of the Rangers gave Cuddyer a choice of playing first or third. "First base, 100 percent," said Cuddyer, who has only 14 games at third base since 2006. It was then mentioned to Cuddyer that if Young played first, he would become the first player in All-Star history to appear at all four infield positions. That did not sway Cuddyer, uncomfortable with the idea of playing third in this game."
All-Star spotlight: Bud Selig, Michael Young back Derek Jeter's decision
July 13
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
 
"The biggest story at the 82nd All-Star Game has been who isn't at Chase Field, and the most angst has been directed at Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter for pulling out only a few days after collecting his 3,000th hit. Count commissioner Bud Selig among those on Jeter's side. Selig said that he knows why Jeter backed out -- reportedly because of mental and physical fatigue -- and would have made the same decision. "Any suggestion that I or anybody else around here is unhappy with him not being here is just false," Selig said during his annual All-Star Game session with the Baseball Writers Association of America."
Young becomes fifth player to make All-Star team at three positions
July 8
Dallas Morning News
 
"By joining the American League team as a designated hitter, Michael Young of the Rangers is part of a small and select group. Young is only the fifth player to make the All-Star team at three different positions, with the outfield spots considered one spot. The others are: Hall of Famer Harmon Killebrew, at first and third base and outfield. Hall of Famer Paul Molitor, at second and third base and DH. All-time hits leader Pete Rose, at first, second and third base and outfield. Former National League MVP Joe Torre, at catcher, first and third base. Young previously made the club as a shortstop and third basemen. Manager Ron Washington has told Young to bring all his gloves for Tuesday's"
Ron Washington pulls Michael Young with chance for cycle on the line: 'I screwed that one up'
July 5
Dallas Morning News
 
"An absent-minded Rangers manager Ron Washington prevented Michael Young for getting a last chance at hitting for the cycle in a 13-4 win against Baltimore on Monday. Washington thought Young had two doubles and a single when he removed him for a pinch hitter, Mike Napoli, in the eighth inning. In reality, Young had a single, a double and a triple along with one RBI, all in the first four innings as the Rangers built a 9-2 lead. "I screwed that one up," Washington said. Young said he had no problem with the move by Washington. Young said it was more important for Napoli, who returned for this game after 22 days on the disabled list, to get an at-bat rather than try for the homer to complete"
Rangers' Michael Young is AL player of week
June 28
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
 
"The Texas Rangers went 3-3 in their past two series. Good thing they had Michael Young to get them that far. The American League selected the Rangers utility player as its player of the week for the seven-day window beginning June 20 after he hit .481 and led baseball in slugging percentage (1.037) and total bases (28). Young hit four home runs and is riding a personal-best three-game streak with a homer. He went 13 for 27 with nine RBIs in six games against Houston and New York."
Michael Young, batting .481 in six games, is AL player of the week
June 28
Dallas Morning News
 
"Michael Young, the Texas Rangers' all-purpose performer, was named the American League player of the week for the period that ended on Sunday. Young hit .481 with four homers, nine RBIs and a 1.037 slugging percentage in 27 at-bats. He had the second-highest average in the majors in that span. Boston's Adrian Gonzalez hit .500 in 26 at-bats."
All-Star voting: Rangers' Hamilton still in line to start in OF; Young 2nd (DH), Beltre 2nd in 3B vote
June 15
Dallas Morning News
 
"The latest American League All-Star voting update makes it more and more likely that the Rangers will have only one starter on the AL All-Star team: MVP Josh Hamilton. Hamilton, who missed six weeks of the season with a fractured bone in his right arm, is third among outfielders in the voting. He is about 350,000 votes ahead of Jacoby Ellsbury, but just over 600,000 votes behind Curtis Granderson. Michael Young, who led the voting two weeks ago when the first update was released, has fallen significantly behind Boston's David Ortiz at designated hitter. Young now trails by more than 500,000 votes. "I haven't looked at it and I'm not even sure when the updates come out," Young said. "But I"
Young chases Rangers' record with work ethic
June 13
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
 
"Michael Young tied the Rangers record for games played Sunday when he played in No. 1,573. During the course of his run to Rafael Palmeiro's mark, which should be broken Tuesday, Young has played through plenty of pain. Take the 2008 season, for instance. Young played with a broken ring finger and a calf issue for a great deal of the season, yet finished with 155 games played. His teammates have seen that and learned from it. So while his all-time achievement is worthy of individual recognition, his impact on the club shouldn't be overlooked."
Michael Young nearing another Rangers record
June 11
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
 
"The Texas Rangers' all-time games-played record will have to wait to be broken by Michael Young until Tuesday. The six-time All-Star moved within one of the club mark for games and was in position to break Rafael Palmeiro's record of 1,573 Sunday at Target Field. But manager Ron Washington will give Young a day to rest today, so the soonest that Young can play game No. 1,574 will likely be next week at Yankee Stadium. Washington discussed his plan with Young before the Rangers' 9-3 victory over Minnesota. Young entered the game in a 4-for-39 funk, and Washington thought he detected some fatigue. Young disagreed, but will take the day and is appreciative that his manager is looking out for"
Young personifies ultimate team player
June 8
MLB.com
 columnist Anthony Castrovince
"Each mile logged on the drive to Surprise, Ariz., brought Michael Young one mile closer to peace and one mile further from an ugly offseason. Young had said publicly days earlier that he had been "misled and manipulated" by the Texas Rangers, his employer for nearly 11 years. And for that reason, he had made it clear -- to reporters and, most important, to general manager Jon Daniels -- that he wanted out, despite contractual ties to the team through 2013. This drive, though, had a calming effect. Young didn't spend it bemoaning his impending move to designated hitter or rehearsing lines for a heated exchange with Daniels upon arrival to camp. No, he spent it envisioning the very thing"
Rangers pitcher dealing with kidney stone; Michael Young nears record
June 7
Dallas Morning News
 
"The Rangers held RHP David Bush back Monday in case he is needed as an emergency starter in place of LHP Matt Harrison on Tuesday. Harrison has been dealing with a kidney stone for the last several days. Starting at first base Monday, Michael Young played in his 1,568th game as a Ranger. It leaves him five behind Rafael Palmeiro for the most in a Rangers uniform. Young should break the record Sunday in Minnesota."
Rangers Michael Young gets a tip from former President George W. Bush
May 30
Dallas Morning News
 
"Former president George W. Bush had an interesting homestand with the Rangers. He almost got hit by a popup when Chicago was in town, and exchanged some funny words with Chicago catcher A.J. Pierzynski. Sunday it was Bush giving out the praise, as he tipped his cap to Michael Young after the Texas hitter tied the game with a two-run homer in the eighth inning. "We've talked a lot over the years," Young said. "I've had the chance to meet him several times. He comes to the games a lot. We always have good conversation. I saw him get pretty fired up. I thought that was pretty cool. That was sweet." With two outs and a runner on in the eighth, manager Ron Washington gave Young the freedom to"
Young's bat, bullpen's stop sign send Rangers past Yankees 7-5
May 8
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
 
"For all that has gone wrong with the offense the past week, one player seems to be immune to the prolonged slump and the inability to deliver with runners in scoring position. No one should be shocked that it's Michael Young, who on Saturday earned the right not to be traded without his consent. Not that the Texas Rangers would trade him now. Not that his February trade request is even a story anymore. That off-season scuttlebutt has been replaced by an early-season hot streak that rates as one of the best of Young's career. He went 4 for 4 against New York, driving in the first and final runs as the Rangers overcame a third-inning meltdown by Derek Holland to beat the Yankees 7-5. Young"
Young takes over for Hamilton at Rangers' No. 3 spot
April 16
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
 
"The injury to outfielder Josh Hamilton leaves a huge hole in the Texas Rangers' lineup at a key spot, and manager Ron Washington will turn to the club's all-time hits leader to fill the void.Michael Young hit third Friday night for the second straight game and will be in the spot indefinitely. Washington said he likes to have a veteran in the No. 3 spot and believes that Young is the best available player to replace Hamilton.The Rangers will have five right-handed hitters atop their batting order before the first left-hander, David Murphy. Washington said that Murphy and Mitch Moreland don't fit any higher."It may change, but right now he's hitting third," Washington said. "Besides"
Michael Young not thinking trade
April 12
ESPN.com
 
"Texas Rangers veteran Michael Young said Tuesday that "right now a trade is the furthest thing from my mind." Young, speaking on ESPN Radio's Mike and Mike in the Morning, was asked if he still wants to be traded to a team where he can play the field every day. "At this point now, my thoughts are completley on the Texas Rangers," he said. "That's the way it should be. I'm not going to sit here and say I want to leave a team that's 9-1, a team that went to the World Series last year. Right now a trade is the furthest thing from my mind. Once the season rolls around, it's time to play baseball. I'm not going to concern myself with things I can't control.""
Jon Daniels: Rangers have 'no conversations going' about trading Michael Young
April 5
Dallas Morning News
 
"Rangers general manager Jon Daniels was a guest on MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM Monday, with hosts Jim Bowden and Casey Stern. They asked Daniels about the Michael Young situation, and here's what Daniels had to say: Casey Stern: "When you look, Jon, at the Michael Young situation. I want to give you the floor because every day it seems there is another article. They've closed the door, they haven't closed the door on trade. Is there anything you'd like to get out there about how much better you, mutually, you, Michael and the club feel now about this situation and that he is a part of this team?" Jon Daniels: "It's really not even a topic of conversation as far as we're concerned right"
GM: Michael Young trade unlikely
March 25
ESPN.com
 
"Texas Rangers general manager Jon Daniels said Thursday that he has met with Michael Young twice recently in camp to discuss the issues that have come between them this offseason and led to Young's request for a trade last month. Daniels called the talks "productive" and took some responsibility for the wedge that came between the superstar and the general manager. "I think in talking with Michael there were a lot of little things over the winter that were, just that, little things, but when looked at through one lens or another took on very different meaning," Daniels said. "I regret there wasn't better communication through that process where we could have avoided some of those"
Young, Daniels meet to clear air
March 25
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
 
"General manager Jon Daniels revealed on Thursday that he and six-time All-Star Michael Young have met twice this spring to clear the air and possibly repair their relationship after Young requested a trade shortly before spring training.Young said that the meetings took place Wednesday and Thursday, and that neither he nor Daniels minced words when it came to the ordeal that hung over the club for about two weeks last month."I laid out in detail what I was feeling, what my concerns were and gave him the opportunity to do the same," Young said. "Anytime you're going to sit down with somebody where there's a problem or an issue and air things out face-to-face, it's always productive."Young"
Michael Young speaks about meetings with Jon Daniels
March 25
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
 
"Michael Young exited tonight's Cactus League game after seven innings and gave the media a few minutes to discuss the revelation that he and general manager Jon Daniels have had two meetings this spring. They were Wednesday and Thursday, and intially instigated by Daniels. Both called the meetings productive and said the lines of communication are open. Here's what Young had to say: "I laid out in detail what I was feeling, what my concerns were and gave him the opportunity to do the same. Anytime you're going to sit down with somebody where there's a problem or an issue and air things out face-to-face, it's always productive.""
Rangers' Michael Young fits with Florida Marlins
March 25
Miami Herald
 columnist Greg Cote
"The Marlins have a chance to do something that would be all of these things: bold, smart, important, unexpected, exciting and expensive. Franchise history suggests the latter alone likely will negate all the others, but we can dream can we not? We can hope a club forever on a self-imposed too-tight budget might for once shock us and dare to do something its corporate accountants might not like. The team should go get six-time all-star Michael Young from the Texas Rangers to play third base. (Do you believe in miracles?) PRESSING NEED Young is available, and the Marlins have a pressing, immediate need. The teams have spoken, so there is obvious interest – and was even before presumed third"
Jon Daniels meets with Michael Young, expresses regrets over offseason
March 25
Dallas Morning News
 
"Acknowledging a pair of "productive" meetings with DH-INF Michael Young over the last two days, general manager Jon Daniels said Thursday evening that he had regrets over some of the portrayals that had developed around one of the franchise's most venerable players this winter. The pair met for had an animated meeting of about 30 minutes on Wednesday and then reconvened Thursday afternoon. Afterward, Daniels took the unusual step of revealing the meetings to the media and discussing his regrets over the situation. The winter included several rounds of trade talks and included Young eventually saying he wanted to be traded. "There were a lot of little things that were just that — little"
Michael Young: Tough to bounce around
March 17
ESPN.com
 
"Michael Young's concerns haven't been eased after 13 Cactus League games with the Texas Rangers. Young still is uncertain about his role as a designated hitter/super utilityman. That hasn't changed just because Young is batting .393 with two doubles and two triples in 28 at-bats during spring training while playing DH and every infield position except shortstop. "It's definitely tough to get in a rhythm, without a doubt," Young said. "If I was playing second every day, it'd be easier to get locked in. If I was playing third, it'd be easier to get locked in. It's definitely tough to bounce around, but I've had to kind of get accustomed to it this spring."
Some steps Phillies could take to acquire Rangers' Michael Young
March 11
Philly.com
 
"THERE DIDN'T seem to be any way the Phillies would get Roy Halladay. They got Roy Halladay. There didn't seem to be any way they would get Cliff Lee. They got Cliff Lee. There doesn't seem to be any realistic way they can get Texas Rangers star Michael Young, not with a payroll already pushed to another record high and most of their prospects close to being ready for the big leagues having have been dealt away in previous trades. Or is there? A major league source suggested recently that obtaining Young might not be as far-fetched as it appears at first glance if the Phillies are really serious about it. This is not a prediction that a deal for Young is imminent. This isn't meant to write"
News of Utley injury gives credence to rumors of Phillies' interest in Michael Young
February 28
Philly.com
 
"Disgruntled Rangers icon Michael Young, unhappy at being asked to change positions one more time, asked to be traded a month ago. It was a big national story with an odd local twist. A rumor quickly surfaced that the Phillies were sniffing around, making calls, checking out what it would take to get him. The Phillies? It didn't seem to make a lot of sense at the time. Probably nothing more than conducting due diligence. Sure, any team would love the idea of adding a six-time All-Star and career .300 hitter to its lineup. But even though Young has played all over the infield, the defending National League East champions didn't have a crying need at third, short or second. Fuhgeddabouddit."
Rangers' Young wants to forget all off-season nastiness
February 27
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
 columnist Randy Galloway
"The irony was good here Saturday. You could tell by the big smile on the face of Ron Washington. After the public nastiness that went down the past month, and even with some still thinking there's an uneasy vibe to this baseball spring training camp, Washington quipped, "you never know." As in, keep an eye on it every day, because you never know where Michael Young will be playing. For the Texas Rangers' Cactus League opener against the Royals here today, Young will be the starting, yes, third baseman. Isn't that what the off-season blow-up was all about? That Young was being moved off third base? "No... no," answered Young. "That's not what it was about." Regardless, you have to like"
Injury proves Young can play major role with Rangers
February 26
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
 
"A cautious approach is being taken with third baseman Adrian Beltre, who has a mild strain of his right calf and will miss up to two weeks of Texas Rangers spring training games.An MRI on Thursday, after Beltre felt discomfort while fielding grounders, showed no signs of a tear in the affected area.He said he can continue swinging the bat, but he won't attempt to work in the field or run, at least through the weekend. The Rangers believe that Beltre will have plenty of time after his return to be ready for the April 1 season opener against Boston."Nobody wants to be hurt, especially in spring training," Beltre said Friday morning. "But if you want to look at the positive side, it's better"
Michael Young working out at multiple positions
February 21
Dallas Morning News
 
"On the first full day of workouts, Michael Young was busy. He took some grounders at second base during batting practice and worked on a smaller field with Dave Anderson, going over footwork at first base. Young didn't take any grounders during the work with Anderson. "It was stuff you have to be aware of with your footwork at first," said Young, who will get early work at first base Monday. "The one thing we talked about was how to have your foot on the bag when you're receiving throws. I see a lot of guys who play first base for the first time get crushed by baserunners because their foot's all over the bag." Earlier this week, Young said he'd be willing to play in the outfield as well."
Michael Young wants to shift focus from trade talks to baseball
February 21
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
 
"Details of the Michael Young saga weren't made available Saturday afternoon, when the six-time All-Star made his highly anticipated arrival to Texas Rangers spring training. The most important thing, according to the player and club officials, is that the focus should now shift to baseball and not the off-season imbroglio that went public two weeks ago. Young says he won't talk further about his request to be traded after being "misled" repeatedly during the off-season, and team president Nolan Ryan and general manager Jon Daniels were mostly mum when asked directly about dealing away the Rangers' all-time hits leader. But Young didn't rescind his demand to be traded, and the club's top"
Michael didn't answer all the questions
February 20
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
 columnist Gil LeBreton
"Looking back, it had to be the best time of Michael Young's baseball life. Ten seasons, both wistful and stormy, lashed to the mast of the oft-foundering franchise, and the Texas Rangers' ship had finally come in. An American League pennant. A trip to the World Series. Fans on the street recognizing him, thanking him. And though 2010 wasn't Young's best season, personally he had finished with 60 extra-base hits and driven home 91 runs. The so-called "Face of the Franchise" had every reason to glow -- and every reason to look forward to 2011. Wind the story forward, however, and here we were Saturday sitting at separate news conferences. The Face of the Franchise had lost its bloom. Young's"
Michael Young wants to shift focus from trade talks to baseball
February 20
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
 
"Details of the Michael Young saga weren't made available Saturday afternoon, when the six-time All-Star made his highly anticipated arrival to Texas Rangers spring training. The most important thing, according to the player and club officials, is that the focus should now shift to baseball and not the off-season imbroglio that went public two weeks ago. Young says he won't talk further about his request to be traded after being "misled" repeatedly during the off-season, and team president Nolan Ryan and general manager Jon Daniels were mostly mum when asked directly about dealing away the Rangers' all-time hits leader. But Young didn't rescind his demand to be traded, and the club's top"