NEWSLETTER
I never get tired of rumors. I really don’t. That’s why they’re such a big part of this site – I love reading about them as much as I love discussing them. So I’ll never stiff you on a rumor that I’ve heard or read about.
That said, I’m growing a bit weary of the Michael Young rumors. No, the volume has not approached the OMG level of the Brian Roberts and Jake Peavys of the past, but here’s the thing: I was actually excited by the prospect of getting those guys. Yes, hindsight says I shouldn’t have been, but nevertheless, I was.
I am not excited in the least about the prospect of acquiring Michael Young – I’ve made my reasons clear, so I won’t rehash them now (ok, what the hell: he’s old, he’s declining, he’s poor defensively, he’s never produced outside of Arlington, he’s under contract for three years at $16 million per, and the Rangers want a ton in return for him). But, I’ve made it my duty to bring this stuff to you, so, well, here you go.
A bunch of teams (Phillies, Marlins, Cubs, in particular) still appear to be watching the Michael Young developments closely. But none of those teams can take on Young’s $16 million a year. And the Rangers have made it clear that if they’re going to eat any significant chunk of that money, they still expect a massive return back.
“I like Michael Young,” said an official of one team that checked in. “He’s got great presence. And he can still hit good pitching. But for what they’re asking, you’d think he was King Felix.” Jayson Stark.
Presence? Can hit good pitching? Yikes. I hope that wasn’t Jim Hendry.
If there was ever a time that the Cubs’ budget constraints were a blessing in disguise, it’s now. I know that second base looks like a problem right now, but the last thing that this team needs to do is to deplete its organizational depth in order to further bloat the payroll with overpriced vets.
