Public relations not in Mike Young's vocabulary The timeline says it all.
Jan. 27, 2011
Rangers say they are not looking to trade Mike Young.
Feb. 5, 2011
Ken Rosenthal reports that the Rangers are, again, looking to trade Mike Young.
Feb. 8, 2011
Mike Young reaches out to the media. Takes jabs at GM Jon Daniels. Admits he's asked the Rangers for a trade. Say he's been "misled" and "manipulated."
It's documented. It's real. It happened. It's not about Mike Napoli or Adrian Beltre. It's not about necessarily being a designated hitter or utility infielder.
In the span of 12 days, it has been made public that Mike Young was not going to be traded and that he was going to be traded.
I don't blame Young one bit. I'd be a bit pissed, too. On the other hand, if I'm the Rangers, I'm pissed that Young took such a adolescent route toward getting his end.
Some facts:
This Isn't The First Time Young's Spouted Off To The Media
Remember all the fussing he did when the Rangers did nothing at all those trade deadlines as Mark Teixeira and others were traded off? Remember ASKING FOR A TRADE when Elvis Andrus was added to the starting-day roster? I do not know who his agent is or who is advising him, but Mike Young has shit for brains concerning how to handle things. It seems he goes to the media at the first sign of agitation and it not only grows old among the fans, but it pisses off your boss(es).
Young's Contract Should Not Be A Thing
No one put a gun to the Rangers' head to give Young a five-year, $80 million deal in 2007. And no one should blame Young for taking it. The idea that he shouldn't bitch because he's "making $16 million a year on a World Series team" is ridiculous. Tony Romo or Dirk Nowitzki would not be treated like this if they complained. Everyone knew that contract would be a lead weight on this organization when it happened.
Young Royally Screwed The Organization
What leverage the Rangers had is gone.
The Misnomer Of 'Face Of The Franchise'
As I recall, Young never adopted or called for the crown of "face of the franchise." He's a guy that brought his bat and ball glove to the park. Got his hits. Spoke to the media. He's the "leader" only because the Rangers gave him a big contract and because he's the elder statesmen. That's it. Young is not unlike any other ball player. He wants on the field. And he's not unlike your or me: He doesn't want to be jerked around by his employer.
Young Is Virtually Untradeable
Consider that he's erased all leverage the Rangers had and he's under contract for three years. The Rangers don't have to trade him. His highest value and highest opportunity is with Texas. He's due $28 million over the next three seasons. The Rangers don't have strong trade partners at the moment. They won't get anyone decent and they'll have to pay at least part of his contract. What's the downside? Him being bitter at Daniels? Boo hoo.
Young Will Be A Texas Ranger At Least Until July
As stated, Young likes to spout off at the mouth. He also gets talked down from many ledges over the years. He has a good contract on a good, young team. He hits well at the Ballpark and more trade partners (hopefully, more desperate trade partners) will be around mid-season.
