Young to Dodgers: "Ain't happening"
Multiple sources said Thursday that the Los Angeles Dodgers had engaged in serious trade discussions with the Texas Rangers about Michael Young. But no deal was close, and one source said flatly of the Young-to-Dodgers scenario: “It ain’t happening.”
Another source concurred that the Rangers were not close to moving Young to any club, raising the possibility that the disgruntled infielder may still be a Ranger when the team conduct its first full spring training workout on Feb. 20.
Young, 34, wants to be traded, and the Dodgers are one of eight teams that can acquire him without his permission. The Dodgers’ lack of financial flexibility, however, is an issue; Young is guaranteed $16 million in each of the next three seasons.
The Rangers would need to pay the majority of Young’s salary for a deal to occur, and one source said the Dodgers asked the Rangers to assume as much as 75 percent of his contract — or $36 million of $48 million.
The Dodgers have made similar deals in the past, parting with premium young players in exchange for significant cash. The team also could clear payroll by trading third baseman Casey Blake or including him in its package for Young.
The Rangers, after losing left-hander Cliff Lee to free agency, also could target one of the Dodgers' starters, perhaps right-hander Chad Billingsley — or, more realistically, reliever Jonathan Broxton.
Blake, 37, is due a total of $6.5 million — $5.25 million this season plus a $1.25 million buyout. The Blue Jays are among the clubs looking for a third baseman, but some in baseball view Blake as more of a part-time player at this stage of his career. Blake’s .663 OPS against right-handed pitching last season was the fifth-worst in the National League.
If the Dodgers acquired Young, they could play him at second base and use Juan Uribe at third, his stronger defensive position. Young almost certainly would welcome the move — he was born in Covina, Calif., and attended UC Santa Barbara.
The Rockies remain interested in Young, but their talks with the Rangers are at a standstill, sources say. Angels general manager Tony Reagins all but ruled out Young Thursday in an interview with the Los Angeles Times.
— Ken Rosenthal and Jon Paul Morosi
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Is that it or is it the fact that M. Young isn't worth any more than that? Take him away from Texas and he is below average. Put him in Dodger Stadium and he could be terrible. Dodgers are desperate for a #2 hitter but I don't think this is the guy. I'd rather have Blake. -
Texas front office begining with Nolan Ryan is the reason for this pickle they find themselves in. Why overpay for Beltre when you already have and great player in Michael Young? Young deserves better treatment and I don't blame him for demanding a trade. Now, you dummies are left with another financial mess and soon to be heading for another bankruptcy! Texas is nothing mre than a welfare organization!! Memo To Young: Get yourself the hell out of Texas and go where you can really be appreciated!
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Michael Young is not a great player. He's good hitter who's a liability on defense. If he was good at third, Beltre would've never been signed, just like if he was good at SS, Elvis wouldn't have been jumped all the way up from Double-A. You remember that don't you? When Mr. Ultimate Team Player demanded a trade 2 years ago because the Rangers wanted to make their defense better and it hurt Saint Michael's feelings?
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Michael Young is future hall of famer dip stick. He is better devensively than both Beltre and Andrus. Beltre has had 2 good years (both contract years) and Andrus wont be in the league in 5 years. Young is gold glove winner. They dont give those out to liabilities unless your name is Derek Jeter. Texas has treated Young with disrespect since they figured out he was loyal.
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The Cubs could use his bat in the 2 hole and send Baker and Fukudome to Texas in exchange, Texas would get it's utility player in Baker and their 4th oufielder with a left handed bat in Fukudome. The Cubs would take on Youngs contract while dumping Fukudome's and solve their 2nd base issues.
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Young has 3 gold gloves. He's no defensive liability and can play ss, 2B &3B.
How about a staight up trade of Young for Braves' Chipper Jones.
straight up Swap of superb switch hitters between playoff teams. Players' salaries are pretty equal through 2012.
Texas gets quality player back for dosgruntled Young and could probably get braves to throw in Bruce Conrad, Nate McClouth, Joe Mather or Alex Gonzalez. And Young likely would waive no-traade to go to contender.
Braves geeet a durable, every day IF who would be better for 600 at-bats than Infante or Chipper were.
Chipper extends his career as DH and avoids fiwielding injuries that have plagued him when he tries to field like he once could. Chipper is also closer to his Texas ranch home.
Young gets every day IF job or super utility role with guaranteed plate appearances and gets away from rangers who have disespected him once too often.
Ken, why can't this trade work for both teams and win approval of both players.
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Because Michael Young will get 200+ hits in 2011 and Chipper Jones will play 50 games.
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I too would like to see a Braves Rangers swap, but not involving Chipper, a package built around Beachy or Hoover. Two quality young pitchers who both project to be middle of the rotation guys. Young would then provide insuarance to the Braves in case Chipper gets hurt, or Freeman isnt ready for everyday job. He would also fill super utility role, and be able to start almost everyday at any of the IF positions. He isnt as slick with the glove as he was a few years ago, but he is still a good defender, and a well above average hitter. I think this trade would benifit both clubs.
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2011
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Except for his year out with this first ACL tear, Chipper always plays 120 games at least.
I realize it wil take the first 3 weeks of Spring Training for Chipper to prove his surgically-repaired knee ios sound, But, assuming the knee is okay, could it work, maybe with the braves throwing in a young pitcher and maybe a bench player like Conrad or Mather?
