Given the season-ending injury to Jurickson Profar, the Rangers could use a veteran 2nd baseman.
Enter, Michael Young.
Well, not exactly.
The former Rangers’ Gold Glove infielder is indeed in Surprise, Arizona this week. But not as an emergency fill-in, but instead in his new role as special assistant to general manager Jon Daniels.
Baseball is weird that way. A few years ago Young and Daniels were spatting in the Spring. Now? Joined at the philosophical hip.
Of course just having the seven-time All-Star on the fields and in the batting cages is a big boost for the Rangers. After retiring, the 38-year-old Young skipped Spring Training last season for the first time since 1998. He won’t be in camp for the day-to-day duration, but is expected to give some on-field, in-uniform instruction.
I say the more input he has, the merrier. He's one of the greatest all-time Rangers, jostling with Pudge Rodriguez for the No. 1 spot.
Sports Connection
Connecting you to your favorite North Texas sports teams as well as sports news around the globe.
Young played 2nd base for three years for the Rangers from 2001-03 alongside a guy Alex Rodriguez. Whether it’s Roughned Odor or someone else who fills in for Profar, the Rangers would love to have a season like Young produced at the position 12 years ago: .302 with 14 homers and 72 RBI.
Don’t hold your breath.
A native Texan who was born in Duncanville and graduated from UT-Arlington, Richie Whitt has been a mainstay in the Metroplex media since 1986. He’s held prominent roles on all media platforms including newspaper (Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Dallas Observer), radio (105.3 The Fan) and TV (co-host on TXA 21 and numerous guest appearances, including NBC 5). He currently lives in McKinney with his wife, Sybil, and two very spoiled dogs.
