Remember when the news came out that the Texas Rangers were quietly shoppingMichael Young? Now we might know why. Apparently, the Rangers were afraid of how Young would react after requesting he switch to third base. Sure enough ... he requested a trade.
He was "absolutely livid" with the Rangers for making such a request just months after American League managers and coaches voted him a Gold Glove for the first time, one source said.
Rangers general manager Jon Daniels and manager Ron Washington informed Young shortly after the winter meetings that the team wanted him to play third to clear a spot for top shortstop prospect Elvis Andrus, 20.
While it may seem a selfish move on Young's part, I can't blame him completely. Not that Young is a player of the caliber/prestige of Derek Jeter, but Jeter wouldn't switch positions to make room for a Hall of Famer who might break Barry Bonds' home run record. Why should Young move away from a position where he won a Gold Glove to make room for a 20-year-old rookie? Honestly, I can see where he'd feel slighted.
Michael Young Would Rather Change Teams Than Change Positions originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Sun, 11 Jan 2009 23:35:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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