We've Had a Good Run: The Michael Young Saga's Last Installment

I've been a Texas Ranger's fan since almost birth. My dad has been a Ranger's fan and his dad before him. Michael Young came to the Texas Ranger's organization in the 2000, about the time I was starting to actually become a big-time sports fan. So i've been watching Michael Young for awhile now, and if your a Texas Ranger's fan so have you. These last twelve years have been pretty awesome, other than the years of being totally insignificant in the American League west. Michael is a .301 career hitter. Probably one of the best hitters in this decade, and I think in Ranger's history. He's a seven time all-star, and gold-glove winner and an American League batting champion. In my eye's he's a no brainer in the Hall of Fame, so why would we let him walk?

The Texas Ranger's have probably had the three most successful seasons in franchise history. I know they choked at the end of this year but still, it was a playoff appearance. Michael has played a significant role in each of those three seasons. He wasn't a starter these past two, but still had over 500 at bats. Well unfortunately we finally saw some of the aging of Michael. He had the worst statistical season of his career. He hit.277, with eight home runs, and sixty-seven RBI's. He is turning thirty-six this week and has one year left on his contract. Guess how much were paying him? 

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Figure it out? Were paying him $16 million dollars this season. Only players like A-Rod, Ryan Howard, Pujols, Prince Fielder, are paid a few million dollars more than that. For about $16 million you can get a Jered Weaver, Andre Ethier, or a Jose Reyes. Personally, I would take one of those guys over Michael Young any day. I also refuse to hold any kind of attachment to players. 

Then there's the number reason why I think we should let him walk. Jurickson Profar, the man, the myth, the legend (Thanks Jared Bourcier). The Ranger's have Beltre signed through 2015, and Elvis Andrus signed through 2014 (If we don't trade him). That means we'll have Mitch Moreland, Mike Olt, Ian Kinsler if he doesn't move to the outfield, Elvis Andrus, Beltre, and Profar. Profar is a top prospect, and future super-star. He needs to get into the line-up ASAP, and with Michael Young still here it will be almost impossible. Let Profar be the utility infielder, at least until Kinsler or Elvis are gone. 

If the Ranger's want to be the "good" guys here, I suppose if we don't trade him next year at least let him play utility again and DH, but give him fewer at bats. He deserves to not be shoved out, but if he isn't producing we can't afford to let him take precious bats away from Profar, or Olt. 

Let me say this though, I have had the great opportunity these past twelve years to watch an amazing player light up the opposing pitchers. He is a great baseball player and deserves to be called that. I would like to see him stay another decade but we all know that no player can play forever, unless your Julio Franco, and I would hate to see Michael become that.