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Rangers Willing To Eat Half Of Young’s Contract

By Zachary Links | March 19, 2011 at 4:28pm CDT

The Rangers are calling teams about Michael Young and are willing to eat about half of the $48MM remaining on his contract, tweets Tim Brown of Yahoo Sports.  As we've been hearing in recent weeks, the club is still asking for top-end prospects and not getting any bites.

Several teams have been linked to the veteran slugger but it doesn't appear that anyone is close to making a deal for him.  The Diamondbacks rekindled talks with Texas a little more than a week ago but there has been little word on that front since.  Some have suggested that the Cubs and Phillies could look to acquire Young, but neither club has yet to make a move.

General Manager Jon Daniels & Co. could generate some interest in the infielder if they are in fact willing to eat a significant portion of his contract.  Young is owed $16MM per season through 2013.

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131 Comments

  1. rfffr

    14 years ago

    That certainly increases the possibility of a trade. Maybe the Diamondbacks send one of their third base prospects and Saunders for Young and Derek Holland.

    Reply
  2. funkytime

    14 years ago

    Why? 16 mil a year players are twice as good as 8 mil a year players.

    – Tony Reagins

    Reply
  3. CommissionerBart

    14 years ago

    The Rangers are so screwed up no matter who is running the franchise at any given time. It was the Rangers themselves who signed Young to an overgenerous contract. Then, in the last six months, they’ve destroyed his trade value by making him appear a superfluous and unwanted part of their team–demeaning his reputation makes him less desirable to other teams. Now they’re demanding valuable young players in return for him. Holy Crazy Management Behavior, Batman !!

    They better eat half his salary and be happy to get anything at all back for him. (Of course, if they had any brains they’d hold onto him as he could be valuable to THEM in the event of injury and they’ll never get much of a return on him in trade thanks to their own series of goofups.)

    Reply
    • Slopeboy

      14 years ago

      Agree. While their stance makes a bit more sense, the price is still steep. Also keep in mind that Young has the 10&5 provision now, which may make his moving problematic for Texas, given the way he’s been treated in the off season.

      Reply
      • seanb1223

        14 years ago

        His 10

        Reply
      • John Stefan

        14 years ago

        MY’s 10 & 5 rights don’t kick in til May 2011

        Reply
        • Slopeboy

          14 years ago

          Yep. I overlooked his vesting clock on my initial posting. Thanks.

          Reply
    • jill

      14 years ago

      I absolutely agree. Everything they have done has made the situation worse for both them and for Michael Young.

      The Rangers could try to salvage that “pay half salary” thing-but they won’t if they continue to talk about it publicly. They could write a book about how to completely screw up a signing, and how to completely screw up an attempt to trade a bad signing, and add extra chapters on how to make everyone look bad in the process.

      I’m not a Rangers fan, but if I were one I’d be mighty disenchanted about them right now.

      Reply
      • Damian0

        14 years ago

        How ridiculous, this is the best time to be a Rangers fan in the history of the franchise.

        Reply
        • aaronanderson16

          14 years ago

          I guess then there is not much to be excited about if your a Rangers fan then. I hope you realize there is no way you are winning it all this year. I guess you can be excited that you have a chance to beat the A’s this year in a sad 4 team division.

          Reply
          • stl_cards16

            14 years ago

            I’m willing to bet alot of money you would of said the same thing to a Giants fan last March. It’s baseball, you never know. No one expected the Padres to win 70 games last year, they competed until the last week of the season. No one expected the Reds to win the NL Central, they did. No one thought the Rangers would win the AL West, guess what? They went to the World Series.

            If you make the playoffs, you have a chance. It’s been proven by many teams in recent years. Your statement is foolish and makes it appear you have never watched playoff baseball before.

            Reply
            • Marco

              14 years ago

              Amen stl_cards16 !!

              Reply
          • Guest 7006

            14 years ago

            You know, your statement made sense until I remembered that we went to the WS last year. Then I just smiled and crossed another day off my countdown till opening day 🙂

            Seriously, the Rangers have botched the Michael Young fiasco by epic proportions. That is obvious, and I half wonder if that’s part of the reason Greenberg was shown the door. But to say that is going to kill the team’s chances next year and we should all be in the dumps about our team right now is rediculous. We still have the same guys in charge of the team that turned us from a crap team with no farm system into a WS contender with a strong farm system last year, and one botched move like this isn’t going to kill my faith in the team. There is no reason to believe the Rangers won’t at least be right in the thick of the pennant race come September, and that’s about all you can ask for this time of year. And sorry to disappoint you, but that does make me happy

            Reply
            • jwsox

              14 years ago

              completly agree with you. Just because young is not happy and the front office screwed it up does not suddenly make the A’s a better team. Dont forget they got adrian beltre who offensive numbers are on par with youngs and he adds more power(and will probably play with a chip on his shoulder due to all the contract year stuff) and they got young off the field which means less errors all around. And if they finally do move him it frees up the DH spot for napoli who his power numbers alone should make him the full time DH

              Reply
          • gammaraze

            14 years ago

            It is said that pitching wins championships. Do you know, or are you ignorant, that the Rangers come from the division with the BEST pitching in the entire MLB? You’re right, the AL West is a “sad 4 team division”, but their pitching is the best in baseball. The team from the AL West is primed for success. Stop being ignorant… well now that you’re informed, you’ll just be stupid.

            Reply
          • Damian0

            14 years ago

            What a miserable attitude for a fan to have, I bet you are real fun to watch a game with.

            Meanwhile, the Rangers actually are an exciting team to watch and they’ve got a good shot at making the playoffs where anything can happen. So yeah, that should be exciting actually. I can understand why other teams resent a 4 team division, but I really couldn’t care less as a fan. Won the 16 team league last year anyway.

            Reply
          • jwsox

            14 years ago

            why is there not much to be excited about as a rangers fan? Josh hamilton, nelson cruze, elvis andrews, kinsler and oh right adrian beltre. Also watching the potential come back of webb, the progression of the rest of their good young staff…Feliz in there. Watching napoli hit tons of homers in texas. whats so bad about being a rangers fan. Just because Michael “I’m over rated because i cant play defense and can only hit at home” Young is upset about being moved around because the rangers are always being in players that are better than him. Just because of that drama its not a good time to be a rangers fan?

            They did go to the world series last season did they not? Yes they lost lee, but the added beltre which makes their offense and defense much better. Webb could finally come back and being a decent starter and feliz should be moved to the rotation and has ACE stuff

            Reply
    • gammaraze

      14 years ago

      Your perspective is COMPLETELY wrong. You are under the assumption that the Rangers NEED to trade Young. The Rangers do not NEED to trade Young, and do not have payroll problems. Michael Young killed his trade value himself by demanding a trade. When trading a player of Young’s caliber, you do NOT pay half his salary and get NOTHING in return unless you are purely dumping salary. The Rangers have merely stated that in the event that a trade could be worked out, under the right circumstances, they would be willing to pay up to half his salary. Currently the Rangers seem to be needing/wanting an experienced closer. If paying half of Young’s salary gets you the closer that you want, and fulfills Young’s wish to be traded, it’s worth taking a look at.

      The Rangers have never demeaned his reputation and even suggesting it shows that you have no clue what’s going on in Texas.

      Reply
  4. baseballdude

    14 years ago

    they are still asking for way to much

    Reply
  5. Mark S

    14 years ago

    So now the question is, what would you give up for a 9mil/year poorly fielding corner infielder?

    Reply
    • notsureifsrs

      14 years ago

      $9MM/year for three years*

      Reply
      • Mark S

        14 years ago

        yes, thank you.

        Reply
  6. Bennie

    14 years ago

    There is no reason to give him away. If they can’t get anything of value then just keep him.

    Reply
    • BlueSkyLA

      14 years ago

      Last I checked, $24m is something of value.

      Reply
      • Bennie

        14 years ago

        The Rangers don’t need cash. This isn’t 2010. They need players or prospects who can be traded for players who would make them a better team than it would be with Michael Young or at least just as good of a team.

        Reply
        • BlueSkyLA

          14 years ago

          They might not be desperate for it at the moment, but every team needs cash. The Rangers’ willingness to eat a large part of Young’s contract has always been in the mix. If they didn’t want to save some money they’d offer to eat all of this contract and make a straight trade for prospects. But they haven’t done that, have they? The real question is whether Young is worth $8m a year in the current market, let alone that much plus players. The market is saying not.

          Reply
          • Bennie

            14 years ago

            That is why I said they should keep him. I don’t agree with the market. Like anything else, when you don’t agree with the market you stay out of it unless you are forced into it and the Rangers aren’t.

            Reply
            • BlueSkyLA

              14 years ago

              Disagreeing the market is like disagreeing with the moon. If the Rangers are serious about moving this player then they are going to have to become serious about it. Clearly at this point they are not serious enough.

              Reply
              • Bennie

                14 years ago

                Not necessarily, the moon doesn’t change and the market does. What I meant was that if you don’t like what the market offers then you stay out of that market. No one is forcing the Rangers to trade Young. If they can’t get what they see as value they have the perogative to stay out of the market.

                Reply
                • BlueSkyLA

                  14 years ago

                  My point being, you can disagree all you like with the market or the moon, but neither will change because of it. If you don’t like the moon analogy, use the weather. Same point.

                  Reply
                  • Bennie

                    14 years ago

                    But, with the MY trade market the one biggest factor is the Rangers and their desire to trade him or keep him, so they can change that market by not participating in it. It will either go away(the market) or the other teams will have to give up more than they are willing to right now. it is wholly up to the Rangers if the market even exists. If they had the proverbial gun to their head to trade him then it would be different, but that isnt the case.

                    Reply
                    • BlueSkyLA

                      14 years ago

                      What you are describing here is motivation. All we know about the Rangers’ motivation is that they have a product to move and want to get the best possible price. So I suppose what you mean when you say you “disagree with the market” is you think the market for the player will be better later. Maybe it will, maybe it won’t. Nobody knows about these things until after the fact. That’s how markets work.

                      Reply
                      • Bennie

                        14 years ago

                        Wanting to get the best possible price and being forced to take the best that the market will offer are two different things though. They are in a position to say, well if that is all we can get then we will just keep him. That is what they will do unless something forces a trade partner to get desperate. I don’t really see that happening though so I think Young will remain a Ranger.

                        Reply
                        • BlueSkyLA

                          14 years ago

                          In reality, they are exactly the same thing. I have stocks I’m not desperate to sell right now, but that doesn’t mean that I don’t want the best possible price when I do sell. Not selling now means I assume that their value will go up. If I assumed their value was going down, I’d sell now. Anyway, this topic is exhausted.

                          Reply
                          • Bennie

                            14 years ago

                            Your analogy falls apart in that you have to eventually sell the stocks if you are going to get anything out of them. The Rangers don’t have to sell Young. They will get three years of various production out of him if they keep him and very little in trade if they do trade him.

                            Also, if they do trade him they are going to have to pay $8 Million of his salary each year. If they keep him they only have to pay $8 Million more than that. If you look at it that way then he is really only costing $8 Million to keep him since you have to spend the other $8 Million either way.

                            Reply
                            • BlueSkyLA

                              14 years ago

                              My analogy is fine, you just don’t understand it.

                              Reply
                              • Bennie

                                14 years ago

                                You don’t seem to understand that the Rangers do not have to trade him. He isn’t going anywhwere unless a potential trade partner gets so devastated with injuries that they get desperate. That just isn’t going to happen though.

                                Let me say it one more time. Michael young in all likelihood will not be traded.

                                Reply
                                • BlueSkyLA

                                  14 years ago

                                  A great revelation, since I’ve already said that. Sheesh.

                                  Reply
                    • YanksFanSince78

                      14 years ago

                      Hasn’t it become clear that the Rangers want to move him but there’s really only a lukewarm market for him? Young is the epitome of a “buy right” product. Almost like an old Harley Davidson bike you wanted when you were younger. You can’t afford to pay top notch for a new one. It would look great in the driveway but no way are you going to overpay for a used one with defects.

                      Reply
                      • Bennie

                        14 years ago

                        That is true and that is the reason he won’t be traded.

                        Reply
                      • Bennie

                        14 years ago

                        HaHaHa!!!

                        Reply
                      • Bennie

                        14 years ago

                        HaHaHa!!!

                        Reply
              • Bennie

                14 years ago

                Looks like the market wasn’t serious enough. 

                Reply
            • YanksFanSince78

              14 years ago

              Young has publicly stated he wants out. The team has publicly stated they want to trade him him and are willing to eat $24 mil. You honestly don’t think thathas all the ingredients to become a real sticky situation, especially since he’s 2 months away from having all the leverage in terms of where he will accept being traded to?

              Reply
              • Bennie

                14 years ago

                From those who are close to this team and the clubhouse the word is that there is no problem whatsoever in the clubhouse. Those of us down here are not expecting there to be any Michael Young trade and it is almost a non-issue now. Only certain media members like to keep the story alive because they can’t find anything else to write about. The rest of us are bored with the non-story and are much more concerned about what Feliz and Davis are doing. Earlier in the offseason I was hoping they would trade Young, but after he threw his little tantrum that doomed any trade because after that point he would bring back even less in a trade. At this point it is a non-issue.

                Reply
                • gammaraze

                  14 years ago

                  bennieyes, i actually think that this “eating half the contract” “news” is completely relevant to the Chris Davis situation. If they trade Young, they have a roster spot for Davis, AND they probably are hoping to get a relief pitcher capable of closing in return. This will allow the Rangers to use Feliz in the rotation.

                  Reply
                  • Bennie

                    14 years ago

                    Another way to have a spot for Davis would be to send Borbon down and slide Hamilton to CF. Then Moreland could play in the OF and Davis could play a Gold Glove 1B.

                    Reply
                    • gammaraze

                      14 years ago

                      true, but I think Ron Washington has a man-crush on Borbon. He told him that the job is basically his, the same is true for Moreland, but Moreland hasn’t allowed anyone to do any better than him. Borbon has been horrendous in the field. If Moreland had committed 5 errors, there would be no doubt that Davis or Napoli would take over at 1B.

                      CF should be about defense, and if Borbon’s defense is sloppy, someone else needs to play out there. Doug Deeds has earned an extended look, but I would have no problem with Moreland playing out there, either.

                      Reply
                      • Bennie

                        14 years ago

                        Wash is not in charge of who makes the roster though.

                        Reply
                  • thegrayrace

                    14 years ago

                    Broxton and Blake for Young + $24m.

                    Reply
                • YanksFanSince78

                  14 years ago

                  Not sure how you can say that a statement that the Rangers are willing to eat half of Young’s contract inorder to trade him is not newsworthy?

                  Reply
                  • Bennie

                    14 years ago

                    The reason I say it isn’t newsworthy is because it is very old news around here and because we have come to accept the fact around here that Young will not be traded.

                    The Michael Young trade talk started on the area blogs late last summer. It was known then that to trade him the Rangers would have to eat a significant portion of his salary. It was even talked about a month ago or longer that they might even have to eat between two thirds and three fourths of his salary if he was to be traded.

                    Maybe around the rest of the nation it is newsworthy, but around here it isn’t.

                    It really doesn’t seem feasible that he gets traded and that has been the prevailing thought locally for some time now.

                    Reply
              • BlueSkyLA

                14 years ago

                These are some of the risks of not trading him now, which I’m sure the Texas management understands, even if some of the fans do not. He could also become injured before the end of July, in which case his trade value goes to somewhere close to zero.

                Reply
                • Bennie

                  14 years ago

                  His trade value is not far from zero now. That is why he won’t be traded.

                  Reply
              • gammaraze

                14 years ago

                Young’s 5 and 10 rights are completely a moot point. Young currently has a partial no-trade clause with 8 teams that he will accept a trade to. The Rangers can only freely negotiate with those 8 teams. If Young REALLY wants out, he’ll waive his 5 and 10 rights. The Rangers are NOT going to give him away for nothing, and his ability to say “I will only accept a trade to the Nippon Ham Fighters” does not mean that the Rangers will ship him off to the team of his choice for free.

                Reply
                • YanksFanSince78

                  14 years ago

                  5 and 10 rights absolutely make a difference because it gives him the power to force their hands tosteerhim towards whatever team he want to go to. PLEASE don’t make this into a “Michael Young is being difficult and demanding a trade” issue. Texas was CLEARLY trying to trade him several times BEFORE he made his demands. It was only after it was clear he wasn’t wanted and was going to be reduced to a smaller role that he made his demands.

                  Texas wants to move him probably more than he wants to be moved.

                  Reply
                  • Bennie

                    14 years ago

                    All the Rangers did was listen to offers for him like they have an obligation to do with any player. No one should be considered untouchable. This whole thing wouldn’t even be talked about today if it weren’t for Young throwing another of his tantrums and whining to the press. By now his poor feelings have been soothed somewhat and he isn’t creating any more trouble over this.

                    Reply
                  • gammaraze

                    14 years ago

                    I’m sorry, but you’re right, and wrong. 5 and 10 rights don’t mean anything in this case. The Rangers are NOT going to give Young away for nothing. I have already said this. Yes, he can say “I only will accept a trade to Team X”, but the Rangers can say “We’re only willing to trade you to Team Y”. And with that the stalemate begins, oh and MY is going to continue playing like he always has and will have to come down on his trade demands if he really wants to be traded, making his 5 and 10 rights a moot point which I already stated.

                    I never said anything remotely along the lines of “Michael Young is being difficult and demanding a trade”. You must have me confused with someone else. And the apparent “straw that broke the camel’s back” was the Rangers acquiring Napoli. So it looks more like Young feeling pushed out by a catcher than serving a reduced role. Young will still get 500+ ABs. The Rangers used 5 catchers last year, 3 of which are no longer with the organization. They’ve only brought in 1 (Torrealba) prior to the Napoli pick-up, which validates the Rangers need for Napoli.

                    I think the only way we see Young traded is if they pick up a capable closer, which will free up a spot for Davis, and will allow Feliz to start. The Rangers have probably announced willingness to pay for half of Young’s contract in order to see who is willing to part with a closer.

                    Reply
          • Bennie

            14 years ago

            Also, I said they don’t need cash because they are not in the position that they have to give him away just to save the $8 Million. That doesn’t mean they are in a position that they could pay $16 Million for prospects though.

            The desperation could also occur on the other side of the equation. Other teams could get desperate enough for a good hitting infielder that they are willing to pay much more for him than they are now.

            Reply
            • BlueSkyLA

              14 years ago

              Sure, I agree with you there. The market is constantly changing. If I had to guess (and what else can anyone do?), I’d say they hang onto Young until July.

              Reply
        • YanksFanSince78

          14 years ago

          I think there’s certainly value to be had by trading a veteran, well respected player who is genuinely dissatisfied and has publicly stated he doesn’t want to be there. Will he brood and be a cancer? Probably not, he doesn’t seem like “that guy”. But he is the elephant in the room and at some point ppl are going to take sides in that club house. You can also had Chris Davis and David Murphy to the list of guys that think they are good enough to play everday.

          There’s some point where having too much depth can be a problem and Texas might be at the point.

          As for MY and trade proposals, eating $24 mil helps the cause but in terms of their desire for prospects in return, I guessit depends on what kind of prospects they are asking for. Young is a good complimentary player but he’s not a difference maker for a championship contender and he isn’t good enough for a struggling team to rebuild around.

          Reply
          • Bennie

            14 years ago

            From those who are close to this team and the clubhouse the word is that there is no problem whatsoever in the clubhouse. No elephant in the room. Those of us down here are not expecting there to be any Michael Young trade and it is almost a non-issue now. Only certain media members like to keep the story alive because they can’t find anything else to write about. The rest of us are bored with the non-story and are much more concerned about what Feliz and Davis are doing.

            Reply
    • John W

      14 years ago

      As an Angels fan, I agree with you, keep him… please!

      Reply
      • Bennie

        14 years ago

        Yeah, like you wouldn’t want him traded to the Angels.

        Reply
        • John W

          14 years ago

          I’m real impressed by that .260 /.299 /.380 /.679 line with 5 HRs Young put up outside of Texas last year…. not!

          Reply
          • Orion

            14 years ago

            I am just going to point out that they play a majority of their away games at the AL west parks such as Oakland, Anaheim and Seattle. No one seemed to hit well in any of those parks last year.

            Owned!

            Reply
          • James

            14 years ago

            Yeah its not that impressive until you consider what the Angels got from 3b last year.
            .221/ .268/.298/.566

            Reply
            • vilifyingforce

              14 years ago

              If I’m the Angels I’d stick with Callaspo, his wimpy slash line of .249/.291/.315/.605 and save 6 million.

              Reply
          • Bennie

            14 years ago

            Are you impressed yet?

            Reply
      • Bennie

        14 years ago

        That’s good advice John W.  We kept him and he has helped us to stay above you guys.

        Reply
  7. Jose Herrera

    14 years ago

    I like michael young, he’s been my favorite player since he made his debut for us, at first when i heard he wanted out i bashed him like you have no idea but now that i heard that they are being dishonest with him i’m on young’s side, if he wants a change of scenary then go ahead but don’t give him away for nothing.

    Reply
  8. grant77

    14 years ago

    Veteran slugger?

    Reply
  9. sportsnut969

    14 years ago

    I do not believe that eating half of a 16 mil per year deal will net then any top ten prospects.

    I believe to get the typr of prospects that the Rangers are looking for they will have to really get creative with a deal.

    Something like a Young and 10 mil per of the contract money / Holland / Davis

    to Cleveland for

    Joe Gardner top 10 pitching prospect
    Jared Goedert 3rd base AA with some power blocked by Chisenhall
    Joe Smith
    Jensen Lewis Closed a for a short period at the end of the season a couple years ago and did well — he showed he is a totally different pitcher in those situations.

    Reply
    • guest_54

      14 years ago

      I thought Joe Smith played for the Lakers?

      Reply
  10. You Know Who

    14 years ago

    Sooo blanton for young straight up seems like an ok deal for the phillies and rangers. Utley is likely out for the year and the rangers could use an inning eating pitcher like blanton in their rotation. I just don’t see the rangers getting a top prospect for and aging infielder. I could always be wrong though.

    Reply
    • Slopeboy

      14 years ago

      Texas would certainly have to eat half of the contract and the Phillies would have to be certain the Utley will be out at least most of the season. As of right now now, the jury’s out on the injury. $8MM is a lot of money to pay someone to sit on the bench, even the Yankees don’t do that. Say what you will about Amaro, but he doesn’t panic and won’t be pushed into a move unless it makes sense and is in Philadelphia’s favor.

      Reply
      • jwsox

        14 years ago

        I know your comment was not totally about the yankees but seeing them made me think how funny it would be to see young on the same team as tex and arod again. And knowing him half way through the season he would throw another tantrum about not getting playing time because of arod and tex

        Reply
    • Bennie

      14 years ago

      The Rangers don’t need Blanton. He is a #5 pitcher for a contender in the American League. We have plenty of #4 and #5 starter candidates. I wouldn’t want Blanton if the Phillies gave him away and agreed to pay half of his salary. We can fill that role with young pitchers making MLB minimum or just over that.

      Reply
  11. jb226 2

    14 years ago

    Obviously depending on the money and prospects involved, he makes a LITTLE sense for the Cubs if and only if their primary intention is to bring him into the fold as a replacement for Ramirez after the year. The free agent 3B market next year is looking weak and we’re not exactly deep at the position. (I think it’s fair to say that Vitters has fallen from “don’t block this kid” to “prove you deserve to be in the majors” at this point.)

    I’d still really like to see DeWitt get a shot at consistent ABs for a year and see if he’s ever going to live up to the hype he had a few years ago, though.

    Reply
    • Marco

      14 years ago

      As a Ranger fan I would love to see Young traded to Chicago for Marlon Byrd. Then I’d play Byrd in CF, ship Julio Borbon back to the minors, and put Chris Davis on the roster as a backup 1B/3B/DH. I don’t expect Davis to be a star, but he has too much potential to be traded away for pennies on the dollar. The absence of Young would also allow a few more at-bats for David Murphy & Mike Napoli. That’s a good thing.

      Reply
  12. hscphillyboy

    14 years ago

    Something tells me Ruben is looking at that check book again…….

    Reply
  13. John Anthony

    14 years ago

    I was thinking… what about Lidge/Blanton for Young and one of their relievers. Washington was talking about how he wants a veteran closer and many in the Phillies organization feel like Madson is ready to step up.

    Reply
    • M.cahill

      14 years ago

      What r u talking getting rid of lidge? I want to win a ws not lose it.

      Reply
      • John Anthony

        14 years ago

        Because he’s most likely gone after this year and we’re not going to get anything in return (No way Ruben offers him arbitration) and he’s a huge ? in the 9th inning with his velocity.

        I was mainly thinking about the 12 million he’s owed this year. It doesn’t make much sense but I was just throwing something out there.

        Also, the only way the Phillies would trade for MY is if Chase has the surgery and misses the season. Now you’re without your all star second baseman and you’re not going to win a World Series with Wilson Valdez as your everyday second baseman.

        Reply
        • M.cahill

          14 years ago

          I agree with u val is good but no chase. Lidge is 12 mill as a closer yes that is steep. But madson has little experience closing he is a hell of a pitcher but does he have the stuff to prove he has it? Also what about Raul? He has a steep tag too. Why not him? I am like yourself just throwing stuff out their to think of.

          Reply
    • Anthony

      14 years ago

      If they put Blanton in the rotation, wouldn’t that mean that Feliz is likely closing this year?

      Anyway, tell Washington to give Wagner a ring. Can’t believe he’s retiring after a season in which he posted a 0.865 WHIP, 4.9 H/9, 2.9 BB/9, and 13.5 K/9.

      Reply
      • Slopeboy

        14 years ago

        If Wagner still wanted to play, he would have returned to the Braves,whom I believe still retain his rights.

        Reply
      • John Anthony

        14 years ago

        I meant Lidge or Blanton. Lidge for Young/a reliever with Texas eating no money the first year and half the 2nd and third. Also, Texas has the option of picking up Lidge’s option if he has a big year.

        If it was Blanton for Young it might include Philly giving a prospect.

        Reply
    • juice587

      14 years ago

      Lidge makes $11.5 million, Blanton $8 million. Lidge is banged up as well. I don’t think the Rangers would make that move from a money standpoint. I’m not sure Amaro would be comfortable trading away their closer, seeing how Madson crumbled in that position last year, and you’re an injury away from having Contreras or Baez closing games in a pennant race.

      Reply
  14. qudjy1

    14 years ago

    I just dont think i would sign MY to a 3 year, 24M contract right now – let alone give up prospects for him… It makes no sense for a team like AZ to do that at all..

    Reply
  15. Mario Saavedra

    14 years ago

    3 years/24 MM is an overpay for Michael Young, so surrendering a decent prospect for him and that commitment is just absurd.

    Reply
  16. MadmanTX 2

    14 years ago

    I hope this is close to giving MY away as the Rangers go.

    Reply
  17. Milmurph

    14 years ago

    Would the Rangers be willing to reaquire Soriano via a trade for Young?

    Reply
    • Slopeboy

      14 years ago

      Where would Soriano play? Last we heard, Texas was committed to Borbon, Hamilton and Cruz in the outfield.

      Reply
  18. crashcameron

    14 years ago

    Alfonso Soriano — talk about having to eat a contract!
    the Cubs would have to go Stand-By-Me barf-o-rama on that one

    Reply
    • JacksTigers

      14 years ago

      Well…. that was random.

      Reply
  19. Milmurph

    14 years ago

    I believe he would fill the DH position that Young dd not want to play. Maybe throw in Silva Samardja and Dewitt to bbalance out finances. This is just a thought mind you.

    Reply
  20. RedSoxDynasty

    14 years ago

    Question? Adrian Beltre for 6/96 plus eating 24 million if Youngs contract equals 120 million! Retaining Cliff Lee and keeping Michael Young to play 3rd! Which option should Texas have worked harder to accomplish?

    Reply
    • YanksFanSince78

      14 years ago

      Well they did offer him $161 mil dude.

      Reply
      • gammaraze

        14 years ago

        The Rangers were TWICE told by Cliff Lee that if they offered him just 1 more year, it would seal the deal. The Rangers wound up extending an extra year the first time, and the deal was not sealed. The Rangers had no reason to believe that ANOTHER year would finish the deal. And the first extra year was more than the Rangers really wanted to go in the first place.

        Reply
        • YanksFanSince78

          14 years ago

          My point was in response to what RSD said. He basically said Texas should’ve tried harder to get Lee. In fact, they offered Lee the most money so it’s not like they DIDN’T try their hardest to get him. He simply wanted to go to Philly.

          Reply
      • RedSoxDynasty

        14 years ago

        The Rangers offered 161? I thought it was 6/138 while Philly offered a 6th year vesting option for 27.5 totaling 147.5! So would you rather Lee and Young for for a bit more than Beltre cost, which Texas could have done if they gave Lee a guaranteed 7th year! IMO Texas is a much better club in this scenario at what,a 3-5 mil increase annually!

        Reply
        • YanksFanSince78

          14 years ago

          They offered him 6/$138 and a very obtainable vesting option for another $23 mil.

          Reply
    • Marco

      14 years ago

      At some point in the next 5 yrs Cliff Lee will become an albatross around the Philly neck. Back injuries will derail him. Besides, he’s emotionally soft… he didn’t want the burden of being an ace, he wanted to go someplace where he can be a #2 behind Halladay – or arguably even a #3 behind Oswalt too.

      Reply
      • Lunchbox45

        14 years ago

        It’s fun to pass unsupported opinion off as fact and prediction

        Reply
        • YanksFanSince78

          14 years ago

          Isn’t that what all of us do? CC contract will be an albatross. Crawford is going to be extremely overpaid in the 6th and 7th year of his contract. We all say the same things about mega deals that take a player into their mid to late thirties.

          Reply
          • Lunchbox45

            14 years ago

            CC’s contract is hardly an albatross..

            I do realize we all say that, but we don’t get in to specifics like Marco did

            Lee is emotionally soft? He didn’t want to be an ace? Back injuries will derail him?

            Those are all completely absurd unsupported claims

            Reply
            • jwsox

              14 years ago

              back injuries(HE ALREADY HAS A HISTORY WITH THEM and he is currently dealing with a back problem) and pitchers do not mix well. And with his mostion the stress it puts on his back= not so good. Dont get me wrong i love lee he is a great pitcher in a good situation and i wish him all the luck in the world i never was to see a player get hurt(except youlk because of that stupid batting thing he does) but lee is a ticking time bomb not to mention didnt he have knee issues last year too

              Reply
            • YanksFanSince78

              14 years ago

              I agree. I wasn’t suggesting that he was soft, doesn’t want to be an ace,etc. I’m sure you understood that though. Just saying so for the next guy

              Reply
          • jwsox

            14 years ago

            the best part is they are usually true. Lee is alreayd having back issues, thats sign enough that towards then end its going to be a bad situation(which is why they were smart with halladay another old guy to only sign him to 3 years and he is the best pither in the game right now) Crawford will be a bad deal if he loses his speed. His game is 100% based off that, one knee or ankle injury and his contract becomes another vernon wells and players who spend most of their careers runnin on turf tend to not last very long..

            Reply
  21. Orion

    14 years ago

    Have you ever looked at his career numbers or are you just typing just to type?

    The guy has been the epitome of consistent. I believe that it is fair to say that when it is said and done, he will have a career that emulates Paul Molitor.

    But you people will keep praising inconsistent players such as Kinsler, Beltre, Beltran and JD Drew!

    Reply
    • vilifyingforce

      14 years ago

      You figure he’ll be a legitimate threat in his 40’s? He’s going to have to put a hell of a run together for the next 6/7 years to catch up to Paul Molitor in terms of consistency. Baseball reference has him being Placido Polanco, which seems fair except Polanco never made more then 6.25M a season. Which is the biggest problem right now surrounding MY.

      Reply
      • Tko11

        14 years ago

        Thats because Michael Young isn’t Polanco…he is far better. Im not saying Young isnt overpaid but he is without a doubt worth more than Polanco.

        Reply
    • YanksFanSince78

      14 years ago

      Big difference between Young and Molitor. Molitor was an OBP and SB machine. Young is one dimensional. He is a above average contact hitter with slightly above average power when he plays 2B and SS and below avg power at 3B, 1B or DH. He could be productive in a hitters park in a lineup with other great hitters though because he puts the bat on the ball but I would call him a great hitter overall.

      I’m not a lover of any of the four you mentioned but at least they have others aspects of their game which are useful like the ability to play defense and Beltran was simply a beast when he was healthy.

      Reply
  22. Robert Braxton

    14 years ago

    You’re startin’ to piss me off, Daniels!

    Enough!

    We want to KEEP Young.

    Why don’t you re-deal Napoli (unless you’re going to play him a Catcher).

    Or trade one of the younger players for a top-flight pitcher?
    We need one more pithcher; trust me!

    Reply
  23. Michael C

    14 years ago

    I really think Young will get traded to the Cubs for Marlon Byrd and Andrew Casner, and salary relief equal to have of Young’s Salary.

    Bryd will go back to Texas to play center field and Borbon optioned to AAA. Feliz to Rotation.

    Reply
    • nictonjr

      14 years ago

      Who plays CF for the Cubs?? For the Rangers to get those 2 for Young they’d probably have to eat at least $33 mil…

      Reply
      • jwsox

        14 years ago

        They have a white kid who im blanking on his name right now, jackson maybe. Dude is awesome and he is going to be their starting CF next season after byrd but considering the cubs will not contend this year it would be smart to move the MLb pieces they have now and stock up n the farm because the farm is going to be in the bigs next seaosn. Or the cubs could move fukudome to CF(i know not that great) and let colvin start in right

        Reply
        • nictonjr

          14 years ago

          Sure. A Byrd for Martin Perz makes sense for the Cubs. Giving up Cashnar and Byrd for Young makes no sense. Especially if they don’t think they are contending this year….

          Reply
    • YanksFanSince78

      14 years ago

      I can’t see the Cubs, who just emptied the farm the get Garza, trading Cashner in a deal to get Young. Doesn’t make sense.

      Reply
  24. Milmurph

    14 years ago

    You might be right about Byrd but Cashner is not going to happen. Cubs will give up Silva and Smardja

    Reply
  25. Milmurph

    14 years ago

    Fukudome and Reed would platoon in CF for the Cubs, Colvin in RF

    Reply
  26. Milmurph

    14 years ago

    HOF numbers?

    Reply
  27. elturtle

    14 years ago

    Angles are always in the mood for a wild trade. Rodney and Callaspo for Young.

    Reply

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