Rumor roundup: Latest on possible Young trade
Rumors about the Texas Rangers possibly trading Michael Young have risen yet again with the Colorado Rockies as a potential target. The rumors range from talks between the Rockies and Rangers being at an “advanced stage” to the the Rockies continuing to have interest but not talking to the Rangers. The latest rumors:
- In a press call, Texas Rangers general manager confirmed that Young has requested a trade and that the team will try to accommodate him and upgrade the club.
- Thomas Harding with MLB.com reports that as of Monday, the Rangers are focused more on trying to smooth things over with Young rather than pursue a trade.
- According to ESPNDallas.com, Buster Olney has confirmed an earlier report that Young has told the team he wants to be traded.
- Jeff Wilson at the Dallas Morning News reports that Rangers sources have said that they won’t trade Young unless it improves the club.
- Yahoo! Sports’ Tim Brown reports that the Rangers have told Young they will attempt to trade him in the coming days because the infielder is no longer happy with his undefined role.
- The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports Sunday that talk of a deal being completed as soon as Monday are inaccurate, but that there is some truth to the suggestion that Young has soured on his proposed role as a utility player/designated hitter.
- Buster Olney at ESPN.com puts together an updated scouting report on Young by various talent evaluators. The consensus: great makeup and the guy can still hit, but at $16 million, he is overpaid. More here (Insider subscription required).
- The Dallas Morning News writes that no matter what the Texas Rangers say about Young being part of their lineup in 2011, the talk is beginning to sound like that which preceded Alex Rodriguez’s inevitable exit from Texas.
- For a deal to happen, the money needs to be figured out first. Rockies are reportedly looking for around $20 million from the Rangers to cover part of Young’s remaining salary. If the Rangers agree to that much, they might even get a decent prospect in a trade.
- Ken Rosenthal at FoxSports.com Tweeted Saturday morning that one source says the Rangers are talking only to the Rockies and that another source says a deal could come as soon as Monday.
- FoxSports.com reported late Friday that a source says talks between the Rockies and Rangers are at an advanced stage but that the Rockies remain confused by the mixed messages from the Rangers. The Rockies latest proposal includes infielder Jose Lopez, who the team acquired from the Seattle Mariners in December. The story also notes that even if the Rockies received cash as part of the deal, they might need to shed more salary, possibly Aaron Cook.
- Jon Heyman at SI.com Tweeted on Saturday that the Baltimore Orioles’ signing of former Ranger Vladimir Guerrero ends any possibility of a trade because the Rangers need Young to DH.
- Olney returns Saturday with more details, suggesting that something has changed in the relationship between the Rangers and Young. Olney continues to note the Rockies as a potential fit and includes the Oakland A’s and Toronto Blue Jays as possible destination. More here (Insider subscription required).
- Denver’s newspaper, meanwhile, said Saturday the Rangers haven’t reached out to the Rockies yet.
Wasn’t Rosenthal who also put Young was unhappy about being the DH? Would the deal happen if…
To Rangers:
Jose Lopez
One of Chris Nelson, Eric Young Jr, Charles Blackmon
Possibly Aaron Cook?
To Rockies:
Michael Young
Cash Considerations
This thread came while I was writing for the previous thread; my take is there with the reasons I snarl at this rumor as hogwash.
Posturing to get the best deal possible – absolutely – by all parties involved. But the primary reason the Rockies remain interested in pursuing this deal is that M Young provided a career OBP approximately 50 points higher than any of their other options for second base.
Where there is smoke there is fire. Too much smoke here to think something isn’t in the works. How about Lopez, Cook, and a decent AA prospect for Young and some money. Would Rangers send up to $20mm? That would leave Rockies owing $15mm to Young over 3 years and Rangers save that much plus get players back.
This seems to be inevitable now. My only hope is we don’t do something crazy like trade Seth or Dexter or any upper OF prospect.
Steve Foster,
I had to read what you wrote 5 times then I went to the stories and read. Unbelieveable. Now even the national talking heads can’t get on the same page. I wonder who has the most reliable “source”?
Rumors are all over the place right now. It’s debatable, but generally I tend to pay attention to what Rosenthal reports. The key above is that he has sources telling him something, whereas Heyman was speculating based on something else that happened.
Checking out for the afternoon. Will try to keep this thread updated with more rumors, but if someone sees something, feel free to post links here.
By the way Steve,
It seems that the DP has kind of switched gears a little.
“Rox would give up Jose Lopez, but been told Cook would not be involved. that’s subject to change. Rox leery of moving big league pitching”
source: Troy Renck
“The Rockies’ latest proposal for Young includes infielder Jose Lopez, though Troy Renck of the Denver Post reports that as of right now, the club is not willing to include Aaron Cook in the deal. Stay tuned.”
source: NBC
sounds like maybe there has been some inquiry about Cook’s availibity?
Renck, also says the Rangers haven’t talked with the Rockies.
Short term this trade would probably help the Rockies, but I worry about the dollars and how it will play out over the remaining three years of Young’s contract. By next year, how much better is Young than Chris Nelson? By the third year of his contract, how much better is he than Hector Gomez? What kind of defender is Young at this point; I’m in the camp that says that our 2B should be a great defender and good partner to Tulo. BTW, I still think that we could do worse than having Herrera be the starter, although I’m interested in seeing how Lopez can handle the position given his power.
What have we heard about how Cook is looking thus far? Given Cook’s expensive contract, if he isn’t projecting to regain form, then it would be great to unload him, but if he’s back to his old form then we would rather keep him, even at the expense.
I wouldn’t trade Blackmon at this point.
Eric W,
What I posted apparently was tweeted by Troy to the national guys after his orginal story earlier. That’s why I said the DP, a.k.a Troy Renck, has switched gears a little. Now he sounds like something “may” be happening with the possibility of some type of inquiry to include Cook.
Don’t know what the “official word is” Rosenthal says a deal could be done Monday, Olney we have heard, and Troy Renck says that.
Thanks Mike Rays Fan…. Wondering what the “official status is”
For the Rockies, Young’s past would be great, but his future is not much better than what the team currently has in the second base mix. Coupled with his $ and with the cost in other players, there is no need for the Rox to get this deal done. Players usually begin their decline in the early 30′s, and Young’s decline is already apparent. He would not fill a #5 spot in the batting order better than others already on the roster. This rumor is a “no sale” or, should I say, “no sailing.”
It jusr amazes me how fans are so fickle! Just a couple months ago Rockie’s fans were blogging about how they hoped the Jose Lopez trade would not happen primarily because of his low BA, even lower OBP, and the fact that he was clearly a down grade over C Barmes defensively at second base.
Today those same fans are saying that M Young is declining at age 34 and that although it has been six years since he played second base that there is no way that his defense will grade out at even an average level for the Rockies.
Well I say that M Young is a previous Gold Glover (albeit at shortstop) who has hit .300+ in six seasons with an OBP of near .350. As long as the Rockies are not paying most that $16m per year salary, then that’s really all that I need to know. Do the deal DanO!
I’ll be pretty happy with Young as a consolation for missing Uggla, but depends on the cost. I’d give up any 1 of out 2B prospects, but SP and OF prospects should be untouchable.
I know how I feel. Jonathan Herrera at 2nd. Period.
If Lopez can beat out Herrera for the second base job, he will be good, because Herrera is a winner, and to beat him out, Lopez will be delivering. Herrera is not so hot to those who are caught up in metrics, but what he brings to the team in battling is what every good team needs to get ahead of the other good teams populating the NL West. Herrera is more than stats. He is similar to a David Eckstein. I agree with Mike Raysfan about this young man.
I’m definitely on Rich’s side and I am also willing to bet that over the next 3 years M Young will outperform any of the Rox 2B options currently in the system.
I agree with Raysfan as well, Herrera is the guy. Good glove, good bat.
He’s above average with the glove, handles all the routine plays, decent range. Good BA with a good OBP. Don’t count on HR’s or doubles from him, but he will move the runners along, put the ball in play, etc.
Herrera will definitely make the team as Utility, but I would rather he be out there every day. If he is not the starting 2nd baseman, I would expect to see him out there every time the Rocks are protecting a lead.
You guys obviously see something in Herrara that 29 MLB teams have missed. If I remember orrectly, Herrera was DFA’s within the last two years and all the other teams passed on picking him up?
Here is Troy Renck’s latest tweet.
“I have been told repeatedly over the last two days that the Rockies can’t absorb Young’s contract (three years, $48 million). There are no plans to top $100 million in payroll this year (the Rockies are sitting right around $85 million). Colorado can send Texas Jose Lopez, but talk of Aaron Cook is premature (the Rockies would prefer not to part with starting pitching at this point). So the issue becomes how much will Texas eat in salary, particularly this season?”
If Cookie were to go – wouldn’t we shed about $10m in salary ?
If the goal is to keep the total under $100m and even if Rangers didn’t help with an salary, wouldn’t we would be about $90m(?)
I am not thrilled about the idea of losing a starting pitcher either but have to admit that we have a lot of questions about which Aaron Cook pitches next year.
Factor Young into the lineup and in no particular order:
Dex
Seth
CarGo
Tulo
Young
Helton
Ian
Chris
That seems like a pretty formidable line up
Devil’s advocate
U
DLR
Chacin
Hammel
Paulino
As pointed out elsewhere – that doesn’t leave us much room for error or injury
tough call
Marc – you see it the way I see it. Young answers one of the two questions in the Rox lineup (the 2 and 5 holes). Sending Cook and Lopez makes it close to salary neutral this year. If they want a 2nd base prospect (EY or Nelson), I think we should get one of their tier 2 young pitchers in return. It should be noted that Rangers are fairly deep with pitching in the minors, but could use a veteran this year (Cook).
I also agree with those that are reluctant to move a veteran ML pitcher. But I think U, DLR, Hammel, Chacin and one of Paulino/Rogers is a nice lineup. DOD would need to be on the lookout for a couple of vet SP released during the spring training process to stash at AAA for depth.
I would move Cook for two reasons. One, I think his sinker would do well in the heavy, humid Texas air in June, July and August. So, it could be good for Cookie. Second, he probably won’t win much more than 9-10 games this year. That is a pretty low number to pay, what $11mm? I wouldn’t keep Cook and trade one of the young pitchers. I think the Mortenson kid just acquired from the A’s, I think, could win 9 games at the ML minimum salary. Heck a combo of 2-3 guys at 5th starter could win 9-10 games with Young in the line-up. That team could average 6 runs per game.
Cook is due $9.25mm this year, but I am not sure if there are any incentives. Still a lot to pay a 9-10 game winner, IMO.
I don’t think we have to worry about the Rocks mortgaging the future to get Young…that is messing around with the long-term plan. While I like Herrera, the fact is he is a utility man long-term. Don’t forget that after that initial success his BA and OBP fell-off. I am a fan of Nelson, seeing here in COS. Lopez is potentially a nice piece moving to the NL and to Coors. But this team has a real chance to win the pennent (and once in the WS, anything is possible). Young at age 36 could be a problem. But right now I think you are hard pressed to make an argument that Young does not make the 2011 team a better team. He was a bad fit for 3B, but his defense up the middle is at least Barmes level. He has a better bat at this point, both average and arguably power (Lopez potentially being comparable) than any of the other guys. But the big thing is that here is another team leader, a guy who just went to the WS. Look, if you can get him without emptying out prospects or pushing the payroll over an acceptable level, you do it. At age 36 (2013 season) he would probably be a back-up at all infield positions. To think that any of the four guys we are looking at to fill the 2B position is better than Young is not looking honestly. For one year (maybe 2012) he gives us a real live All-Star level competitor to fill the front of the line-up, allowing us to move other pieces around.
If DOD can make the deal that makes sense, you have to do it.
Here is the latest of about 40 minutes ago
http://www.denverpost.com/rockies/ci_17306236
Could a deal have to have Aaron Cook included? I thought Troy Renck thought the Rockies didn’t want to move Cook.
Are the Rockies still the front-runner in a such deal with the Angels, A’s, Dodgers, Blue Jays also named as possible fits?
Not much new this morning. A few new links up top with some input from Dallas-area papers, more from Olney and talk of money being the issue.
I believe it’s Rockies or nothing for a Young deal. He has a limited no-trade and the Rockies are not on his list of teams he would need to approve. Don’t know if the other teams are or not. Angels and A’s are highly unlikely because the Rangers aren’t going to trade within a division — it would like the Rockies a couple years ago trading Todd Helton to the Padres or Giants. I don’t see the Dodgers either, because the money issue would be an even bigger hurdle there given the team’s ownership status. The Blue Jays? Maybe. He fits there, but he might have to approve it. The Rockies are a place he would like to go if he can’t stay in Texas.
I think it’s pretty obvious that the Rox aren’t high on any current in house candidates for 2nd. I have always had hope for Nelson but the Rox must not like him much at this point. Herrera and EY2 definitely aren’t on the answers. Herrera is the better all around player than EY2, but EY2 has elite speed that is giving him the chance.
It’s not so much whether Young would make the team better this year, it is whether the performance edge/salary cost vs his competition is worth prospects now and future salary/declining performance cost hampering future developments. He is probably a more attractive player than his competition this year sans cost, but unless the Rangers are willing to be foolish, this trade will not occur with the Rockies. That is why I expect the second base position to be a competition between Lopez and Herrera and why I thunk this rumor is hogwash.
Steve Foster,
Have you heard any inside info? I missed what they were just saying on TV. The snag is alleged to be money AND who the Rockies are willing to give up vs who Texas wants.
Could be more “stuff”, or maybe innuedo is a better word, by alleged insiders?
Don’t know anything new, but it’s likely both things as you mention. The Rangers are trying to clear some salary, but doing so with a popular player who’s been with the team for a long time. Just as a few years ago, the Rockies weren’t willing to give Todd Helton away for a couple veterans with expiring contracts, the Rangers are reluctant to part with Young without getting something substantive in return. The difference between those two situations, however, is that when the Rockies were talking of trading Helton, they hadn’t already signed a new first baseman and pushed Helton into a utility role. I believe the Rangers are in a position where not trading Young is beginning to look like the least attractive option.
The Rockies, meanwhile, want Young but aren’t going to do either of two things: burden the team with substantial extra payroll or give up someone who is key to the team’s future. Rangers and Rockies both need to strike a balance. The silence from both teams, particularly the Rangers, is notable.
As for the report that the Rockies would want at least $20 million from the Rangers, that’s not completely unrealistic, but there’s no way the Rangers pay that much without getting a decent prospect back. If that number is accurate, the Rockies are trying to get their yearly commitment to Young in the $6-8 million range. There are other ways to deal with the numbers if Cook enters the equation, but it doesn’t sound like that’s what the Rockies want to do at the moment.
Make the trade!
Comments on MLB Tr by fans are saying the Rockies could include Huston Street in this deal. Is this a possible thing? I hope not,
Are the only ones possibly involved in a such trade are EY Jr., Chris Nelson, Esmil Rogers, Jose Lopez, and Aaron Cook?
On another site Huston Street is mentioned as a potential piece of the Young trade. Would the Rockies really trade Street at this time?
If we were to trade Street, I would hope that we could fill a long term need, such as finding a great young 1B who could be Helton’s successor.
Off topic, but Jim Armstrong wrote an article in today’s Post about the bullpen and mentioned Belisle as a potential candidate to close. That was the first that I had heard of that. His article failed to mention Brothers, who I would think would be more likely to be a candidate to close, not now, but in a year or two.
Doesn’t surprise me Eric W.
It just seems like when the DP guys start twittering or saying stuff the national guys run with it. Maybe some of the people commenting on the site you were reading happen to read what Jim Armstrong had to say? I didn’t read it nor will I.
Not reading it, I really only have my opinion to go. It sounds like he may have been trying to make some lousy attempt on an illusion of thinking out loud with a “what if” scenario. The premise is based on the fact the Rockies signed multi year deals with Lindstrom and Bentancourt making Street expendable.
Unfortunately, some of the national media read “Houston Street’s days in Colorado could be numbered” and don’t read the fine print.
Fairly substantial update up top. Yahoo! Sports’ Tim Brown says Young wants out and the Rangers have told him they will try to trade him in the coming days. More here.
I don’t see Street involved in this deal. It’s one thing to include a No. 4 or 5 starter like Cook — which itself would be a tough thing to do — but it’s another to include your closer. I think there’s some truth to the report this morning that if Street struggles this year, the team could look to Belisle as a stopgap closer until Brothers or Weathers can grow into the role. But I just don’t see the team giving up its closer this close to spring training.
Just saw the report that Texas will try and trade him and he’s not happy. Probably be wearing purple this year.
Steve,
So you are thinking the Rockies are willing to take on $6-8mm per year for Young. Let’s split the difference and say $7mm per year or $21mm total. This leaves a total of $27mm between what Rockies will pay and Rangers still owe Young (48-21). Rockies trade Lopez, EY2, Rogers, and Garner. This saves the Rockies $3.6mm for Lopez, plus whatever minimum might have been paid to Rogers if he made the team. At this point, Rockies get Young at net $17.4mm (21 – 3.6) and Rangers save the $17.4mm and get Lopez, EY2, Rogers, and Garner. If they release Lopez, they save another $3mm, bringing their total to $20.4mm saved and still have EY2, Rogers, and Garner. Seems like a win/win?? Feel free to shoot holes in my theory. Thanks.
Saw on Yahoo Tim Brown put the Angels are also in this. He put the “Rangers would not want to deal in the AL West, but respect Young’s wishes”. Does this mean he wants to go to the Los Angeles of Anaheim over the Rockies?
Maybe I should have said $7-9 million because $46M less $20 million leaves a little under $27M left, or $9 million a year. But the Rangers deferred $15 million — or $3M a year — of Young’s contract when he signed it, so how that factors into any calculations is a little unclear. If this happens, I think the final number will be closer to the $8M of my original estimate, maybe a little higher, around 1/2 of what the Rangers still owe to Young.
Young to the Angels would be a possibility, but if Rosenthal is to be believed, the Rangers are only talking to the Rockies at this point. The Rangers might try to draw a third team into the mix to help their bargaining position with the Rockies, but at the moment I haven’t seen anything other than speculation regarding other teams. All rumors seem to be circulating around the Rockies.
A source from Dallas doesn’t believe any of the Huston Street rumors. They are not saying it couldn’t happen. They are saying stranger things have happened. They are also saying it is their belief Feliz will be in the BP for at least 1 more season.
They continued by saying all the “Feliz to the starting rotation” talk was predicated on his ST performance. His secondary pitches, to date, are reported to be inconsistent making most believe they will give him another year in the BP, unless he has some great ST.
Interesting developments!I posted a formula yesterday that sent Cook, Lopez, and a 2nd baseman to Tejas in a deal that would be nearly salary neutral this year, but leave holes in the Rox pockets for the following 2 years.
Now…..Huston Street’s name comes up. He’s about 7+M per year, with 2 years to go. Keep these things in mind – Frank Francisco is no longer in Tejas, and Neftali Felix is often rumored to be headed for the starting rotation (which I personally think is crazy). But regardless of what I think – Tejas does have an opening for a 8th inning setup man at the very least. Presumably, Tejas will also still need some help at 2nd. Likewise, the Rox will need some help in the BP if Street goes. Keep in mind Tejas has lots of “tier 2″ pitching prospects – many in the high minors. So now I’m thinking:
Street and Lopez for Young and youngish, fairly highly regarded pitcher ticketed for the BP. A deal like this could be close to salary neutral for the next 2 years.
I like this deal if Belisle pitches like he did last year. But keep in mind, last year was Belisle’s best year to date, by far.
This is getting fun.
Two quick additional thoughts:
Tejas knows Street well his Oakland days.
Streets dip in velocity last year concerns me.
If street is traded, lindstrom is the more likely candidate to close. I’m a huge fan of belisle, but if he is to repeat last years performance it would be pretty uncommon. Especially considering the innings he threw year (92).
Not thinking Huston Street will be traded…
Trading Street at this point would create a bigger hole than the any hole we have now. Street makes a lot of money, but its not as if he doesn’t earn it. If we signed Fuentes, I might have felt differently.
I think a trade of Jose Lopez/ Aaron Cook (maybe)/ and Chris Nelson and Eric Young Jr. is more accurate.
I hope, this turns out to be a good trade for Dan O’Dowd if it happens. Hope he puts up good numbers each year, and is not on the dl or is playing bad.
Ironically, Baseball Prospectus has been going through all MLB teams top 11 prospects this winter (they typically do 2-3 teams a week). The last team they reviewed was the Rangers. So if minor leaguers are involved, we won’t have to dig too deep for reviews.
I thought the LA Times piece was the funniest.
Sounds like it’s down to the Angels or the Rockies with most media outlets betting it’s the Rockies.
Pretty much safe to say there is a 50-75% chance Rockies acquire Michael Young. Troy Renck thinks, the Rockies-Rangers trade could involve Jose Lopez, Esmil Rogers, and a Minor Leaguer.
Could there be a third team involved, or a 2nd player or prospect headed to the Rockies.
This is great stuff. The rumor that keeps on giving. Here is the latest from the Dallas Morning News (Published 06 February 2011 08:58 PM)
“But sources also said that the Rangers have no plans to trade Young — whom they’ve built their team around this off-season after he said he would accept a new role — and won’t deal their all-time hits leader unless it improves the club.”
Confuses me because does this mean they are keeping him?
Posturing?
Jeez, I just wish Ed the Ump would step up and tell us what is really going down. And what’s up with this statement, Dr. Chris: “…his (Young’s) defense up the middle is at least Barmes level.” Seems I’ve read much to contradict that assessment. As much as I’d like to give Michael Young a shot at the 2B job, at this point in his career, I don’t think he’s worth the cost most are throwing around. Take him as a salary dump, give Texas a couple of players to be named later to appease their fans, but don’t create more problems for us in the future. Like Prog has said many times and many ways, we could have had Uggla, but we held the line. Why give up more than we need to now for a sexy name?
Some of you give Dan Uggla way too much credit. You want to talk about a liability on defense? You can start with Uggla. Young would make this team better across the board. If the money part gets squared away this should be a no-brainer for the Rox.
“Young would make this team better across the board. If the money part gets squared away this should be a no-brainer for the Rox.”
That’s not really the issue is it? Sure, if Young comes in return for nothing. But presumably the Rockies would be sending a player or players over.
Here’s my view. I live in DFW, and I’ve been to many Rangers games this year. Here’s my view on the guy.
He’s a servicable fielder at third, and when compared to many of the younger fielders out there, he’d be considered to be worse than average. He is a good contact hitter, and is a great #2 guy. He doesn’t strike out often, and still has workable speed.
Overall, you can expect a Garret Atkins in his prime type of player – nothing to write home about on defense, but can give you a few good years with a decent bat.
He’s also a good “locker room” guy, and is a great leader who has World Series experience. I’d probably value him at about 8-12 mill a year.
Man, it is hard for me to really want this trade 100% when we let go of a guy that was top tier in defense and from what I’ve read get a guy that is low average, with many in Texas saying he is horrible. Then you throw out names if players I firmly believe will have solid/breakout years (street, Rogers, etc). I was afraid of the Uggla trade because he is a liability on defense, so if this guy is the same I’d rather take my chances.
Young is 34 with average defense. How much longer can he play at a high level and can he play 2B after struggling at 3B?
Worth nothing that Young has played more games at second base than third base in his career and it was his primary position his first three seasons in the majors. He’s not Barmes defensively, but he’s not Uggla either. I don’t have a problem with the in-house options at second base: Lopez might be due for a rebound after an awful season, Young’s speed is a big weapon for the Rockies, Herrera is a solid player who puts the ball in play when and where he needs to and Nelson remains an intriguing prospect who might be a late bloomer. But Young would be an upgrade over all of them. His production isn’t up to $16 million a year, but he would be well worth the money and second-tier prospects that the Rockies would need to commit to get him. I like players like Nelson, Rogers and especially Blackmon, who I think could be a very good major-league hitter, but for the next season or two, Young could be exactly what the Rockies need. Rockies will have to give up something to get him, though.
This team has absolute studds defensively at 1st, 3rd, SS, CF, RF.
Iannetta, Spilly, and Smith are all decent defenders as well.
Yes, 2nd base is an important defensive position, but its not like the team can’t absord 1 sub par defender. It’s not like every ball is suddenly going to find him.
A couple of questions regarding the possible trade:
There are concerns about dollars, but Young could really be the missing piece on offense that makes the Rockies a better team short term. Can Steve or someone else quantify what that could mean to the Rockies in terms of extra dollars received this year that could offset the high amount that the Rockies would have to pay to Young over the next two years? In other words, if the Rockies play really well this year and make the playoffs, and the fans come out, how much more does the team gross than if the team just has a middling year, and the stands aren’t as full?
Could there be games when when the other team is starting a lefty when Young plays 1B or 3B, Wigginton plays whichever of those positions Young doesn’t play, and we don’t have to worry about Young’s defense at 2B?
I hope that we don’t lost Blackmon. On the other hand, I’m not sure that he is on any lists of the top 10 Rockies prospects, so to get a good player without giving up a top prospect would be great.
Young might not be quite as good defensively as Lopez, and definitely below Herrera. At his age, he and Lopez might be a wash offensively if Lopez bounces back. So, the betterment of the team for this year hinges entirely on Young over Lopez if Lopez flops, or over Herrera offensively but below Herrera defensively. This doesn’t add up to the $ cost now, the player cost in exchange for him, and especially the loss of flexibility in $ over the next few years. Basically, he is in the same boat as Helton, and one of those aging former stars is enough on our team. Let the Rangers have their problem, it is not in our best interest to take him off their hands. Young has been a very fine player, but at this time I’ll take my chances with Lopez and Herrera at second this year with Hector Gomez and Nelson looming in the future. EYJ should be traded at some point.
From the Rangers point of view, they have upgraded 3rd base big time defensively by signing Beltre and are betting he hits like he did last year. Young is not a prototypical DH but that is where they can use him; perhaps in the #2 slot where he seems to be most suited. He can also back up the injury prone Kinsler and Beltre, and perhaps he can learn first base to back up the young Moreland if he struggles. The Rangers have more need of Young than the Rockies – also he is their Tulo in terms of fan favorite and team leader in the clubhouse. It is not likely that the Rangers really want to move him unless he has expressed a desire to be traded; even then, the Rangers can use the guy, so they are not really in the painted corner to do something foolish.
Taking all of this into consideration, where does the rumor originate? My thinking is that Young, upon reflection, has decided he is being pushed around too much by the Rangers, so his people are generating the noise picked up by the hungry sportswriters. That makes me additionally wary of getting our team involved – again, let the Rangers deal with their own problems – we have enough of our own.
Tough to quantify what extra success would mean because the real key to extra revenue for the Rockies would be to start the season well and remain at the top or near the top of the division for the entire season without spending much of it in fourth place. That sort of sustained pennant race might push the Rockies’ attendance from around 3-3.1 million, where the team expects it to be this year, to around 3.2-3.3 million or higher, and it would boost merchandise sales and TV ratings (although TV ratings boost benefits FSN, not the Rockies). What does it mean in terms of money? Just a guess, but I believe it would get the Rockies payroll in 2012 to between $90-100 million. The larger point you were alluding to, Julian, I believe is true: if Young is what the Rockies need to go from a team in the mix to a favorite that plays like a favorite, he pays for himself. But whether he is that piece is debatable. I believe he could be, but also that Stewart, Smith and Iannetta emerging could have the same effect.
Blackmon is somewhere between No. 7 and 15 among Rockies top prospects depending on whose rankings you believe.
As for where the rumor originates, it’s coming from a combination:
1) Young was pushed out of his starting job and now wants a trade.
2) The Rangers have a $16 million utility player and realize that’s not the best use of their resources, especially since Young’s 10/5 rights kick in this season and trading him becomes harder if they decide he doesn’t have a role.
3) The Rockies have genuine interest in Young as their second baseman.
Jasper,
I’m not sure where it originated but when you have Ken Rosenthal coming out and stating he stands by his sources and story there must be at least some substance to it. Not that I’m a huge Rosenthal fan, I’m just stating he is taking this serious.
The names being thrown out there are now including some that I wouldn’t even consider giving up. Here are some names mentioned today. I especially like the word “demands”. Demands? Seriously? Are the Rockies really that insecure with the current 2nd base options that they would even consider the names listed in the quote?
“Demands for promising left-handed pitching prospects Tyler Matzek or Christian Friedrich are capable of applying the brakes. Still, Colorado has plenty of players to facilitate a trade, from Jose Lopez, Eric Young Jr., Charlie Blackmon and Esmil Rogers.”
There are only 2 names I might consider. I might consider a 2 for 1 2nd baseman exchange. I thought it has already been determined that the Rangers have no interest in Eric Young JR.
I’ve already stated what I think should happen at 2nd and although there are a few others that agree, I know we are probably in the minority.
Time for the Rockies to just come out and say “Thanks but no thanks” and get ready for ST with the guys they currently have.
I should note that the quote I provided was from todays ESPN Ranger Report but upon closer review you will see they were quoting none other than Troy Renck.
Am I the only one who doesn’t like this idea. I see someone on the downside of a career with a 3 year contract who we might get 1 good year out of. He is only average at best on defense.
IMO, Chris Nelson, who has the most upside, should NOT be included in any trade as he is the future there. I would actually like to see him be in the mix for the job this year.
I am up to a trade, I think Michael Young will be great both defenseively and offensively, and the only concern is him consistently producing the next several years.
I am up for the trade, but not giving up guys like Friedrich, or Matzek..
Another thing, is do you think there would be a second player such as a prospect of the Rangers the Rockies could also get if potentally have to send 3-4 players to the Rangers.
I think DanO has more leverage now that FT worth is reporting that Young wants out of Texas. But if Rangers’ don’t want to eat much of contract then I doubt this happens. Like said above a lot of posturing at this juncture.
I do vote for the trade, a proven veteran with good character. With Helton’s glove and Tulo’s range, I think 2b will be adequate and is a better upside that say Uggla which we have discussed before on here.
The more prosprects DanO gives up, the more money that IMO would be discounted, so let’s not discount that notion.
The more this is discussed, the more I like adding Young. I would be more than ok with adding Esmil Rogers to the trade, as he is sorta without a place on the roster anyways now we have Paulino. Lopez, plus EYJ (or Nelson) plus Rogers. I would pull the trigger.
If Young and Wiggington hit well during the year and Helton stays healthy, I think we then may have the depth to trade Stewart for a starting pitcher.
Anyone know of a site like this for Rangers writers and fans? Trying to find some comments from their perspective.
I did find one site where a fan thinks the Rockies should offer 3 top level prospects or Ubaldo Jimenez. haha.
@Prog, that “fan” is either a complete knucklehead or a very wishful thinker…I’ll give them the benefit of the doubt and go with the latter…:)
I think the deal breaker is going to be the money Texas would be willing to send along with Young…I really would hate to see Rogers go; would rather see Cook head to Texas as part of the deal…Rogers has some good upside…
@Prog A good way to find fan perspective is to the at the SB Nation blogs.
It says on MLB.com a deal is not likely now. Confusing.
The one issue that hasn’t been brought up — at least that I’ve seen — is his Home/Road splits. Hitting in one of baseball’s best parks for hitters, he hit 16 of his 21 HR at home last year, and his Home/Road OPS split was nearly 200 points. To put this in perspective, on the Road, in 334 AB’s he hit .260 with five home runs, a .299 OBP, and a .380 SLG — and he will turn 35 in October.
The issue was more of the money, I hope the ROckies can make it a done deal.
New update above and will put a new post in a bit: Rangers confirm Young has requested a trade.
It turn’s out they are looking to trade hi, if it can upgrade the club.
him sorry. Steve, are the Rockies looking to include Jose Lopez, I heard from Thomas Harding that the Rockies may not be looking to trade a hitter for Michael Young.
I say we trade Ty Wigginton and keep Lopez. He’s younger, better defensively at both 3rd and 2nd base, and Wigginto has a reputation as a power bat but really isn’t much more of an overall hitter than Lopez. Lopez probably makes for a better Mora replacement anyway….and we get out of that second year of Wiggy’s contract.
Interesting thought. the Rockies could trade wiggy and he may represent a better value to Texas than Lopez.
I don’t think the Rockies would at all, the Rockies trade Ty Wigginton at all. He can play everywhere but Pitcher, Centerfield, and Catcher plus I don’t think the Rockies would want to do that with 4 outfielders.