Rumor Mill: Michael Young to Colorado

According to multiple sources, Texas will sign third baseman Adrian Beltre and a Rockies-Rangers deal involving Michael Young is back in the works.  The two teams have been in discussions about Young for over a month and haven’t come close to an agreement.  However, the addition of Beltre means that Texas is now highly motivated to move Young and Colorado could be his destination.

This is the third time I have written of a possible trade for Michael Young.  I’m still not in favor of the move, but, just to review, here are my previous sentiments:

"The Rockies and Rangers first discussed a trade for Young during last week’s Winter Meetings. From the sound of things, the two teams never came close to making an agreement. That was before the Rangers had two third basemen. Young , a six time All-Star, could make a difference at second base for the Rockies, but this deal isn’t likely to happen for a variety of reasons.Young has been a very good player for a long-time, but at thirty-four he is in decline. In 2010, he had a career-low .330 OBP and a career-high 115 strike-outs. He is a versatile infielder with extensive experience at second, short and third. He won the Gold Glove at short in 2008, but has been slightly below average since moving to third. He is serviceable at second, presumably the position he would play for Colorado. What the Rangers will request in return for Young is anyone’s guess. They obviously feel like Young’s best years are behind him; otherwise they wouldn’t be signing Beltre. Nevertheless, names like Nolan Arenado, Tyler Matzek, Jordan Pacheco and Wilin Rosario will come up in the conversation, but Colorado isn’t likely to move its best prospects for a guy on the downside of his career. Plus, if Young joins the Rox, Chris Nelson — the Rockies’ top prospect at second base — would be forced to spend another season with the Sky Sox. The Rangers owe Young $48M over the next three seasons. At that price, he is not a good deal for the Rox. Hell, at that price, he isn’t a good deal for anyone. Since potential trade partners are aware of Texas’s need to divest of Young, the Rangers may agree to pay for a portion of Young’s remaining salary. Under that scenario, Young-to-Colorado would be a more realistic possibility. Teams haven’t exactly been exercising fiscal prudence this off-season. There is a good chance that some sucker will overpay for Young. Let’s just hope it’s not the Rockies."

I stand by the previous paragraphs. Young could help the Rockies, but his price tag scares me. More to come…

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