Despite the fact that Texas has tried to trade Michael Young and that Young has requested a trade, it looks as though Young will remain a Texas Ranger after all. Jon Daniels and Nolan Ryan conceded today that Young would be in the opening day lineup against the re-tooled Boston Red Sox.
↵↵↵"I look at it as some level of closure today," Daniels said.
↵Ryan still believes that Young isn't entirely satisfied with his new role on the club, and can understand Young's apparent displeasure about being involved in trade discussions. Young said two weeks ago that he had been "misled" several times during the off-season about his role and status on the club.
↵"From the conversations I've had with Michael he's not at the point in his career where he wants to be a DH," Ryan said. "He's not of the mindset where he's demanding of us that we move him."
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This has basically been expected and accepted that Young would remain a Ranger after trade talks with the Rockies went sour after Colorado requested Texas cover a significant portion of Young's remaining salary.
↵Young has said that he doesn't want to be a distraction to the team and is also willing to play the outfield for the Rangers.
↵For better or for worse, it looks like Young will be a member of the 2011 Texas Rangers. At least Young won't be attempting to play third this year on a regular basis.