Rockies Thinking Young Has Possibilities via Troy Renck


Michael Young is restless, so don't expect the Rockies to get much sleep over the next few days.

According to Yahoo, an important hurdle fell Sunday, clearing the way for the Texas Rangers to trade Young to the Rockies — the most logical team — or someone else.

Yahoo reported the Rangers have told Young they will attempt to trade him because he is unhappy with his potentially diminished role.

It's much easier to sever ties with a franchise icon if he's agreeable to leaving. At this point, it's hard to blame Young, the consummate pro, for wanting a fresh start given the mixed messages he's received.

Can the Rockies provide a soft landing spot?

The biggest obstacle is money. According to two sources with direct knowledge of the situation, the Rockies would need the Rangers to pick up roughly $20 million of the $48 million remaining on the final three years of Young's contract.

Texas has never shown a willingness to eat that much money. But this is quickly becoming a mess. Common sense suggests the Rangers will seek resolution this week, possibly in the next few days. Will that draw them closer to Colorado financially? Will the Rockies bend a bit?

If the Rangers absorb a huge chunk of Young's contract, they will want quality players in return. Could that sabotage a deal? 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.

Colorado likely won't be the only team involved. The Angels have had interest in Young since December, and Toronto and Oakland are potential suitors.

But nobody can match Colorado's desire and snug fit. The Rockies view Young as the ideal No. 2 hitter and everyday second baseman. Great teams are always strong up the middle defensively, and a Troy Tulowitzki-Young-Dexter Fowler trio is salivation-worthy.

The Rockies lost 14 games when leading after the seventh inning last season, including 12 by one run. How much difference could Young's bat make in reversing that stat? He delivered 186 hits last season and plated 65 RBIs with runners in scoring position. He historically has hit good pitching, and hasn't had fewer than 36 doubles since 2004.

The full-court press will soon begin. The Rockies like their team, but growing old with Young could make them special for years to come.