Time Doesn't Wait for Young

The whole Michael Young/Texas Rangers story started in June of 1996 when the Rangers drafted a 2nd baseman.  No, not Michael...but the hero of the greatest College World Series ending of All-Time.  The Texas Rangers drafted Warren Morris of LSU.  The drafting of Morris, coupled with the free-agent signing of local Arlington phenom Todd Van Poppel allowed the Rangers to ship both of those guys to Pittsburgh for Esteban Loiaza.  The Rangers used Loaiza until their playoff run of the '90's came to shore and they traded him to Toronto for a young minor leaguer named Michael Young.  I'm still embarrassed that I wanted Frank Catalanatto to be the everyday 2nd baseman instead of Michael Young, but hey, I was wrong.  I was also wrong on Rob Ducey (instead of Rusty Greer), and wanting to keep Vladimir Guerrero instead of signing Adrian Beltre...but, I digress.  

I'm a tad bit saddened to see Michael go.  Yes, I know it's a business and I know it's a move that any GM would make (except Jerry Jones, of course).  But Michael Young is the rarest of athletes.  He is one of the few guys in sports that I feel comfortable telling my sons to emulate.  I remember not too awfully long ago when my 6 year-old wasn't able to pronounce the word "Young" and would scream, "Go Michael Yawn!!!!!"  He has a Michael Young Fathead on his wall.  His little Christmas elf wrote to him tonight saying to please be happy for Michael (while holding a Michael Young card in his elf paws).  

This is what baseball is. It's time passed down from grandfathers to fathers to sons.  From Warren Morris to - Josh Lindblom and a minor league prospect, Lisalberto Bonilla.  It's the fact that you can put time together by just a few guys...such as Jim Sundberg played on the same team as Nolan Ryan...and Nolan Ryan played on the same team as Pudge Rodriguez...and Pudge Rodriguez played on the same team as Michael Young.  Right there, we've spanned nearly the entire lifespan of the organization in 4 teammates.  

I will miss Michael Young.  I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if he hit .300 for the Phillies.  But, I also know Deep in my Heart that he will struggle as an everyday 3rd baseman because time waits for no one.  Not even a man named Young.

So long Michael!  Me and my boys will be there when you're inducted into the Rangers Hall of Fame.  Thanks for being someone who's image I can put on my kids wall and feel really good about.