allaboutwomen

According to Evan Grant, Texas Rangers third baseman Michael Young is indeed willing to move from third base to designated hitter to accommodate a potential Adrian Beltre signing. Beltre, of course, plays third base – much like Young. The difference is that Beltre is one of the top defenders at his position and Young is one of the worst.

Said Young:

“I’ll do what I have to do to stay on this team,” Young said. “I’m happy to be here and proud to be part of this team. I want to stay a part of it. If it means getting the bulk of my at-bats as the DH, then that’s what I’ll do.”

This is contrary to a report earlier from T.R. Sullivan that Young was “not receptive” to the idea of moving off of third base.

It will all be moot if the club does not sign Beltre, as has been widely speculated the last two days, including ESPN Deportes calling a deal “imminent.” Should Texas sign Beltre and move Young to DH, it would all but end Vladimir Guerrero’s time in Texas.

According to T.R. Sullivan, Texas Rangers officials are “not particularly optimistic” that a deal will be reached with free agent third baseman Adrian Beltre. This is contrary to reports from Enrique Rojas of ESPN Deportes, who reported earlier that a deal between Beltre and the Rangers was “imminent.”

Further complicating matters regarding Beltre is current Texas third baseman, Michael Young. Texas officials apparently have reached out to Young about a potential position change, but Young was “not receptive” to the idea. Young was well below average defensively at third in 2010, posting a DRS (defensive runs saved) of -13 and a UZR/150 of -5.8. Beltre would represent a substantial upgrade over Young defensively as Beltre posted a DRS of +10 and a UZR/150 of 12.7.

Beltre had been rumored to sign with the Los Angeles Angels before the reports that a deal was imminent between Beltre and the Rangers.