Michael Young Acting Like a Professional. And a First Baseman.

We knew Michael Young would show up to Texas Rangers' spring training on time. We were pretty sure that he'd address the media and his teammates and act professional, saying all the right things. But did we think he'd already be taking grounders and throws at first base? Young apparently was...

By Richie Whitt

February 21, 2011

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We knew Michael Young would show up to Texas Rangers' spring training on time. We were pretty sure that he'd address the media and his teammates and act professional, saying all the right things.

But did we think he'd already be taking grounders and throws at first base?

Young apparently was working with infield coach Dave Anderson yesterday in Surprise, Arizona. Not exactly the sign of a guy who has demanded to be traded and wants the hell outta here.

Pouting and being a distraction has never been in Young's DNA, but this smacks of 2009 when he briefly and publicly snipped about being moved from shotstop to third and then arrived in Arizona and played his butt off while being a team leader. I wouldn't be surprised if Young quiets down, learns first base and stays in line ahead of Mike Napoli as Texas' designated hitter/part-time first baseman.

The more I also think about it and hear about how the Rangers are counting on Brandon Webb, the more I fear a reality-check crash back to Earth this season.

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