Knuckle Curve » michael young

Michael Young Out Two Weeks

Stephen Kersey — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 03:53:39 +0000

Michael Young, the All-Star third baseman for the Texas Rangers, will miss approximately two weeks due to a strained left hamstring. Initially fearing that the injury was going to keep him out the rest of the season, Young was thrilled to hear the 14-day outlook.

“For them to tell me there’s a good chance I’ll be available the last two weeks,” said Young, “that’s great news to me.”

Arguably the best player on the Rangers, Young has hit .322 with 22 homers, 67 RBIs and 76 runs this season. The loss of Young goes beyond the numbers.

“There’s no way to replace Michael,” explained outfielder Marlon Byrd. “He’s the leader.”

For the Rangers to stay alive in the AL Wild Card race, they will have to find a way to replace their third baseman. Currently, they are 2.5 games behind the Boston Red Sox. If Texas slumps at all, they could be met with the end of their 2009 baseball playoff chances.

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Third Baseman Rankings – Fantasy Baseball

Stephen Kersey — Thu, 07 May 2009 01:18:42 +0000

In 2009 fantasy baseball, third base is the home of a few surprises at the top of the rankings. Here are the ExpertFantasy third baseman rankings for this fantasy baseball season so far:

1) Evan Longoria, Tampa Bay Rays
Only in his second year, Evan Longoria is quickly making a case for being the best third baseman in all of fantasy baseball. He already has 34 RBI, 21 runs and eight homers on the season.

2) Michael Young, Texas Rangers
Prior to the season, Michael Young didn’t sound too happy about moving over to third base. Now that he’s playing at the hot corner, his bat is also hotter than expected.

3) Brandon Inge, Detroit Tigers
Inge plays all over the field for the Tigers — from third base to the outfield to catcher. Not only has he been useful in the field, he’s been a monster at the plate this year, too.

4) Ryan Zimmerman, Washington Nationals
Earlier in the season, the Nationals gave Zimmerman a hefty contract extension. With his play so far this year, he’s showing why he is the best thing going for Washington.

5) Mike Lowell, Boston Red Sox
Some scouts thought Lowell could fall off this year but 2009 has started off well for the veteran third baseman. His 26 RBIs at the position only trail Longoria.

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AL Wins Marathon All-Star Game

Stephen Kersey — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 12:28:26 +0000

The Major League Baseball All-Star Game was an epic contest — for those who kept their eyes open for the duration of the game. The 15 inning affair lasted past 1AM EST. Finally, Michael Young hit a winning sacrifice fly to score Justin Morneau. The American League All-Stars is now undefeated in their last 12 games against the National League All-Stars.

JD Drew was named the MVP of the game, in large part due to his game-tying two-run homer. Even though Albert Pujols was on his side, Brad Lidge gave up the winning sacrifice fly. Here is a video of Lidge talking about giving up the winning run:

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Notes from the Old California Fall League

Geoff Young — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 07:24:32 +0000

While doing some housecleaning over at Ducksnorts, I came across an article I wrote in October 1999. That year, several top prospects played in the California Fall League, the successor to the old Hawaii Winter League. Here are a few of my thoughts back then on players who are now in the big leagues:

The guy who really impressed was Reds left fielder Ben Broussard. A 1999 draftee, Broussard has a quick bat and showed power to all fields. He appears to see the ball well, as he was able to wait until the very last moment before committing himself to a swing — even against lefties. Broussard went 4 for 4, with 2 doubles and a triple. The left-handed hitter drove pitches with authority, off the wall in left field, up the gaps — basically “where they ain’t.” He appeared a bit tentative in the field, but showed surprising speed for a man his size (6′2″, 220 lbs.), stealing a base and moving very well from first to third.

. . .

On the other side, Yankee farmhand Marcus Thames, who is absolutely tearing up the league, had another fine game at the plate, going 2 for 4 with 2 doubles and 3 RBI. Like Broussard, Thames showed a quick bat and opposite field power. He also displayed a strong arm in right field, though he appeared a bit lackadaisical in chasing after balls, and at least once kicked one.

. . .

Toronto infielder Mike Young also appeared overmatched at the plate. His swing was way too long for a leadoff hitter.

“Mike” Young is known as Michael these days and has enjoyed a pretty nice career playing shortstop for the Texas Rangers. Ah, the dangers of reaching a conclusion based on a one-game sample…

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