Michael Young considering retirement

Sep 19, 2012; Anaheim, CA, USA; Texas Rangers designated hitter Michael Young (10) is congraulated after scoring against the Los Angeles Angels at Angels Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Former Texas Rangers shortstop Michael Young is reportedly considering retirement.  There are talks though that the Los Angeles Dodgers are still considering him and are trying to sign him to a one year deal.

The 37 year-old utility man isn’t considering this because of his declining skill, but rather to enjoy more time with his family.

According to the rumors, the Milwaukee Brewers, Colorado Rockies, Washington Nationals and the New York Yankees are also interested in a corner infielder like Michael Young.

Michael Young posted numbers last year that were very similar to what he did his last year as a Texas Rangers.  He finished 2013 with a batting average of .279/.335/.395/.730 with 26 doubles, 5 triples,  8 home runs and  46 RBI over 147 games.   If you are into the oWAR stat, for Philly he posted a 1.4 for the season over 127 games.

It can be argued that his defensive abilities are not what they used be, but besides the offense Michael Young brings to the plate is his leadership.

Michael Young talked about his career with MLB.com.

"“I know that when my career is over, I’ll have no regrets. I’ll know that I put every ounce of energy I had into this game — and I definitely learned that from the way my dad approached his job.” – said Michael Young (Bailey Stephens / MLB.com)"

That is one aspect of Michael Young the Texas Rangers missed in 2013.  If he does play one more year, I hope that Jon Daniels would bring him back for one more year to finish a Texas Rangers.  That’s a  long shot, and they are not looking for a DH or another utility man on the roster, but his intangibles are something the club could use.   If nothing else, he created memories for himself with 2 World Series trips and being part of a team that was able to completely turn itself around.  Not many ball players are able to see that in their careers.