Michael Young could return to the Dodgers
By Matt Fisher
A job is available if Michael Young wants it. It’s even an everyday job.
As Mark Ellis departs, having a veteran infielder who can bridge the gap until Cuban Alexander Guerrero gets some miles under him wouldn’t be a terrible idea for the Dodgers. The question now is whether 37-year-old Michael Young would rather play another season in the Majors or if he’d rather retire and spend more time with his wife and three children.
Alden Gonzalez of MLB.com was in attendance at the Stars & Strikes Celebrity Bowling Tournament in Anaheim and heard Young speak on the situation.
"I’ve got three sons at home, and obviously they’re my top priority. I would love to continue to play for a great team like the Dodgers. I mean, baseball’s in my blood; good competition’s in my blood. So I’d love to continue to do that. But at the same time, I want to do what’s best for my family, for my boys."
Young, who hit .314 in 51 plate appearances after being traded from Philadelphia to Los Angeles, was rumored to have four decent offers available to him as of thirteen days ago. The team that traded him after 2012, the Texas Rangers, do not appear to be moved to offer Young a deal to return to the Metroplex, where he makes his home.
Michael Young, a Southern California native, has experience at all four infield positions, having served as a super-utility infielder for the Rangers in 2011 and 2012. Last season, he started primarily at third base for both the Phillies and Dodgers. The seven-time All-Star has a Gold Glove to his name, although he earned it at shortstop in 2008.
Young has said he’s not in a hurry to make a decision, but he does want to be respectful of any teams that have interest in him. At this point, it looks like the only team that does is the Dodgers. If he doesn’t sign there, it looks as if 2013 will have been Michael Young’s last season in baseball.