In the insane world the contract of Rangers SS Michael Young almost leaps off the page.

How in the world did the Rangers get him to sign for that reasonable amount of money?

Now, I’m not about to ask you to sniff at $88 million over 7 years. But for a player of his ability, character and leadership that qualifies as a significant bargain these days in baseball. And, in fact, in other sports as well.

Young will average $12.5 million per year for the next 7 years. By the time he’s in mid-contract, he will not be amongst the top 50 paid players in baseball. By late in his contract, that average of $12.5 million per year may make people regard him as one of the most underpaid star athletes in this country.

So, why did he do it? He says he likes Texas. Likes it here. Likes his team and his teammates. He understands that he took less than market value. But he also seems pretty happy with his life.

Imagine that. A player who decides to stay some place because he and his family are happy there. A player who didn’t try at all to squeeze the last dollar out of a contract.

The Rangers are fortunate to have Young at this rate. They’ve now locked up a significant percentage of their core for several years.

Comments (0)

Comment	smaller | bigger
Name
Write the displayed characters
Subscribe via email (Registered users only) I have read and agree to the Terms of Usage.
	Add Comment