Angels Rumored To Be After Rangers' Young

(CBSSPORTS.COM/Evan Brunell) -- The Rangers have confirmed reports that Michael Young has demanded a trade.

Young has been the subject of trade rumors all offseason, and things have ramped up again recently with a report Young could be joining the Rockies shortly. The Angels are also thought to be involved, but Texas would prefer not to deal their franchise icon to a division rival.

Despite being a franchise icon, Young is quite overpaid, due $48 million over the next three years. Colorado is requesting the Rangers eat at least $20 million, which would make Young's contract into commensurate value for the Rox. The Rangers have moved Young around, first from second to shortstop and then short to third, the latter move which was met with major displeasure by Young although he eventually acquiesced.

Despite the moves, Young still remains a terrible fielder (although he would play second in Colorado). When the Rangers addressed their fielding issues by signing Adrian Beltre, that pushed Young into a DH role that he originally accepted. However, Young has since balked, due in part to Texas' acquisition of Mike Napoli, which would steal at-bats from Young at DH.

"He's had time to think about it," GM Jon Daniels told the Ft. Worth Star-Telegram. "Time's gone on and he's changed his mind."

President Nolan Ryan added more context, saying Young realized a trade would be in the best interest of his career as he could continue playing the field and not being shoehorned into the DH spot.

This is a rather masterful stroke for Texas. Fans were upset the Rangers were trying to deal Young as he is well-regarded in the community and is a fan favorite. However, by announcing Young's trade demand, the club can deal Young and then tell its fans they were only accommodating his request. Pretty smart.