Kuzul

That’s why it was such a big surprise when the Rockies name was linked to reports that the team might be interested in the Texas Rangers’ Michael Young.

The rumors were quickly dispelled when experts suggested the Rockies wouldn’t be very interested in taking on a three-year deal with $48 million left on it. Especially considering Young is 34 years old.

However, it seems that those rumors had legs. Reports said that the talks were far enough along that the Rockies had Eric Young Jr. take a physical in order to complete the deal. The Rangers backed out from concerns over a stress fracture Eric Young suffered in May.

If Colorado could find a way to get Michael Young in a Rockies uniform, it would be a huge boost to the lineup. The lifetime Ranger is a career .300 hitter, with 158 home runs and 811 RBI with an OPS of .795. The numbers should be slightly below his career averages due to his age, but he would be a great addition to the 2-hole in the Rockies lineup.

With Michael Young owed $16 million over the next three seasons, the deal will certainly have to include the Rangers eating a large portion of his contract. Of course, the Rangers would be willing to eat more of his salary if the Rockies include better players.

But what would be smart for the Rockies to give up in order to acquire him?

Michael Young would be the Rockies’ second baseman. All of the talk of a four-man battle for the position going into spring training would be done. So, realistically, moving Eric Young might not be a bad decision. While he is already a fan favorite, his playing time is still a concern, and it would certainly be diminished with Michael Young on the roster. So having EY stuck in Colorado Springs for another year is not advantageous for the Rockies or EY.

The Rockies might be able to sweeten their side of the deal, and make taking on Young’s salary far more reasonable, if they throw Aaron Cook into the deal. Cook is entering the final year of his three-year extension that will pay him just over $10 million with a $500,000 buyout for 2012. That would rid the Rockies of Cook’s deal, making Young more affordable for the 2011 season. If the Rangers were willing to pay half of Young’s salary for the next two years, it might be worth it for the Rockies.

Getting the Rangers to pay $16 million for a player who won’t be suiting up for them might be hard for them to swallow, especially considering that Michael Young is essentially the Rangers’ version of Todd Helton.

If the asking price goes too much over that, the Rockies should forget the deal. It simply isn’t worth giving up multiple prospects, plus established major league players, to acquire a 34-year-old 2-hole hitter, even if that makes the Rockies a much better team this season.

However, if they are able to pull off the deal, the Rockies lineup will be tough to pitch around in 2011.