The Phillies reportedly contacted the Rangers recently to express an interest in Michael Young, three Major League Baseball sources confirmed to ESPN.com on Wednesday. But the trade talks failed to yield much common ground, and discussions between the clubs are no longer active.
The Rangers are currently fielding offers for Young, who has asked to be traded in the midst of a conflict with the team's front office. Young told reporters Monday night that he felt "manipulated and misled" in his dealings with the club. Meanwhile, general manager Jon Daniels and president Nolan Ryan have publicly said they will try to accommodate Young's request to be dealt.
However, it's starting to look more and more like the Rangers will start Spring Training next week in Surprise, Ariz., with Young in their camp.
One source told ESPN that the discussions were "brief" and amounted essentially to "tire kicking" on the part of the Phillies.
Young, who will make $48 million over the next three years, has a limited no-trade clause that allows the Rangers to deal him to any of eight clubs without his consent. The list includes the Rockies, Dodgers, Angels, Padres, Yankees, Twins, Astros and Cardinals. Since the Phillies aren't on that list, Young would have to agree to any deal to Philadelphia.
Young has said he would consider a trade to a team not on the list.
For the most part, clubs have their rosters set, their payrolls at their maximum and are ready to go to Spring Training.
So basically the Rangers have to find