Times wires
Sunday, February 20, 2011
SURPRISE, Ariz. — Michael Young had a message for his teammates before the AL champion Rangers held their first full-squad workout Sunday and he took grounders at second base for the first time in several years.
"He said he wasn't going to be a distraction. That was it," manager Ron Washington said, relaying what Young said during a scheduled team meeting before the workout.
"I think that was what was talked about more than getting ready for the season, and I thought it was unnecessary," Young said. "The guys know me well, so I wanted to say a couple of things about it and move on."
Young requested a trade last month, but with no deal done he reported to camp Saturday and said he was focused on getting ready for the season. He said the offseason drama wouldn't affect his preparations for the season and a new role.
"First and foremost I'm a baseball player. There's nothing to block out," he said. "For it to become public is regretful but I've got no regrets. Baseball is my life sport. It's my entire life."
In other Rangers news, former Cy Young Award winner Brandon Webb is being limited to flat-ground work because of concerns about his problematic right (pitching) shoulder. Webb, 31, hasn't pitched in a big-league game since the first week of the 2009 season.
ABSENCE EXPLAINED: Mets manager Terry Collins now understands why Luis Castillo didn't show up early. He just wishes the second baseman had told him sooner.
Castillo said after arriving at camp that he was spending time with his older brother before a serious surgery today. Collins had previously expressed disappointment that Castillo wasn't at spring training early.
"He told me why he didn't get here early," Collins said. "I asked him, 'Why didn't you tell me?' It certainly would have changed the way I looked at things. I hope his brother's going to be okay."
OBITUARY: Andrew N. "Drew" Baur, a member of the Cardinals' ownership group, died suddenly in St. Louis. He was 66. No cause of death was given.
CARDINALS: Third baseman David Freese is being limited during early workouts after injuries shortened his 2010 season. Freese didn't field as many grounders as other position players in defensive drills.
ROCKIES: Right-hander Aaron Cook is battling mild soreness in his pitching shoulder and will be held out of workouts for the next couple of days.
ROYALS: Third baseman Mike Aviles and shortstop Alcides Escobar agreed to one-year deals.
TWINS: Ace right-hander Francisco Liriano checked out fine after skipping Friday's bullpen session because of tightness in his throwing shoulder.