The Rangers continue to speak about trading Michael Young.

Some obstacles remain: they will likely have to pay a portion of the $48 million (part of it deferred) he's owed over the next three seasons; Young has a list of eight teams to which he'd accept a trade; he can't play shortstop or third base well; and moving a fan favorite and clubhouse leader would be a tough sell to fans.

Not to pile on, but going to spring training with this situation looming isn't good. Furthermore, Young achieves in May his 10-and-5 rights -- 10 years of service time, five with his current team -- which allows him to block any trade.

Those reasons suggest Young will remain in Texas. His bat is good enough to carry him as a designated hitter. (The average DH hit .252/.332/.426 last season. Young finished .284/.330/.444 in a down season.)

Considering how long this situation has festered, however, it makes sense to examine potential trade partners.

COLORADO ROCKIES
The Rockies are building around shortstop Troy Tulowitzki and outfielder Carlos Gonzalez. Having Young, a good clubhouse presence, could help a young team develop. Money might not be an issue, considering the Rockies could decline options on Todd Helton and Aaron Cook, two players who combined earn more than $20 million.

OAKLAND ATHLETICS
General manager Billy Beane chased Adrian Beltre, Young's replacement in Texas, but spent his money elsewhere. His offseason could be over, but adding Young would help a younger team contend and the A's can withstand Young's poor glove at third base. Rangers general manager Jon Daniels has no qualms about trading within a division.

There doesn't seem to be much of a landing spot for Young other than these three teams. Most have their second base situations resolved. It depends on how much of Young's contract the Rangers are willing to eat. The guess here is that it wouldn't be enough to make a darkhorse team like the Braves, Blue Jays, Dodgers or Cubs to make a trade.

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