Michael Young Helping With Rangers’ Managerial Search

As Heard On The Ben & Skin Show, 105.3 The Fan October 2, 2014 9:16 AM

Former Texas Ranger Michael Young is honored before play begins between the Texas Rangers and the Toronto Blue Jays on May 17, 2014 at Globe Life Park in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)

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DALLAS (105.3 THE FAN) – Former Texas Rangers great Michael Young isn’t ready to manage his former team, but the 7-time All Star is already involved in helping the team identify the man who will.

General Manager Jon Daniels confirmed to Ben & Skin on Wednesday that the team is working on finalizing a deal to bring Young into a front office role. In the meantime, Young is involved in the team’s search for a full-time manager.

“I want to have a group of folks involved in the process, get a bunch of different perspectives, different department heads, people that are going to interact with the manager,” said Daniels on 105.3 The Fan. “I want to get a player perspective there as well. Michael and Darren Oliver will be involved with that.”

The team has already interviewed internal candidates Mike Maddux and Steve Buechele. Young himself was considered a managerial candidate early on, but the father of three pulled himself out of contention.

“I acknowledged that we talked to Michael a couple of weeks ago about whether or not he wanted to be considered for the managerial spot,” said Daniels.

“I think at this time, he stepped away from the game, from a full-time point of view to be with his family. The timing wasn’t right for him. As we explored a little bit last winter getting involved with the organization again, I think he’s interested this time around to get involved.”

Jon Daniels on Young, Managerial Search

493932191 Michael Young Helping With Rangers Managerial Search

105.3 The Fan

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(Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)

The organization will also take a long look at interim manager Tim Bogar, who led the team to a 14-8 record after Ron Washington resigned.

Bogar, who previously spent four seasons on Boston’s coaching staff, was brought in prior to the season to replace long time bench coach Jackie Moore.

“He is a skill set we needed,” said Daniels. “I was glad to add him to the organization and he did a really nice job as our interim manager in September.”

“Not because of the record. I said at the time, whether he went 22-0 or 0-22, he wasn’t going to be judged based on that. I was more impressed by how he communicated with the players, communicated with others in the organization.”

And communication is critical for managers in today’s league, Daniels believes.

In addition to one’s on-field responsibilities, Daniels wants a manager who connect with both veterans and younger players. He also wants a “department head” who can talk through player acquisitions and help determine the direction of the franchise.

And while Bogar will get a long look for the job, the team will make sure to take its time in their first managerial search since 2006.

“This is a premium job…You’ve got a big market with resources. You’ve got some really talented core players. You’ve got a young nucleus coming up through the system and young players on the team. You’ve got a little bit of balance when we’re healthy. We want to make sure we walk through it and hire the right guy. That very well may be Tim at the end.”