Michael Young had an exceptional 2008 season with the Texas Rangers. After the 2008 season, Young had accumulated a career total .300 batting average, 115 home runs, 652 RBI, and 1488 hits. During his tenure with the Rangers, he has been an All-Star selection for five consecutive years (2004 to 2008), MLB All-Star Game MVP (2006), and American League Gold Glove Award winner (2008).

In 2008, Young drove in the game-winning RBI at the 2008 MLB All-Star Game, which was the longest all-star game in history. For the 2009 season, Young will be the starting third baseman for the Rangers.

Ron Washington accepted the position as the manager of the Texas Rangers on November 6, 2006. In the 2007 season the Rangers finished 4^th in the American League Western Division. But, in 2008, Washington led the Rangers to an improved season as a second place finish in the American League Western Division. In September 2007, Washington’s contract was extended to ensure him his management position through 2009.