Untraded Young `completely comfortable’ with Texas

Asked if he felt he would still be with Texas for sure at the start of this season, Young said he didn’t really know.

“That’s one thing I learned about this offseason, it’s very unpredictable,” Young said.

General manager Jon Daniels, who has gotten inquiries from several teams about Young, has repeatedly said he will make a deal only if it makes the Rangers a better team. That mindset hasn’t changed, plus the Rangers like the role they have for Young.

“We really like our club and we’re ready to roll with the group we have,” Daniels said Monday.

Young is owed $46 million over the remaining three seasons of his contract _ $15 million in each of the next two seasons and $16 million in 2013.

Manager Ron Washington said Young will be in the lineup and get plenty of at-bats as long as he is healthy, whether as the DH or in the infield.

With Ian Kinsler returning to the leadoff spot and Elvis Andrus dropping to No. 2, Young will bat sixth behind Hamilton, Beltre and Nelson Cruz. Young said he is “all for” wherever Washington wants him to hit to win games.

“Everything is going fine. I haven’t really changed my preparation. I have to do more early work at different positions. That’s fine with me. Work’s fun,” Young said. “I think a common misconception in this game is that veteran players are what they are, and I don’t accept that. … Baseball is a skills game, and I want to make sure mine are always getting better.”

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