Yankees Trade Rumors: Michael Young Would Be Solid Addition for Bronx Bombers
July 26, 2013 · Timothy Rapp · Jump to comments
Article Source: Bleacher Report - New York Yankees
The New York Yankees are already a pretty old team. But trailing three other teams in the American League East means the Yankees might have to get older to keep up.
They’ve already added Alfonso Soriano to bolster the lineup. And it looks like the Bronx Bombers have their eyes on Michael Young of the Philadelphia Phillies as well.
From Jon Heyman of CBS:
Young, who has seven homers, 31 RBI and a .278 batting average, would be a good fit for the Yankees and Red Sox, who’ve shown interest, and the Reds are said to be another team to be considering him. The Phillies haven’t committed to selling yet but Young is seen as about the most likely Phillies player to go considering the team’s depth at third base and his status as a free agent at year’s end.
Andy Martino of the New York Daily News adds: “Philadelphia infielder Michael Young remains an attractive target, and the reeling Phillies are looking more like sellers every day. Although Young would fit the Yankees, a major league source said the Red Sox were also still intrigued.”
A bidding war between the Yankees and Boston Red Sox for a player, you say? Sign me up for that mini-battle.
Young isn’t the player he once was, of course, but he’s a third baseman not named Alex Rodriguez, so he’s got that going for him.
Despite a rash of injuries, A-Rod-related drama and a really deep division, the Yankees are still just 6.5 games behind the Red Sox for first place in the American League East and 2.5 games out in the Wild Card race. They should be buyers.
Besides, they’re the Yankees—what kind of crazy season would it be if they weren’t buyers in some capacity.
The Soriano deal was pretty solid, as he has hit 17 home runs and 51 RBI this season. Young won’t bring that level of pop, but he’s a solid hitter who will move runners, provide another veteran presence in the clubhouse and is perfectly adequate at third base.
The Yankees have to know that the window for this core of players is dwindling. A-Rod is done in New York if the Yankees have their way. Mariano Rivera is retiring. Mark Teixeira is done for the season, and at this point has entered the “injury prone” realm. Derek Jeter’s career is winding to a close. Curtis Granderson isn’t getting any younger, though his eventual return will be a big boost.
Robinson Cano is the new face of this franchise, but he needs some help. And it’s unlikely that the Yankees will be able to get young help in their push for the playoffs.
So bring on the old guys. Bring on Michael Young. And stockpile the Bengay and get the ice baths ready.
Read more New York Yankees news on BleacherReport.com
Yankee Tickets
Shop Yankee
