Dodgers Rumors: Dodgers Considering Michael Young As Everyday 3B
As another day goes by without a decision from free agent Juan Uribe, it seems like the Los Angeles Dodgers are beginning to lose their patience with the third baseman and have identified a player they may sign in his place.
Uribe took over the team’s third base job last June and had his best season as a Dodger before becoming a free agent and taking weeks to mull over his decision. Yesterday he had interest from the Tampa Bay Rays and Miami Marlins, while also reportedly drawing interest from his former team, the Chicago White Sox.
According to Buster Olney of ESPN, the Dodgers are considering bringing back a player that was on their roster last season to fill the void at third base:
The Dodgers are considering signing Michael Young as their everyday third baseman.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) December 14, 2013
Attached to the Michael Young interest for the Dodgers: They believe increasingly that Juan Uribe is going to sign elsewhere.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) December 14, 2013
The Dodgers acquired Young from the Philadelphia Phillies on August 31 for a minor-league pitcher. He was traded to solidify the bench and provide a veteran presence in the clubhouse. The right-handed hitting Young did well over the last month of the season, hitting .314 in 21 games. He spent time as a fill-in and off the bench in pinch-hitting situations.
In the postseason, Young made the Dodgers’ playoff roster and was used as a pinch-hitter. He drew the ire of Dodger fans in Game 1 of the NLCS against the St. Louis Cardinals when he came in late in the game and made four outs in two at-bats. Young replaced Adrian Gonzalez after Gonzalez was lifted for a pinch-hitter and promptly hit into two double plays in his two at-bats in extra innings.
Young was the Phillies’ primary third baseman last season before he was traded. He hit .276 with eight home runs and 42 RBI in 126 games, starting 99 at third base and a handful at first base. Young’s numbers have been in decline the past two seasons and some believe he’s no longer a capable everyday player.
The Dodgers seem resigned that Uribe will sign elsewhere and could turn to Young if they don’t pursue other options like Kevin Youkilis or Eric Chavez.
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