Dodgers Rumors: Dodgers Have Checked In On Re-Signing Michael Young
For the Los Angeles Dodgers, figuring out their third base situation was atop their priority list now that the Winter Meetings are underway. GM Ned Colletti has talked extensively about his desire to re-sign Juan Uribe, but the two sides started out the off-season markedly apart on price.
Talks with Uribe’s camp have been slow all week and today there was constant confusion about what other teams are interested in the 34-year-old third baseman. However, according to Dylan Hernandez of the LA Times, the Dodgers have checked in about re-signing one of their free agent infielders:
#Dodgers looking at Michael Young as possible infield option.
— Dylan Hernandez (@dylanohernandez) December 10, 2013
Young was acquired from the Philadelphia Phillies on August 31 in exchange for prospect Rob Rasmussen. Needing some bench help with Jerry Hairston Jr. struggling in the second half of the season, Young was brought in to provide a bat off the bench and spell guys like Uribe and Adrian Gonzalez.
In 21 games with the Dodgers, Young hit .314 with no home runs and 4 RBI, but didn’t look like the same All-Star player he’s been throughout his career. During the postseason, he was counted on in NLCS Game 1 when Don Mattingly inexplicably pinch ran for Gonzalez and he took over for him at first base.
Young had two at-bats and hit into two double plays and went hitless in seven at-bats during the playoffs. Hopefully the Dodgers don’t have plans about starting Young if Uribe signs elsewhere as it felt like there was no chance he’d be coming back next season.
Other than the Dodgers, the Colorado Rockies and possibly Boston Red Sox have also checked in on Young this off-season.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
ICYMI: The Dodgers and Brian Wilson agreed to a one-year deal with Brian Wilson
For Michael Young to be effective, he must play every day. Otherwise, his bat is useless. So, whose position would he take for this to happen. He is not an effective bench player.