Dodgers Rumors: Figgins’ Signing Doesn’t Mean Michael Young Is Out
In their search for infield help, the Los Angeles Dodgers signed infielder/outfielder Chone Figgins to a minor-league deal yesterday.
The utility player hasn’t played since 2012 after being cut by the Miami Marlins prior to last season, but has been working hard towards a comeback and was given a chance by the Dodgers.
According to Mark Saxon of ESPN LA, Figgins’ deal won’t prevent the team from trying to bring back another infielder that they’ve been in talks with:
Signing Chone Figgins won’t preclude #dodgers from continuing to talk to Michael Young, I’m told
— Mark Saxon (@markasaxon) January 23, 2014
Young has been in talks with the Dodgers for some time now, as the Dodgers try to persuade him to rejoin the team after spending the end of the season and postseason with them. The 37-year-old has been reportedly considering retirement while he has four offers from major league teams. Young was acquired last August from the Philadelphia Phillies for a veteran presence and depth around the infield. He hit .314 in 21 games with the Dodgers, mostly as a pinch-hitter with an occasional start. In the postseason, he had just one hit in 10 at-bats and even hit into two double plays in Game 1 of the NLCS after being a defensive replacement late in the game.
Currently, the Dodgers have a question mark at second base with Cuban infielder Alexander Guerrero expected to be the starter. Uncertainty has been clouding Guerrero after an off-season in which he was injured and failed to get the expected number of reps in winter ball. Guerrero will compete with Dee Gordon and Miguel Rojas for the starting position in the spring. Infield roles off the bench are open after Mark Ellis, Jerry Hairston, Jr., Nick Punto and Skip Schumaker all left via free agency or retirement this off-season.
It seems as if the Dodgers are working hard to keep Young in Los Angeles and it’s very possible that he returns for one last year.
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