By PATRICK GORDON
@Philabaseball
Michael Young has spent his entire major league career in Texas, so it's no wonder he needed some time to ponder moving to Philadelphia.
@Philabaseball
Michael Young has spent his entire major league career in Texas, so it's no wonder he needed some time to ponder moving to Philadelphia.
The seven-time All-Star waived his no-trade clause on Saturday and accepted a trade to the Phillies. In return, the Phillies sent reliever Josh Lindblom and prospect Lisalverto Bonilla to the Rangers.
Word of a possible trade surfaced early on Thursday with sources claiming Young's no-trade clause was the final sticking point.
The Rangers will cover $10 million of the $16 million Young is owed next season when his current contract expires.
Young broke in with the Rangers in 2001 as a second baseman and quickly became the face of the franchise. He moved to third base in 2009 and was a vital part of two World Series teams. He placed eighth in American League Most Valuable Player voting in 2011 after hitting .338 with 11 home runs and a career high 106 RBIs.
Age, however, appears to have caught up to Young. He recently turned 36 and is entering the final stages of his career. He also struggled last season, hitting just .277 with eight home runs and 67 RBIs. He also
Can he still be productive? Yes, but it's unlikely he will duplicate the type of numbers he achieved early in his career.
The chart to the right demonstrates how Young's offensive production has dropped off steadily over the past four seasons. (ISO = SLG-BA). He also put up a .682 OPS last year, the lowest of his career.Young also has limited range, so his defense won't necessarily be an upgrade over Kevin Frandsen at third base.
- Patrick Gordon in managing editor of the Philadelphia Baseball Review. Follow him on Twitter @Philabaseball or e-mail him at pgordon@philadelphiabaseballreview.com
