According to a report from CSN's Jim Salisbury, the Phillies are considering a deal with OF Delmon Young.
The Phillies are still looking for a corner outfielder and Ruben Amaro Jr., who usually keeps team matters to himself, has not denied any rumors of the Phillies and Young.
Amaro, who typically keeps matters of free-agency close to his vest, did not deny that.
“We’ve kicked around a lot of stuff,” he said. “He’s among them.”
Asked if he’d spoken with Young’s representatives, Amaro said: “We’ve talked to everybody, everybody who is still out there, the whole gamut.”
Young batted .266 in 2012 while tallying 18 home runs and driving in 74 runs. Young also hit .296/.411/.707 in 151 games for the Tigers last year. Despite an average regular season, Young had a phenomenal offseason, batting .359 (11 for 31) while hitting three homers and seven RBIs in the ALCS and World Series.
Young would be a great addition to the Phillies lineup, but his off-the-field controversy could be an issue. In April of 2012, Young was arrested in New York after screaming anti-Semitic remarks while intoxicated. Young was suspended by the Tigers and MLB and has since apologized for the incident.
Amaro would not discuss Young’s off-field history in specifics. He did discuss in general the idea of pursuing players who have “baggage.”
“We have to keep our minds open on everything,” Amaro said. “Of course I have reservations about guys who have had some issues. But we’ve got to keep our minds open also.”
Amaro said the Phillies have to be cognizant of their payroll while looking for late-winter roster tweaks.
“We’re looking for low-risk, high-reward guys if we can,” he said.
Young is still a very talented hitter and could be on the verge of entering his prime, but another factor that can be worrisome is that he spent last season mainly as a designated hitter. Young only appeared in the outfield in 31 of 151 games last year.
Although Delmon Young is a great prospect and a talent the Phillies could definitely use, he's not a desperation move – yet. The Phillies still have candidates for the corner outfield spots in Darin Ruf, John Mayberry Jr., Domonic Brown and Laynce Nix. If Young would come to Philly, he could become an everyday-player if he can live up to the expectations.
We will keep you updated on this story.
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