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Monday, December 8, 2008
Phillies interested in Twins' Delmon Young?

Paul Hagen reporting from the winter meetings in Las Vegas:

Throwing out the ceremonial first rumor of the winter meetings ...

Phillies baseball personnel have been asking pointed questions about Twins outfielder Delmon Young, the former overall No. 1 draft choice of Tampa Bay, sources told the Daily News. Young is probably best known for a 2006 incident when he was suspended 50 games in the minor leagues for throwing his bat at an umpire. (See the video of the incident below.)

He was traded to the Twins after the 2007 season. The Phils are believed to be looking for a replacement for Pat Burrell, who is not expected to re-sign.

Young has yet to show Burrell’s power. He’s hit just 26 home runs in 1,346 big-league at bats. Last season he batted .290 with 10 homers and 69 RBI for Minnesota. But he’s still just 23 years old.

The Twins have an excess in the outfield with Michael Cuddyer returning from an injury-plagued season, Carlos Gomez (who came from the Mets in the Johan Santana trade) and Denard Span, who has established himself as their leadoff hitter.

So they are apparently willing to listen to offers for Young. A potential snag from the Phillies perspective is that they almost certainly would ask for top prospect Jason Donald and are also seeking bullpen help.

Young has developed a reputation for being somewhat hardheaded and uncoachable, one of the reasons Tampa Bay was willing to trade him. At the same time, he’s still just 23 years old, clearly has talent and appears to fit a Phillies need.

 


Posted by Paul Hagen @ 2:05 PM  Permalink | 81 comments
81
Comments   
Posted 02:10 PM, 12/08/2008
potus
another Milton Bradley. no thanks.
Posted 02:18 PM, 12/08/2008
B in DC
Does anyone else think Clay Condrey may be overvalued by some teams based on his decent numbers last year? Not that I think Donald and Condrey for Young is a good deal, but if there's anyone expendable in the bullpen that might be potentially attractive to other teams, it would be him.
Posted 02:22 PM, 12/08/2008
Jack Klompus
How about we ask Albert Belle and Vince Coleman to come out of retirement and help us out, too?
Posted 02:26 PM, 12/08/2008
Curse of Billy Penn
B in DC, I'm right there with you...if we could get anything of value for the other CC, I'd take it in a second....Donald can't go anywhere...he is our 3B after Feliz leaves next year....or when he gets hurt this year. But personally, I'm not interested in Young...like the tools, just too many problems.
Posted 02:27 PM, 12/08/2008
ktdb05
I like the idea of trying Donald in the OF.
Posted 02:29 PM, 12/08/2008
B in DC
I think Young will be better than Bradley, but I don't think either is worth the headache. The Phils should go after Ron Artest and Todd Bertuzzi.
Posted 02:34 PM, 12/08/2008
addude13
Are you kidding? Get this guy under the wings of J-Roll, Utley, Howard and Uncle Cholly - and let him hit for 81 games in that bandbox on Broad - and this is a deal you have to make. Ruben, my friend, if you're listening, go get 'im.
Posted 02:35 PM, 12/08/2008
EaglesFanInStPete
Trust me, the Phils do NOT want the headache this guy brings. He was one or two votes shy of ROY in 2007 when the (then-Devil) Rays had him, yet they traded him. Why? Every day was a media circus down here around him. He's basically the TO-in-training of baseball, and there's no place for a guy like that in Philly. Let the Twins keep him - or better yet, let the Mets take him and they can self-implode even more!
Posted 02:35 PM, 12/08/2008
chestercountyvoter
B in DC, do you post at the trolls.net?
Comment removed.
Posted 02:39 PM, 12/08/2008
pgcd3
I'd venture to say the Phillies are 'interested' in a lot players. I wouldn't read much into it at this point.
Posted 02:40 PM, 12/08/2008
dawggone
I would offer up Kyle Kendrick for him and see if they bite
Posted 02:40 PM, 12/08/2008
wcgiles
Delmon Young has a TON of talent ... but, without a doubt, alot of head problems too. If we had a stricter manager, someone who didn't coddle players instead of teach them to play hardnosed baseball (someone like Larry Bowa), maybe I'd take the risk, but with Cholly at the helm it seems like a dangerous waste of time.
Posted 02:43 PM, 12/08/2008
DR Heller
Don't trade Donald. To much up side. plus might be a good fit if Howard never signs. Move Utley to 1st,Donald to 2nd. Just a idea. But lets sign Howard first so this doesn't happen. Wait .J-rolls contract is up soon,isn't it?Hmmmmmmmmm???????
Posted 02:44 PM, 12/08/2008
B in DC
Never have posted at Trolls.net. What the heck is that? Does it have to do with Troll dolls? If so, I'm there.
Posted 02:45 PM, 12/08/2008
Ni Boo
After we trade for Delmon maybe we can make an offer to Latrell Sprewell to fill in at 2nd base until Utley comes back
Posted 02:45 PM, 12/08/2008
Dull
Like to see Charlie and Young tangle. Wonder who would still be standing! Young had a little less pop against lefthanded pitchers than Burrell in 08. In 186 plate appearances he hit 4 homers and drove in 19 runs. Burrell against lefthanded pitchers in 192 plate appearances hit 7 homers and drove in 20 runs.
Posted 02:51 PM, 12/08/2008
wes
How young is Young.? [ and } 50 games for......... throwing a bat at a umpire. Why not A.I. ......... no practice there too.
Posted 02:53 PM, 12/08/2008
cadilacjack
NO! NO! NO!
Posted 02:56 PM, 12/08/2008
zwarte piet
i think the phils are foolish for wasting time searching for an outfielder. we have adequate talent on the bench and in the minors. the phils need to devote 100% of their attention to getting another starting pitcher or two. hamels is the only one in the rotation who you can honestly say will deliver 15 wins with a low era next year. we need another guy or two like that because you know every year at the all-star break we are crying about our rotation and every year at the trading deadline our number one priority is acquiring a starter. but here's amaro, wasting his time chasing after some mediocre outfielder because the team will crumble if we cant replace burrell with another rh bat. amaro says his number one priority is pitching. he needs to start acting like it.
Posted 03:00 PM, 12/08/2008
Swan.Knight
Are sports journalists and the SABR crown at war? No mention that Delman Young has only worked 26-walks in his career. Also consider that he strikes out five times more often than he reaches base via the walk. Combine that with a lack of power and Young is not an effective offensive playr. THe Phillies should take a pass on this one. Based on scouting reports and minor league stats, I like John Mayberry jr's chances much better. Moreover, you're talking a Stanford grad over a headache.
Posted 03:05 PM, 12/08/2008
Billy The Kid
What exactly do you people think you could get for Clay Condrey? I don't care what his numbers look like...I'm pretty sure others around the league know he's a garbage time pitcher and can't get you any outs when you need one...not to mention the Phillies may just wind up releasing the guy because they don't have anymore room in there bullpen. As for Jason Donald, he's not a 3rd baseman or an outfielder...he's a middle infielder. If you can get something for the guy now, get it. I realize he'd fit at second if/when Howard leaves (with Utley moving to first), but that won't be for another 3 years so why keep the guy if there's nowhere to put him. That said, I wouldn't trade him for a headcase that has no power. Donald should be able to net the Phils a better OF than Delmon Young.
Posted 03:07 PM, 12/08/2008
fiveforone
DR Heller: what on earth are you talking about??? Rollins and Howard are under Phils control for the next three years. Are you talking about 3 years from now? Bizarre.
Posted 03:15 PM, 12/08/2008
Billy The Kid
Zwarte, who is this adequate talent that the Phillies have on their bench or in the minors that you speak of? Dobbs? ...he can't hit lefties. Geoff Jenkins? ...he can't hit lefties OR righties! ...Matt Stairs? ...nice bench player, but not a guy who can play everyday. In the minors? ...the Phillies have no major league ready OF in their system unless the guy they got from the Rangers (for Golson) suddenly developes into a player. Sure, the Phillies need to add an arm to their starting rotation, but to ignore the hole in their outfield and in their lineup (they're way too left-handed right now) is insane.
Posted 03:15 PM, 12/08/2008
Phillies
Well it was a Ball. I'm just sayin'.
Posted 03:24 PM, 12/08/2008
birds4ever
I'd rather add a quiet and consistent guy than big upside and a head case. Phils already have one of those... some guy named Myers. It's one thing to deal with that inconsistency every 5 games on the mound but every day in the outfield? No thanks!
Posted 03:28 PM, 12/08/2008
Discostu
Moving Donald to the outfield is idiotic...get a clue...and I agree with BTK, Donald should get us more than Delmon Young.
Posted 03:29 PM, 12/08/2008
birds4ever
Sheesh. Somebody get Billy the Kid a paper bag to breathe into before he passes out. Calm down dude!! You sound like that Billy the Kid the Mets overpaid for...
Posted 03:32 PM, 12/08/2008
Super5
luv it!
Posted 03:38 PM, 12/08/2008
gobirds556
This guy threw a bat at an umpire in the minors after getting called out on strikes. that is a little more than a "reputation for being somewhat hard-headed." we do not need a guy like this. we already won the World Series (remember?). Why do a TO move and sell your soul to try and win one?
Posted 03:39 PM, 12/08/2008
ahathaway
No Thank you! It's too high a price for another potential T.O. type player.
Posted 03:39 PM, 12/08/2008
B in DC
Somewhere earlier today it said the Phils are on Jermaine Dye's no-trade-clause list. Anyone else wonder why? What's so bad about hitting in a place that will net you an extra 3-5 HR a year? And no one can say that Philly isn't a contender anymore, (which was always the old excuse), so I can't see why anyone would refuse a trade here.
Posted 03:41 PM, 12/08/2008
rich_gelman
Delmon Young is an over-rated scrub. He was traded to the twins by the Tampa Bay a few years back, and the Twins got robbed. I don't remember the exact trade, but I'm pretty sure it involved Matt Garza and Jason Bartlett... commonly known as one of the biggest ripoffs of all-time (recent past) in pro sports. Almost as big of a ripoff as the time Tampa traded scrub Victor Zambrano, not Carlos Zambrano, for Scott Kazmir. Look, Tampa knows talent. They let Young go. If we pick him up, I'll be so disappointed.
Posted 03:43 PM, 12/08/2008
scars73
he only got 50 game for that? He should have been tossed for at least a year or two and maybe even some jail time. Did you see that?
Posted 03:46 PM, 12/08/2008
B in DC
Everyone keeps mentioning T.O. - that's a bad comparison. T.O. is a headache because he's a loudmouth who wants more money, but he (generally) backs it up on the field. Young's a headache because he's nuts/dumb/both.
Posted 03:46 PM, 12/08/2008
EskinzWack
i like the upside and anythings better than keep hearing "platoon"
Posted 03:47 PM, 12/08/2008
psuwelsh
Keep looking for now. There are plenty of non-head cases out there and with more power. If someone wants proven relief pitching and a prospect they need to offer up proven quality. Rumors again about Wolf coming back???
Posted 03:48 PM, 12/08/2008
rich_gelman
We should get more than Delmon Young for Clay Condrey et al. Condrey, although scrubbish at times, would fortunately (yet wrongly) be perceived around the league and by opposing fans as a successful reliever, with good numbers, coming from MLB's best bull-pen (with World Series experience, and a ring). His stock is at an all-time high, no doubt. I wouldn't be disappointed if they traded Clay Condrey, but if it's for Delmon Young, off with Amaro's head. Not saying Condrey can get us something better than Young, but I don't want Young stinkin' up our outfield. Please. Don't do it.
Posted 03:54 PM, 12/08/2008
nickpa1
i like him already
Posted 03:55 PM, 12/08/2008
yahmpy
million dollar talent, five cent head. no thanks.
Posted 03:56 PM, 12/08/2008
Sully
Can't we bring back Jose Offerman instead?
Posted 03:58 PM, 12/08/2008
OneChampionshipPLEASE
Trade Donald?? Come on, really!! I rather see him in left then Young. Do we all remember what happened when we all though the Eagles could control T.O.???
Posted 03:58 PM, 12/08/2008
commissioner_gordon
Is PacMan Jones available too?
Posted 04:08 PM, 12/08/2008
cadilacjack
He had good aim with the bat, as well as good velocity. Maybe he can help us in the pen.
Posted 04:10 PM, 12/08/2008
davekrieg
Sure, go get him but don't give up Donald. If you can get him on the cheap, go for it.
Posted 04:12 PM, 12/08/2008
PhillyGuyinNY
Young is extremely talented and probably comes very cheap because of the perceived off-the-field issues. And he is only 23 and can reasonably be expected to mature, especially with a strong contingent of veteran leaders around him. You get him if the price is right. And you definitely trade Donald today if (but only if) you make the team better right now. The Phillies nucleus is in its prime today, and management has a responsibility to maximize the results before the core of the team ages.
Posted 04:13 PM, 12/08/2008
Frank Lloyd Wrong
this guy has Mets written all over him.
Posted 04:16 PM, 12/08/2008
mantle
Young is a bad egg!
Posted 04:18 PM, 12/08/2008
smoothphilly84
no no no no no, i don't want him on the phillies i want pat back!!!
Posted 04:23 PM, 12/08/2008
fyreknight
Delmon Young is just 23 years old, was the #1 overall picj of the Rays, came in 2nd to ROY 2 years ago... this kid has had attitude trouble yes, BUT he CAN be coached and mentored by the likes of Howard, Rollins and Utley... Charlie is a good "players" manager, hell, Manny Ramirez calls his his 2nd father! If its Young for Donald and a reliever, then DO it!!! We can sign another reliever no problem. Donald is an unknown... He "may" be good, he "may" be great, or he just may be "average" - Young would do well with the Phillies.
Posted 04:26 PM, 12/08/2008
Muck the Fets
Delmon Young for McNabb and a 3rd rounder.
Posted 04:31 PM, 12/08/2008
trizot
I'd trade condrey for him straight up, or package some minor leauger other than Donald or Marson. So he threw a bat at an ump, so what? I've wanted to do that at some point during just about every game I've ever watched. If he had been a part of the Phillies system at the time we would be applauding his passion for the game. I say take him, as long as we don't have to give up any major pieces/prospects. We don't neccesarily need a power hitter to protect Howard, we just need a solid bat from the right side. Could be him. Werth and Victorino did well batting 6th in the playoffs as well, we move one up and put him 6th.
Comment removed.
Posted 04:35 PM, 12/08/2008
The Young Geezer
BRING PAT BACK! BRING PAT BACK! BRING PAT BACK!
Posted 04:55 PM, 12/08/2008
philzrule
yup, there you go. Condrey and Kendrick for Delmon Young. That works, since apparently phillies fans think the Twins totally abanonded their major league scouting department last year so no one ever saw either of them pitch. I hope the Phils can really sweeten the pot and add in Eaton and Lou Marson. Deal! Wait, let's see if I can fit Mike Cervenak into this bad boy . . .
Posted 05:14 PM, 12/08/2008
rich_gelman
It's obvious by the postings here that Phillie fans don't want Delmon Young. It's almost unanimous. The one guy who wants him, who wrote at 4:31pm, wants him BECAUSE he threw a bat at an umpire (which, to this idiot, shows Young has passion). That's ridiculous. If the Phillies sign this guy, you can bet it's a road to nowhere, quickly. OFF WITH AMARO'S HEAD!
Posted 05:21 PM, 12/08/2008
mickeyb4boyle
If we're gonna start gambling on scumbag headjobs, they ought to have better stats than this guy. We're the World Champs...let's not sully that reputation. Give Donald a shot and don't mess with the best bullpen in the majors.
Posted 05:27 PM, 12/08/2008
Billy The Kid
I'm good Birds4ever, thanks. Some people here make ridiculous comments....Clay Condrey stinks. Just because his number suggest he might be ok, doesn't mean another team will take him. Unreal!
Posted 05:43 PM, 12/08/2008
Philadelphia Jerry
The Phillies don't need to consider trouble with Young. You keep mentioning in your article he is only 23 yrs.old. If he is a problem now he always will be as he is as educated and mature as he ever will be. No thanks on Young.
Posted 06:05 PM, 12/08/2008
Ron
The Philies are not only a good team, they have a team of class players. Bringing in somebody like this guy would be a bad move.
Posted 06:36 PM, 12/08/2008
Ron Noel
He's the next Otis Nixon
Posted 07:04 PM, 12/08/2008
mick314
One guy wants to offer up Kendrick. So, do they send the Twins the ashes ??
Posted 07:11 PM, 12/08/2008
Reggie92
no thanks,
Posted 07:18 PM, 12/08/2008
DR Heller
Punto is in our radar. Would be a great pick up if we sign him. Please stay away from D Young, friend told me today that he is a average player that doesn't listen to try to get better. Do we really need that?
Posted 07:29 PM, 12/08/2008
DR Heller
5for 1 what are you talking about? Howard is a free agent after 2011. Rollins "has" a club option in 2011. You have to look to the future. Must have just started being a fan this year huh?? Don't know how this team treats their players I guess. If you think Rollins will get another contract out of them,your sadly mistaken. And how come if they say they're not going to sign Burrell due to money, how come they haven't signed Howard yet?? I love this team but i know who they do their business.
Posted 07:47 PM, 12/08/2008
slovak34
Ken Rosenthal just reported that the Phillies are in the mix for Jake Peavy. The Padres like some of the Phils minor leaguers. I'd guess Carrasco, Donald, and one other might make the deal work.
Posted 08:11 PM, 12/08/2008
KINGOFZED
"You've got to pay the troll toll to get in."
Posted 08:39 PM, 12/08/2008
chriszak
I would love to bring him in. You don't just trade Matt Garza for nothing. Currently, shortstop is not a need, although I would like to keep Donald. But If all it took was a shortstop who doesn't need to take place of an all-star shortstop (J-Roll), and a bullpen piece...do it. This guy is athletic, and just going on scout reports and innate tools, Donald's upside is nowhere near Young's.
Comment removed.
Posted 09:31 PM, 12/08/2008
efrye13
Enough of the Delmon Young nonsense, what of all the Phils/Peavy talks
Posted 09:46 PM, 12/08/2008
jmargo23
shouldn't this punk still be in jail? If I threw a bat a person, I'd still be in jail. Another victim of superstar gets his way and is back playing sports. Why? we are the World Champs, not a phych ward. Go Away problem child. JRoll's enough.
Posted 09:50 PM, 12/08/2008
fiveforone
DR Heller: You don't know me so don't question my fandom. So you are saying the Phillies need to keep this kid Donald around so they'll have a guy in 2012? I'm not saying to trade the kid, but you don't plan for 2012 with talent that's major-league ready now. Reread my post, "Rollins and Howard are under Phils control for the next three years." A club option means he is under Phillies control, genius.
Posted 10:01 PM, 12/08/2008
fiveforone
Hey Heller, they haven't signed Howard yet because they don't need to!!! He's under their control for the next 3 years. You want to throw $200 mil (that's all he'll sign for) at this guy? Let him walk after free agency, but now isn't the time to look at Donald as his replacement.
Posted 10:14 PM, 12/08/2008
nate
I'm from Philly but live in Raleigh and I watched this guy for years with the Durham Bulls. My advice is for the Phils to stay as far away from this headcase as they can. There is no way this guy could handle the Philly fans and media. Big Mistake!!!!
Posted 10:21 PM, 12/08/2008
zen
forget this scumbag
Posted 11:35 PM, 12/08/2008
OppoJack
I like this trade... Delmon can run, play solid D and produce similar numbers to Pat. I know he has a troubled past, but with our core leaders in the clubhouse Young should be fine.
Posted 11:49 PM, 12/08/2008
TheFirstStateVinman
This team doesn't need an a-hole like this guy...Let him go to the Mets or play alongside Manny.
Posted 12:06 AM, 12/09/2008
MPatt24
utley at first? be serious please. and i agree with pgcd3, the phils im sure have interest in a ton of guys. lets hope they dont bring this scum bag in though
Posted 10:12 AM, 12/09/2008
Wally 24
Donald and Marson have clearly shown themselves to be a cut above everyone else in the minor leagues. So why would you trade your best prospects? Especially since you just manouvered yourself out of two "A" picks with the Burrell situation. WOW! Now there's some logic. How bout this. Teach Donald to play the out field for the immediate future. After all wasn't Burrell a first baseman when he came up? You can always use him as a back up to the infield. If he can't make the throw to home well thats what cutoff men are for. We need players that can hit for average not Home Run hitters. Donald hits for average with people on base isn't that what we want?
Posted 10:29 AM, 12/09/2008
ronsullivan12
Oh my God thats funny ... it's funny because it didnt happen to us. I'll pass ... clearly a head-case
Posted 11:37 AM, 12/09/2008
Wally 24
You all miss the fact that it is NOT an outfielder that is the need. The real issue is someone to hit behind Howard. A contact hitter who can give you .270 or above (think of Rowand). Although Burrell's 30 + Hrs each year will be missed it is far more important to have a good hitter following Ryan in the order and proferably from the right side of the plate. Over the last 3 yrs. Pat's BA has tailed downward and that creates weakness the other teams use against us. The benefit of adding a higher average hitter behind Ryan is less strikeouts, more RBI's & higher average.
About David Murphy
David Murphy joined the Daily News as its Phillies beat writer in February of 2008. Born in Upper Merion and raised in the Poconos, he attended college at La Salle University before taking jobs with the Myrtle Beach (S.C.) Sun-News and the St. Petersburg ( Fla. ) Times.

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