Ryne Sandberg helps Phillies' Michael Young solve problems at third

TAMPA, Fla. - Concerns come and go in spring training.

One day you're worried about Michael Young's defense at third base and the next your focus is on Roy Halladay's velocity and command.

We'll get a better idea about Halladay's issues Sunday when he pitches against the Baltimore Orioles at Bright House Field.

As for Young's defense, it's officially OK to stop worrying about it.

Young, acquired in a trade from the Texas Rangers in December, had started just 64 games at third base the last two seasons and made 19 errors in his last full season at the position, 2010.

In early workouts and games, it appeared as if Young was at the very best rusty and the very worst shaky. Anybody who watched Ty Wigginton mangle the position last season in Placido Polanco's absence had to be at least a little concerned.

But hours and hours of daily extra work early in the morning with third-base coach and infield instructor Ryne Sandberg have alleviated those concerns.

"Initially, what I saw was a guy who had the athletic ability to play third base because he was a former shortstop," Sandberg said. "I noticed the quick feet and good arm right away. What he needed was to concentrate just solely on third base and what it takes there."

Camp Sandberg took place every morning around 9 on an infield diamond just outside the Bright House Field clubhouse. Young was joined by Kevin Frandsen and Cody Asche. Sandberg pounded ground ball after ground ball at the trio.

His advice: Stay low.

"You have to get low and be explosive on that first step, and I've been able to do that here," Young said Saturday during the Phillies' 7-0 exhibition win over the New York Yankees. "It's getting to the point now where it's becoming more instinctive, which was our goal. But it all starts with our early work in the morning, and our ground balls have not just been regular fungoes. They've been game-speed ground balls with [Sandberg] taking full swings. It has been great."

Sandberg, a winner of nine Gold Gloves at second base, explained why remaining low is so important at third base.

"You want to be ready for a low screamer to your right and your left that is about seven or eight feet away," he said. "That's what you want to cover first. If you cover that, anything that has a bounce to it you're in great shape. So staying low and having your glove close to the ground in anticipation of those balls makes everything else fundamental."

During his time in camp, Young has gone from looking shaky early to making spectacular plays. Five balls came his way Saturday with varying degrees of difficulty. He made them all look routine.

Sandberg said it took Young about 10 days to look as if he was game ready to play third base.

"That's fast," Sandberg said. "But when I see his quick feet and his overall quickness, I know he's capable of having great range. I saw that right off the bat, so I'm not surprised at how quickly he has become comfortable. He's in great shape and has a great work ethic. He looks 28. That's a great combination."

Young, at 36, is confident he can play third base better than he ever did during his time in Texas.

"I expect to," he said.