The Philadelphia Phillies have signed Detroit Tigers' free agent Delmon Young. He came “cheap”, at $750,000 in a one-year deal. This right-handed hitting outfielder, who was the Tigers' designated hitter last season, is expected to play right field for Charlie Manuel.
Young can earn up to $3.5 million, depending upon how many incentive marks he hits this season. “Hits” is they key word in that last sentence, because this seven-year veteran isn't a great outfielder. He hasn't actually played right field on a regular basis since 2007, when he was a member of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays (the Rays former moniker).
Because general manager Ruben Amaro, Jr. seems willing to give Young a shot at a position that he feels more comfortable playing, a green light has also just been turned on for Darin Ruf in left field.
The acquisition creates options for Manuel in the outfield and within his lineup.
Young appears to be fully recovered from past ankle injury issues and just won the 2012 American League Championship Series Most Valuable Player Award. The Phillies must also feel that the off-the-field issues he's faced have also been resolved to their satisfaction.
This 27-year-old seems to fit the Phillies' need for more right-handed power. Young also appears ready to prove that he can handle a regular, or semi-regular, spot in right field this baseball year.
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