Michael Young...

by Phenom507 on Jan 6, 2009 1:18 AM EST

So, I know there is little to no chance of it, but do you think the Twins would be able to pull off a trade to bring Michael Young to MN? I heard on Hot Stove Live last night that the Rangers are considering moving him, so it's not completely impossible.

I'm pretty sure he'd be a huge offensive upgrade over Punto who could be used at 3rd (Maybe even platoon him with the other options).

I know there's like, no chance, but I"m just thinking what we could do that would be an offensive upgrade.

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80 million

over the next 5 years cancels this transaction before it begins.

by doofus on Jan 6, 2009 10:11 AM EST reply actions

Deferred money

I believe some amount of Young’s contract is deferred. $15M according to Cot’s, I’ve heard $20M elsewhere. Young is still not worth $60M+ regardless, IMO.

by Adam Peterson on Jan 6, 2009 10:16 AM EST up reply actions

No thanks

Young would be an upgrade offensively over Punto (I project wOBA of .340 vs .295, respectively), but Young has declined a LOT over the last few years.

2005: .389 wOBA -24.6 UZR/150
2006: .352 wOBA -3.2 UZR/150
2007: .347 wOBA -10.1 UZR/150
2008: .331 wOBA -3.7 UZR/150

In fact, Punto (2.2 WAR) was a more valuable player last year than Young (1.7 WAR), with a wOBA slightly behind Young (.324), but far better defensive numbers (+12.0 UZR/150) than Young, more than making up for the offensive difference.

Bottom line, Young would be a valuable addition to the #2 spot in the order. Based on a projected wOBA / UZR of .340 / -4.0 for Young and .295 / +12.0 for Punto, I would project that Young improves us by about 11 runs / 1 win, not worth the 5 years / $65M he has left on his contract through 2013. I’d rather pony up that money to extend Mauer.

by Adam Peterson on Jan 6, 2009 10:14 AM EST reply actions