The Texas Rangers and Philadelphia Phillies have been in talks for a while about Michael Young. No deal has been made, so I say the New York Yankees should offer Curtis Granderson for Young and forget about the Phillies.
The deal is pretty even for both the Yankees and Rangers. Granderson will make $15 million in 2012 and Young is due $16 million. The Rangers are set to pay about $10 million of Young's contract if he gets moved to Philadelphia.
Not only this, but the Rangers are trying to trade for outfielder Justin Upton. This would be like killing three birds with one stone. They save money, they get an outfielder and they get a home run hitter in case Hamilton departs from Texas.
Of course, Yankee fans are wondering who would patrol the outfield in NY. They should ask for Texas' Craig Gentry who plays outfield and doesn't become a free agent until 2017.
He is, however, 28 years old, but the Yanks could save some money, since is their main objective for 2013 and beyond.
Gentry possesses speed stealing 31 bases in the last two seasons and in 2012, closed out the season with a .304 batting average, a.367 on-base percentage and is a guy who doesn't strike out much (41 times in 269 plate appearances). He made less than $500,000 in 2012 and isn't eligible for aribitration until 2014.
The Yankees will have to be a small ball team in 2013 as they won't possess big boppers, but Young is a veteran and is a disciplined hitter despite struggling in 2012 hitting .277, eight homers and driving in 67 runs. However, he is still a presence in a lineup and loves going opposite field, which is perfect since that right field porch isn't the hardest to hit a ball over.
They key is to get Young to accept the deal. He is a 10/5 player (10 years in majors, 5 years with same team), meaning he can accept or decline trades
Why Curtis Granderson?
He is the only valuable piece the Yankees have to trade. Granderson becomes a free agent next year so it's not long term. Also, the outfielder market has dipped after the signings of B.J Upton, Angel Pagan and Shane Victorino.
Granderson's production plus teams not having to commit for multiple years makes him marketable.