The Boston Red Sox are at a point where everybody wants to play for them. The latest rumors have the veteran Michael Young seeking employment and some say he has knocked on the Red Sox's door. He is 37 years old and will enter his 15th MLB season if he signs with a team in 2014. Would this be a useful pickup for the Red Sox or should they let a cheap alternative walk?
The question is, where would Young play? The first position that comes to mind is first base. He is a cheaper option than Mike Napoli, who is currently on the free agent market. After a dynamic season with the Red Sox and a solid postseason filled with big hits, Napoli is likely searching for a multi-year deal with double-digit price tag on each season. With the expected departure of Jacoby Ellsbury, the issue becomes pocket depth for the Red Sox.
The Red Sox's philosophy went from signing huge free agents and offering them big bucks to signing role players for a couple of years. If they want, they could sign a guy like Young, who can fill in at first base as the Red Sox wait to acquire a quality first baseman in the future.
Young has been in the playoffs. He has played in the World Series. With a career batting average right at .300, Young would provide a quality bat from the right side of the plate. Even in 2013, when he spent his first season outside of Texas, Young hit .279 with eight home runs and 46 RBI witht he Los Angeles Dodgers and primarily the Philadelphia Phillies. He does not strikeout often, totaling 83 last season.
More importantly, the Red Sox could focus on Young's numbers against the New York Yankees. For some reason, when he plays in the Bronx, Young is an animal. At the New Yankee Stadium, Young is hitting .370 with a .410 OBP. It is one of his highest batting averages against any team and the man has a pretty impressive resume.
If the Red Sox do not want to reach into their pockets for Napoli, Young would not be a bad idea. Young gets the job done, he's a hard worker and you barely heard any negative reaction from teammates while he was at the top of his game. Napoli fits the clubhouse well, but Young could also make a big difference in his own way.
A one-year deal for $9 million seems fair enough for Young who is now seeking a chance to win a championship.
