Chances are that Theo Epstein is not content with the Red Sox lineup as it is currently composed. He reportedly inquired about Hanley Ramirez, but Florida is not interested in trading the face of its franchise. Carlos Beltran seems like a good fit, but the New York Mets are a legitimate World Series contender, and they are not strapped for cash, so they have no need to trim payroll. Trading Beltran would weaken the Mets lineup. If Epstein wants to acquire a big bat, he should contact the Texas Rangers about Michael Young.
Last night on MLB Network, Jon Heyman said that the Rangers have two promising shortstop prospects, and they might consider shedding Young's five-year, $80 million deal, which is set to begin in 2009. Young signed the contract last March and Texas picked up his $5 million option for 2008 as part of the deal.
Last month, I first wrote about my desire to see the Red Sox trade for Young. Bringing in the 32-year-old shortstop would not only give Boston a consummate professional who had 200-plus hits per year from 2003-2007 (he collected 183 in 2008), but it would also allow the Sox to use Jed Lowrie as a utility infielder who could spell Kevin Youkilis, Dustin Pedroia, Young and Mike Lowell since he can play all four infield spots. Boston could get Young without having to surrender Lowrie since the Rangers have Elvis Andrus poised to take over at shortstop.
The cost in prospects would be high. Texas would undoubtedly require Clay Buchholz, and likely Daniel Bard. A third prospect like outfielder Josh Reddick, or even a third pitcher (Nick Hagadone?) might have to be thrown in. The deal could be expanded to include Jarrod Saltalamacchia or Taylor Teagarden - the two Rangers catchers who are drawing interest from several teams. Maybe Chris Carter, who would thrive as a DH, would also interest Texas, which expects to lose a productive bat in Milton Bradley to free agency.
I disagree with people who say that Young is declining - that he is getting too old. Young turned 32 last October 19. At the end of his five-year deal, he will be 36. A player is in his prime from 28-32. From 32-35, a talented player is still very productive. Middle infielders start to lose their range in their mid-30s. Young is well worth the money because of his professionalism, work ethic, strong arm, adequate glove and consistent bat. The last two years of his contract, he should still be a productive major league hitter, even if his range will be diminished. When his deal expires at the age of 36, let him sign elsewhere. As for 2009 (and even 2010 and 2011), there is no reason to doubt that he will not remain an all-star caliber player.
I like Buchholz, and I believe he will become a top of the rotation starter down the road. However, Boston could use another productive bat, and the depth that Lowrie would provide as a utility player. The Red Sox would still have Michael Bowden as a major league ready starter, and I have a feeling that Justin Masterson will eventually make the transition from reliever to full-time starter, as Derek Lowe did. Speaking of Lowe, if Boston does deal Buchholz, it would be ideal to sign Lowe (if he would accept a three-year deal) since Brad Penny's shoulder is a question mark. The Sox must maintain starting pitching depth.
Personally, I like the idea of Young in a Red Sox uniform so much that I would make the deal just for him - without also acquiring one of the Texas catchers. Then the Sox could resign Jason Varitek, or trade for Brian Schneider, to share duties with Josh Bard. Prospects Mark Wagner and Luis Exposito are promising, and it might be worth waiting for them to develop into major league ready catchers.
It is obvious that Epstein is exploring a blockbuster trade since the Sox did not land Mark Teixeira, the Mets are unlikely to deal Beltran or Jose Reyes, and the Marlins are understandably clinging to Ramirez. Dodgers catcher Russell Martin is another ideal target, and there was discussion earlier in the Hot Stove League that LA might consider trading him. Young, though, appears to make the most sense.
If you don't like the idea of the Sox trading for Young, make your opinion known, but also make an alternative suggestion.
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