Michael Young rumors: Red Sox, Yankees targeting veteran infielder

The Phillies may not be in “sell” mode, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they won’t send away any of their veteran players.

by Nate A

Jul 16, 2013, 4:21 PM UTC

USA TODAY Sports

The Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees are among about a dozen teams interested in Philadelphia Phillies infielder Michael Young, reports Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports.

More Rumors: Rangers Favored to Land Garza

Phillies GM Ruben Amaro has been pretty adamant in the last week or so that his team is not quite ready to sell off spare parts at the trade deadline, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re going to completely ignore the offers for a veteran guy like Young.

Boston and New York are both in need of some corner-infield help and, while Young may not have much of a glove left, he may be the best option available. The Red Sox sent their VP of player personnel out to watch the Phillies for several days last week, which would seem to indicate that they have more than just a passing interest in the veteran infielder.

The 36-year-old Young is having a solid year at the dish, hitting .288/.344/.414 with six home runs through 89 games, but his fielding numbers at the hot corner are abysmal. While Boston is looking at Young to help out at the hot corner exclusively, the Yankees are looking at him to help at both third and first -- where his defense may not be as troubling.

The biggest obstacle for the Phillies should they choose to deal Young is the full no-trade clause he negotiated when he came to Philadelphia this winter. That, and also the Phillies don't have anyone waiting in the wings to take over at third should they deal Young -- Kevin Frandsen and Freddy Galvis don't really count, do they?

The Phillies entered the All-Star break with a .500 record, but their large negative run differential (-41) indicates that they may be over-performing by a large margin. With Ryan Howard (knee) and Ben Revere (foot) out for the near future, the club may yet decide to move their valuable trade pieces before the walls come crumbling down.