PHILLIES NET VET YOUNG FROM TEXAS
The Philadelphia Phillies acquired infielder Michael Young and cash from the Texas Rangers for pitchers Josh Lindblom and Lisalverto Bonilla.
What does it give the Philadelphia Phillies
The Phillies plug a hole at third base here with the addition of Young, a 36-year-old contact hitter who hit .338 with 106 RBI in 2011 but slumped this past season. He is a short-term solution at the hot corner but brings more balance to the Phillies lineup. Philadelphia gets some money to pay for Young's 2013 salary, too.
What does it give the Texas Rangers
The Rangers were looking to unload Young, who struggled a little in 2012, mainly to be in a better position to sign a free agent...likely either starter {P Zack Greinke} or re-signing outfielder {P Josh Hamilton}. Lindblom adds decent depth in the bullpen, and he should be a setup candidate. Bonilla is another solid reliever prospect.
Fantasy impact
Young could get a brief spike as Philadelphia's everyday third baseman in 2013, especially since Texas was expected to reduce Young's playing time had he remained a Ranger. That said, he is a player in decline. Lindblom has pretty good fantasy value as a possible setup man, while Bonilla is a name to file away as a possible late-inning reliever down the road.
