Young left lasting impression in short Philly stint
CHICAGO -- Former Phillies infielder Michael Young, who was traded to the Dodgers in exchange for Minor League pitcher Rob Rasmussen on Saturday night, brought veteran leadership to Philadelphia that was appreciated by players, coaches and management.
"I was totally impressed with Michael Young," Phillies interim manager Ryne Sandberg said. "The way he came to the ballpark every day and prepared himself, he was was positive, he was all about winning and helping to win a game that day for the Philadelphia Phillies.
"His name was out there for about two months now as a possible guy that might [draw interest] elsewhere. You wouldn't have known that. He was able to separate that and concentrate on what he was doing on the field. … He was a pleasure to have around and one of the leaders on the team."
Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said that the downside to Young, as well as veteran infielder John McDonald -- who was also traded Saturday night, to the Boston Red Sox -- moving to another team is that their example for some of the younger players on the team goes with them.
"I'm happy for both Michael and Johnny Mac," Amaro said. "They are two of the most professional people I've ever been around. … The one downside other than [them] not playing for us is that our younger guys can learn a lot from those guys, and hopefully they did."
One of those younger players, rookie Darin Ruf, said Young was a leader and always looked to help younger players whenever he could.
"Anytime you get a guy like [Young] on your team, you try to watch him as much as you can and talk to him as much as you can," Ruf said. "He was the type of guy to come up to a younger guy like myself or Cody [Asche] and tell us a thing or two about what he thinks we need to do and how he thinks we could prolong our careers. He was just a great teammate to have around."
Young, a 14-year veteran who spent 13 of those seasons with the Rangers, hit .276 with eight home runs and 42 RBIs in 126 games for the Phillies.
Young was born in Covina, Calif., about 20 miles outside Los Angeles.
"I had a blast playing in Philly," Young said in a statement. "Obviously, we're all disappointed with how the season unfolded, but Philly is an incredible place to play. Great fans and a great environment. I consider myself fortunate to have played for [former manager Charlie Manuel] and [Ryne Sandberg]. Ruben was always upfront and honest with me. I'd recommend it in a heartbeat to any player out there."