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Michael Young And The Astros Are Not A Fit

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No.

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No. No. No.

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No. No.

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No.

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Just because Michael Young included the Astros on his list of teams he could be traded to, doesn't mean the Astros have to seriously consider it.

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Young is owed $45 million over the next three years.

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Young turned 34 last October.

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Young did not play well at third base in 2010 and likely would need to move to the outfield or second base.

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Young isn't a very good hitter. Yes, he's hit .300 previously, but look at Aaron Gleeman's article here. As he rightly points out, a lot of that average is empty and came in one of the best hitter's parks in the majors.

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So, we have a high-priced, bad fielding hitter who is propped up completely by batting average and reputation. Why do the Astros need him?

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Right, because they might be able to trade away Carlos Lee for him. If the Astros make that deal, they get no relief on Young's contract and would owe him the full $45 million. Lee is owed $37 million over the next two years. Can you really guarantee me that Young will outproduce Lee? Young, who only hit 20+ home runs four times in the past 11 seasons? Young, who is switching to a neutral ballpark?

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I'm no Carlos Lee fan, but even I wouldn't sign off on that deal. The money doesn't work. The lineup fit doesn't work. Michael Young just doesn't work on this Astros team.

Images by eflon used in background images under a Creative Commons license. Thank you.