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Orioles Sign Delmon Young To Minor League Deal

By Jeff Todd | January 13, 2014 at 8:35pm CDT

8:34pm: If he makes the big league roster, Young will receive a $1MM base salary and could earn up to $750K in incentives, tweets Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com. 

5:49pm: The Orioles have signed outfielder Delmon Young to a minor league contract with a Spring Training invite, the club announced. We heard earlier today that Baltimore was interested in the 28-year-old, who is represented by Wasserman Media Group.

Once considered the game's top prospect, Young has failed to live up to his billing in that respect. He is generally viewed as a negative defender from the corner outfield, and has a career .739 OPS over eight seasons and 3,936 plate appearances. Young spent 2013 with the Phillies and Rays, putting up a cumulative .260/.307/.407 line with 11 homers in 361 plate appearances. His performance improved upon joining Tampa, as he registered a 117 OPS+ over his 70 plate appearances there. 

Nevertheless, Young's right-handed bat has played up against lefties, against whom he has a career .303/.341/.471 triple-slash. As MLBTR's Steve Adams noted earlier today, Young could slot in as a DH and/or part-time left fielder for the O's, particularly if he is mostly limited to facing southpaws. Baltimore has added a number of possible outfield options over the last few months, including Quintin Berry, Xavier Paul, David Lough, and Francisco Peguero. Among those players, only Peguero swings from the right side.

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View Comments (74)

Comments

  1. Jake13

    8 years ago

    Stash him for the playoffs, the man is clutch

    Reply
    • kungfucampby

      8 years ago

      I want to see a post-season roster of Delmon Young, Juan Uribe, and Carlos Beltran.

      Reply
  2. Dale Pearl

    8 years ago

    this is a good pickup. As long as he has not sustained major injuries, he has always been a good player.

    Reply
    • Matt Bennett

      8 years ago

      Delmon Young has produced a 1.5 WAR over the course of his eight year career. That is an average of a 0.1875 WAR per season…Baseball-Reference is generous too. Fangraphs has pegged him accumulating a -1.2 WAR in his life. That would be an average of -0.15 WAR per season. There is no such thing as a bad minor league deal, but saying Young is a “good player” is simply ridiculous.

      Reply
      • Omazing

        8 years ago

        Seeing as the O’s won’t spend money on big name players, or even mid-level, but have to rely on finding players on the cheap, this isn’t a bad move at all when you dig a little deeper into the teams needs. They traded Danny Valencia who was one of the few players to hit LHP. The O’s finished 1 game over .500 vs LHP so I consider that a weakness. The O’s struggled heavily with RISP weakness #2. When the O’s saw the playoffs they had 1 player who hit and that player was Nate McLouth and they let him walk weakness #3 no clutch, postseason hitting. He might not appear to be a “good player” when broadly relying on simple stats and fairy-tale WAR numbers, but when you consider the Orioles needs vs LHP, w/ RISP, playoff experience + clutch hitting Delmon Young fills every single one of those voids. Plus he rakes against the yankees who the O’s will play 18+ times this year.

        Career vs NYY: .301/.332/.421 3 HR, 16 2B, 24 RBI, 63 H in 209 AB
        Career at Camden Yards: .321/.376/.440 93 Plate Appearances
        Career w/ Runners in Scoring Pos: .306/.336/.445 301 H in 983 AB
        Career Vs. LHP: .303/.341/.471
        Postseason Exp: 33 Games Played: 31 Hits, 9 HR, 14 R, 18 RBI, .859 OPS

        Orioles needs:
        » vs LHP
        » w/ RISP
        » Clutch Hitters
        » Successful Postseason Hitters
        » Yankee Killers

        So bad player but a really good fit for the Orioles.

        Reply
        • Bargab

          8 years ago

          Great post, Omazing.

        • Matt Bennett

          8 years ago

          Yeah…the only statistic out of that bunch that really matters is his numbers against LHP. All others are flukes, random good luck, and the outcome of a small sample size.

        • Omazing

          8 years ago

          I think hitting in the clutch tends to be pretty important but that might just be me. Also, the playoffs usually have some importance but yeah your right that one doesn’t help you in the regular season.

          And I know you are smart enough to realize that 1,091 Plate Appearances with Runners In Scoring Position is NOT a small sample size.

        • Matt Bennett

          8 years ago

          I understand that, but the number fluctuates so much I can’t trust it. It’s worse than reliever’s up and down production. In 2010, Young hit to a very good .911 OPS. In 2011, it dropped to .778. In 2012, it dropped from .702. Last year, it dropped to .636. .911 to .778 to .702 to .636. I’m convinced over time, a player will hit very similarly with RISP to his overall career numbers.

      • Bargab

        8 years ago

        Take him out of the field and what is his WAR then?

        Reply
        • Matt Bennett

          8 years ago

          In his career Young has produced a 6.6 oWAR. Take out 2010 and it is 3.6 over eight seasons. Even with 2010 included, his average is 0.825 oWAR a season.

    • Dale Pearl

      8 years ago

      Well WAR only means so much if the guy isn’t getting a chance to play every day. If Cabrera only played 18 games in a season what would his WAR be?

      Reply
      • Matt Bennett

        8 years ago

        Delmon Young has (somehow) played in over 100 games the last seven seasons.

        Reply
        • Dale Pearl

          8 years ago

          Delmon Young is 27 years old. He is a lower risk than an unknown. He has proven plate experience and he isn’t the worst player in the league. No he isn’t an every day player. But he is a good cheap pickup. No Matt, he won’t be in the allstar game in 2014 or any other year but he is a quality utility or bench player that has proven he can drive in runs with runners in scoring position. WAR is not the end all be all of stats.

        • Matt Bennett

          8 years ago

          1. He is 28 years old.
          2. There is no risk. It’s a minor league signing, that’s the point.
          3. WAR is not a perfect number, but it does simplify value into one, easy number. It signifies how painfully replacement level Young has been over the course of his career.

          I just wanted to prove that Delmon Young is in no way a “good player”. He could be useful if he NEVER touched the field, and was limited strictly to LHP. Also, you said he hasn’t gotten a chance to play everyday, which he obviously has, for the most part.

        • Michael Phillips

          8 years ago

          He was once considered the top prospect in baseball. The kid has talent, just hasn’t put it all together yet. Good signing.

        • Michael Phillips

          8 years ago

          A lot of people thought Chris Davis was a “bust” too… just saying?

        • Bargab

          8 years ago

          He still might, but not last year. Oh no he wasn’t. What a year he had!

        • Matt Bennett

          8 years ago

          Chris Davis was 25 at the time of his trade to Baltimore. Delmon Young is 28. Davis had played in 266 games with Texas before being trading to Baltimore. Young has played in nearly 1000. Davis was in his fourth season, while Young just completed eight. Davis actually still had the potential to play in the majors everyday. Young has no chance of that.

        • Matt Bennett

          8 years ago

          I never said it wasn’t a bad signing. There is no such thing as a bad minor league signing, as there is no risk. Like Jeffy2 said, he has the body of a 38 year old. See my post below on Delmon Young’s “potential”.

        • Bargab

          8 years ago

          Playing him the way you suggest is call Moneyball, which is what The Duke seemingly plans to do with so little financial resources from cheap Angelos.

        • hediouspb

          8 years ago

          so they signed a dh who has a negative impact when playing in the field which takes away most of his negative value. he is young enough to perhaps reach the potential he had and be looked at as a late bloomer. even if he doesn’t he can crush lefties and loves hitting in the ballpark he’s in.

        • Matt Bennett

          8 years ago

          They signed a DH against LHP only. The Delmon Young that you’ve seen the last three years in the Delmon Young you’ll get in 2014. He can be useful if he never touches the field and hits against LHP only.

        • Jeffy25

          8 years ago

          He’s 28, in the body of a 38 year old, with the maturity of an 8 year old.

          Young isn’t so bad down in the minors for depth. But he is a really bad ball player who keeps getting opportunities.

  3. Ruben_Tomorrow

    8 years ago

    His contract will include incentives such as, “One free meal at Old Country Buffet per home run hit.”

    Reply
    • Dale Pearl

      8 years ago

      hehe. Certainly he should have incentives based upon the number of Atbats he gets. The guy can hit he just isn’t getting the opportunity to hit.

      Reply
      • Jack

        8 years ago

        He has played nearly 1000 ML games including four season of over 150 games. If he hasnt gotten an opportunity then I dont know what more you can ask.

        Reply
      • Jeffy25

        8 years ago

        Hasn’t gotten the opportunity?

        Are we thinking about the same player?

        Reply
    • Ryan

      8 years ago

      Wait, wouldn’t that jeopardize the weight clause in his contract?

      My mistake, this isn’t last year, and Ruben Amaro isn’t the GM of the Orioles, hence the lack of something THAT ridiculous in this deal….

      Reply
    • Unassisted Triple Play

      8 years ago

      Poor guy is gonna starve then.

      Reply
  4. Zak A

    8 years ago

    He should be DH on some AL team, he can hit, just don’t expect him to be some savior.

    Reply
  5. Phillyfan425

    8 years ago

    As we were told last year, good luck with that. He can get hot (had a 24 game stretch where he slashed .370/.400/.470), but he can get equally as cold (had a 40 game period where he slashed .220/.270/.370).

    Reply
  6. Gland1

    8 years ago

    That link to the 2006 Top 100 prospects was a fun read. Interesting to see who made it and who is still around.

    Reply
    • Chris_RG

      8 years ago

      It’s funny how among the top 10, only two really lived up to their potential Verlander and Cain. Upton still has time but he’s been disappointing in many respects. The rest have either been outright busts or above average (which, in the case of a top 10 prospect, is a “disappointing” result).

      Reply
    • Ruthlessly Absurd

      8 years ago

      For sure. And back then the Cardinals only had one prospect (Anthony Reyes) on the whole list. How things have changed

      Reply
    • Nathan Boley

      8 years ago

      I love Troy Tulowitzki’s blurb. “He’s better than Bobby Crosby.” LOL

      Reply
  7. FOmeOLS

    8 years ago

    Great. Another repellent defender, another failed draft pick, another cast off.
    Apparently those are the only kind of players that Dan seems to want.

    Reply
    • snowbladerp14

      8 years ago

      of players who are available who would you like them to sign

      Reply
      • FOmeOLS

        8 years ago

        Someone better?
        If fan had done his work in November we wouldn’t have this peoblem

        Reply
        • DerekJeterDan

          8 years ago

          Not much better you can do than Delmon Young on a Minor League Deal. It’s a good risk to take.

        • Harrison

          8 years ago

          Absolutely. Dude hits LHPs very well. As the RH half of a DH platoon/PH, he could be pretty darn useful.

        • FOmeOLS

          8 years ago

          Wouldn’t it be nice to go out and get someone who IS good, rather than someone who might eventually be good-or ok- or who was good-or OK way back when?
          I don’t mind picking up failed players, unless that’s ALL a GM is doing.

  8. leshumility

    8 years ago

    Still think there is a big signing coming for The O’s.

    Reply
    • Daniel Copans

      8 years ago

      As a lifelong birds fan, don’t hold your breath.

      Reply
      • leshumility

        8 years ago

        Fan since 1947…Angelo’s is getting old and wants to win more than ever. Just might be ready to spend .

        Reply
        • snowbladerp14

          8 years ago

          Os apparently asked for ervin santana’s medical records could be nothing but be exciting if it was something

        • leshumility

          8 years ago

          …..holding my breath!

        • Harrison

          8 years ago

          Lord I hope not. Wasting a draft pick and big money on Ervin “I led the Majors in HRs allowed while posting an ERA well over 5.00 as recently as 2012” Santana would make this offseason a complete failure.

  9. Dave Ward

    8 years ago

    I love this pick up!! Dude can rake, I can’t believe he was still available! Good signing..

    Reply
    • snowbladerp14

      8 years ago

      I cant tell if that is true excitement or sarcasm. If it is true excitement you shouldnt be quite as excited and if it is sarcasm its a minor league deal so no harm no foul

      Reply
    • nepp

      8 years ago

      Ruben, is that you?

      Reply
  10. alexamato

    8 years ago

    I like the signing..if he doesn’t even smell the outfield grass.

    Reply
  11. Nathan Boley

    8 years ago

    Young’s a good player, as long as he plays absolutely no defense and only has to face lefties. Other than that, he’s solid.

    Reply
    • Ryan

      8 years ago

      Totally agree I’m glad he isn’t on my Twins anymore even though sadly they did trade for him

      Reply
  12. section 34

    8 years ago

    More leftovers. He might actually be a useful role player, but Danny Valencia was better in that role.

    Reply
  13. Dbacksfan44

    8 years ago

    I think he is going to make the big league roster

    Reply
  14. Scott Krouse

    8 years ago

    I don’t understand why the Tribe wouldn’t take a flyer on him, but felt the need to sign Frenchy Francouer to the same deal. Awesome 2012-2013 offseason Chris Antonetti, but this year is a total trainwreck.

    Reply
  15. nepp

    8 years ago

    As a Phillies fan, I can only say that Delmon Young is one of those players you can only truly “appreciate” after you see him start night after night. He’s just a special guy.

    Reply
    • Lefty_Orioles_Fan

      8 years ago

      I sense sarcasm here.
      However, if he starts hitting the way his potential showed when he first came into the league, he is an adequate left fielder.
      I have no idea why Ruby and Company thought he could play right field.
      He has no arm and would never be mistaken fore Glenn Wilson

      Reply
      • Phillyfan425

        8 years ago

        Ahh, the classic Delmon-trap. The fan of the new team that he goes to, thinking that he’ll finally play up to his potential – even though the fans of his old teams can tell you he won’t. It sucks. You’ll realize it next year.

        Reply
  16. Omazing

    8 years ago

    Career vs NYY: .301/.332/.421 3 HR, 16 2B, 24 RBI, 63 H in 209 AB
    Career at Camden Yards: .321/.376/.440 93 Plate Appearances
    Career w/ Runners in Scoring Pos: .306/.336/.445 301 H in 983 AB
    Career Vs. LHP: .303/.341/.471
    Postseason Exp: 33 Games Played: 31 Hits, 9 HR, 14 R, 18 RBI, .859 OPS

    Orioles needs:
    » vs LHP
    » w/ RISP
    » Clutch Hitters
    » Successful Postseason Hitters
    » Yankee Killers

    Reply
    • Unassisted Triple Play

      8 years ago

      What have you done for me lately?

      Reply
  17. Tigers72

    8 years ago

    Don’t the Orioles need a DH? He and a Urrita platoon would be good.

    Reply
  18. livestrong77nyyankz

    8 years ago

    Wow he is only 28?

    Reply
  19. JordanSwingman

    8 years ago

    That prospect list is quite a fun read! Nothing like trying to guess who will actually make it all these years later.

    Reply
  20. kakarot

    8 years ago

    nnnnnnoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo :'(

    Reply
  21. davbee

    8 years ago

    Low risk, probably low reward, but what the heck.

    Reply
    • bobbleheadguru

      8 years ago

      Delmon Young played in 5 playoff series for the Tigers.

      He had the highest OPS on the team (including Cabrera) for THREE of them.

      If you believe that mediocre players can be clutch when it is playoff time, then you should believe in Delmon Young.

      Reply
  22. davbee

    8 years ago

    Low risk, probably low reward, but what the heck.

    Reply
  23. Unassisted Triple Play

    8 years ago

    This is potentially a good sign but Delmon needs to seriously focus on baseball to resurrect his once semi-promising career. The one season he put it all together (2010 with the Twins) he was in tremendous physical shape, showed better plate discipline, and just murdered fastballs. Every season since, he has been on a steady decline.

    Reply

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