The Phillies are seriously considering signing free agent Delmon Young, Jim Salisbury of CSNPhilly.com reports. GM Ruben Amaro said he hopes to add a corner outfielder and acknowledged that the club has considered signing Young. Players with off-field questions won't necessarily deter the Phillies if they can contribute on the field.
“We have to keep our minds open on everything,” Amaro said, speaking in general terms. “Of course I have reservations about guys who have had some issues. But we’ve got to keep our minds open also.”
Darin Ruf, John Mayberry Jr., Domonic Brown and Laynce Nix are the Phillies’ primary internal options for left and right field. The club has also considered signing Scott Hairston and trading for Vernon Wells. Young, a right-handed hitter like Hairston and Wells, spent the 2012 season with the Tigers. He posted a .267/.296/.411 batting line with 18 home runs in 608 plate appearances.
The Mariners checked in on Young earlier in the winter, before adding Kendrys Morales, Raul Ibanez and Michael Morse. Offseason reports suggest the Tigers, Braves, Yankees and Indians don't seem interested in Young. Wasserman Media Group represents the 27-year-old, who is recovering from ankle surgery.
