Dodgers News: Ned Colletti, Capuano Discuss Trade For Michael Young

The Dodgers shocked everyone in the baseball world last night when they traded for Phillies infielder Michael Young as there isn’t a clear cut place for him to play on a regular basis.

Third baseman Juan Uribe is the Dodgers everyday third baseman, but Young will spell him as well as Mark Ellis at second and possibly Adrian Gonzalez at first. While Young’s defense has been less than stellar of late, he can still contribute as a pinch hitter and spot starts on occasion.

Talking to Steve Dilbeck of the LA Times, general manager Ned Colletti talked about what Young brings to the team:

I think he’s a professional player who has a chance to help us. We have a long way to go and when you can add people this time of year who bring what he brings, we’ve gone for it and will continue to go for it.

With the Phillies, Young is hitting .276 with eight home runs and 42 RBIs and will join the Dodgers tomorrow as they begin a six-game road trip tomorrow against the Rockies.

Young has been to the World Series twice  with the Rangers and his veteran presence in the clubhouse should help down the stretch. Starter Chris Capuano talked about Young’s presence in the clubhouse this afternoon:

Everyone has a lot of respect for the way Michael Young plays. I think he’s exactly the kind of guy you want around here late in the season. He’s another guy who is a great situational hitter, a great clutch hitter. He can only make us better.

Colletti has made several additions including Young as he’s given the Dodgers plenty of depth for Don Mattingly to use down the stretch and in the playoffs.

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In case you missed it, be sure to find out more about Matt Kemp’s rehab.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0X9fKyZG-c