Michael Young Trade Possibilities: If Salary Was Ignored

Michael Young, though old and declining (and not much of a fielder), can still hit with a respectable average, some power, and 100 OPS+. If money was not a problem, and he would allow any trade, where would he fit? I'll examine the left sides of the infield for the other 29 teams.

Angels: With Aybar and Izturis on the left side of the infield, Michael Young suddenly looks pretty good. If Reagins traded for Wells, why not Young?

Astros: Barmes make Young look like Hanley. Defensively too.

Athletics: Probably would be an upgrade over Kouzmanoff, but he can still have a nice season. Pennington on the other hand, had a higher WAR than Young last season, due to his superior defense.

Blue Jays: Bautista is listed at third, so that is out of the question. Compared to Escobar at short, Young would be better offensively, but worse defensively.

Braves: Young probably would hit better than Gonzalez at short, but no way will the Braves sit Chipper for him.

Brewers: Yuniesky at short. Who wouldn't sit Betancourt for Young at short? (Dayton Moore?) McGehee had higher WAR and OPS+ compared to Young, so no thank you.

Cardinals: Freese looks okay at third, but Theriot is no match for Young.

Cubs: Starlin Castro and Aramis Ramirez. Looks solid here.

Diamondbacks: Drew and Mora looks okay too.

Dodgers: Blake and Furcal. Not too bad.

Giants: Sandoval and Tejada. Let's leave them alone.

Indians: Nix and Cabrera looks okay from last year's stats. However, Young would be slight upgrade over both.

Mariners: Replacing Wilson with Young looks fine. Why is this guy a starting shortstop again?

Marlins: Sitting Hanley? No. Sitting Helms? Yes!

Mets: Reyes and Wright. Looks about right.

Nationals: Desmond could improve next year. Zimmerman will still be Zimmerman (and not Zimmermann).

Orioles: Hardy and Reynolds seem set. Hardy could do better, and Young could do worse.

Padres: Barlett and Headley, though not big power hitters, can contribute as much as Young can.

Phillies: With Polanco and Rollins, Young won't find a spot.

Pirates: Alvarez is a no-touch, because he is still improving, but Cedeno benched for Young won't kill the team.

Rays: Brignac earned a spot at short. Can you imagine picking Young over Longoria?

Red Sox: Scutaro, why not. Youkilis, you tell us.

Reds: Janish can outperform Young this season, but there's also a large possibility that he won't. Rolen on the other hand, probably will outperform Young.

Rockies: With Tulowitzki and Stewart manning the positions, I don't see Young starting.

Royals: Young can hit better than Escobar and Aviles, right?

Tigers: Peralta and Inge: two guys who can, and probably will be benched for Young if given the choice.

Twins: Casilla and Valencia looks respectable there, assuming Casilla will finally be Good Alexi and not Bad Alexi.

White Sox: Some people might choose Ramirez and Morel, which could pay off. Me? Welcome to Chicago, Michael Young.

Yankees: Jeter and Rodriguez. Two FAT contracts, two guys not getting benched anytime soon.

Looking back, 16 out of 29 teams can get a considerable upgrade in Young. However, his contract and no trade clause is in the way, and might not budge easily.