The Minnesota Twins pride themselves on building a strong farm system and promoting from within. That's what made the November 2007 trade that sent prized prospect Matt Garza and a blossoming shortstop Jason Bartlett to the Tampa Bay Rays for Delmon Young an unfamiliar move. While Garza and Bartlett both acheived success in the first two seasons with the Rays, that was not exactly the case with Minnesota and Young. His fielding, running ability, and plate discipline were questioned, as was his all of sudden lack of power. This made Twins fans very bitter about the trade. Fast foward to June 22, 2010 - the opinions on the trade may be finally swaying a little for some Twins fans. Young came into the 2010 season thirty pounds lighter and appearing in his best shape since arriving in Minnesota. As of today, Delmon Young holds a .306 batting average (cough cough - opposed to Joe Mauer's .304), 8 home runs, 43 rbi's (2nd on the team), and a solid .502 slugging percentage (his highest previous for a season was .425).
He has been on a power surge recently -for the month of June he is batting .387 with 16 RBI in 17 games. He has hit safely in 19 of the last 21 games. His approach at the plate has been improved significantly this season, already drawing more walks this season. His clutch at bats have been huge for the Twins recently, with JJ Hardy and Orlando Hudson spending time on Disabled List. Another reminder is Young is still only 24 and could just be entering his prime in the MLB. Clearly there is still a lot of baseball left, with 60% of the season still to be played. Young's emergence is a very pleasant suprise to an already potent line up. If Young can maintain his strong start, he could finally establish himself as a player to be recognized.
He has been on a power surge recently -for the month of June he is batting .387 with 16 RBI in 17 games. He has hit safely in 19 of the last 21 games. His approach at the plate has been improved significantly this season, already drawing more walks this season. His clutch at bats have been huge for the Twins recently, with JJ Hardy and Orlando Hudson spending time on Disabled List. Another reminder is Young is still only 24 and could just be entering his prime in the MLB. Clearly there is still a lot of baseball left, with 60% of the season still to be played. Young's emergence is a very pleasant suprise to an already potent line up. If Young can maintain his strong start, he could finally establish himself as a player to be recognized.
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