In what is become a busy day and now an annual activity, the Phillies have traded veteran Michael Young to the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Dodgers and Phillies have become strong deadline trade partners, having worked together on separate deals that sent Shane Victorino to Los Angeles before last year's trade deadline and Joe Blanton to the Dodgers before last year's waiver deadline.
The Phillies were rumored to have several willing takers for Michael Young at the trade deadline this year, but elected to hold onto him instead. Among the suitors considering acquiring Young's talent and veteran presence were the Yankees, Red Sox, and Rangers. Despite these rumors, the Phillies have now completed a trade with the Dodgers, just before August 31st deadline for players to be eligible for postseason rosters.
Ken Rosenthal is reporting that the Young agreed to waive his no-trade clause to go to the Dodgers because he grew up a Dodgers fan and relished the opportunity to play for his childhood team.
Jason Stark is speculating that the Phillies have acquired a minor league pitcher, in exchange for Michael Young, while Bill Shaikin is reporting that the pitcher is Rob Rasmussen. Rasmussen is a 24 year old left-handed Starting Pitcher, who was a former 2nd Round Pick out of UCLA and top-10 Prospect for the Marlins. After making it to AAA this season and struggling, Rasmussen was currently pitching for the Dodgers AA affiliate Chattanooga.
Out of college, Rasmussen had a four-pitch repertoire, including a 91-93 MPH Fastball, Slider, Changeup, and over-the-top Curveball. He struggled with command due to his inconsistent mechanics and rushed delivery. They saw him as a back of the rotation starter or situational lefty reliever. After the 2012 season, he was rated as the #19 prospect in the Astros system where he was praised for improving his polish and command on the corners. His velocity is down and he now works between 89-92 MPH with little movement, an 84-87 MPH slider that is rated as his best off-speed pitch, a two-plane curveball in the 70s, and a show-me changeup. Despite his size, as he is only 5-9, 160 lbs, he projects as a durable #4-5 Starter, though the Phillies may elect to move him to the bullpen due to organizational depth and Major League needs. He could compete for a roster spot in 2013.
