Yesterday, word broke out that before the 4 PM deadline for trading passed, the New York Yankees had caught wind that Phillies' third baseman Michael Young would waive his no-trade clause for them if a deal could be put in place. There was no deal put in place, but it was later reported that the Yankees made an offer for Michael Young and the Phillies declined it.
This morning, CBS Sports' Jon Heyman further updated his first breaking story about the incident. According to Heyman, the Yankees offered to send 23-year-old pitcher Tommy Kahnle as well as $5 million for Young's contract in order to land the veteran third baseman. Ruben Amaro Jr. and the Phillies declined.
Kahnle is 1-2 with a 2.42 ERA at Double-A Trenton this season. Having allowed just 23 hits in 44 2/3 innings, it's visible that this kid has talent. Although he has 52 strike outs, he has had issues with command – walking 30.
I really do not understand WHY RUBEN AMARO DID NOT TAKE THE DEAL! According to Heyman, Amaro Jr. did not feel that Young was worth just one prospect.
Word is, from the Phillies camp that the money wasn't really an issue for Amaro and he apparently didn't feel that prospect was enough for Young. There was discussion of a second proposal for a different Yankee prospect closer to the big leagues, but Amaro ultimately declined to do that deal, as well.
Who knows if Kahnle could be the next Roy Halladay or the next Roger Clemens (aside from the steroids). Michael Young's contract with Philadelphia is up at the end of the season and with the team promoting Cody Asche the other day, it seems that Young is in the way for Asche.
As Rich wrote earlier, it's seriously time for Ruben Amaro Jr. to go. He's had four years – four chances – to bring this city a championship yet again. He has failed and it is time to rebuild – but unfortunately it's too late.
Erik Seybold is a writer for Philliedelphia. Follow him on Twitter.
