Earlier in the process the Red Sox and Yankees appeared to be the most serious contenders for Phillies corner infielder Michael Young.
Though Young controls his future because of a full no-trade clause, other teams have interest in the 36-year-old right-handed hitter. And it’s not to play first or third base.
Instead, according to several organizations, teams view Young as a second baseman, his original position. Of course, the Yankees and Red Sox are set at second.
Also, the Red Sox top priority has shifted from third base to bullpen help.
The Phillies had special assignment scout Howie Frieling watching the Yankees in Minnesota last week and Sal Agostinelli, their director of international scouting, at Yankee Stadium Wednesday night.
“They are waiting to see where they are after the All-Star break,’’ a person familiar with the Phillies’ plans to be buyers or sellers in front of the July 31st trade deadline.
After losing to the Nationals, 5-1, the Phillies are 45-47 and 8 1/2 games behind the NL East-leading Braves.
It’s strongly believed Phillies executives don’t want to start selling if there is a chance to get into the postseason. They are averaging 38,664 at home which is the fourth best in the NL and don’t want to send the wrong message to one of the best fan bases in baseball.
Young appeals to the Yankees because he would provide a right-handed bat to play first, isn’t owed money beyond this season when he is making $16 million, of which Texas is paying $10 million, and isn’t opposed to playing for the Yankees.
As for what the Phillies are looking for, their recent reports on Joba Chamberlain aren’t good. They have questions about what is perceived as the reliever’s immaturity.
How far has Chamberlain’s stock fallen? One team that had an interest two weeks ago isn’t going to make an offer for him because there is a belief the Yankees eventually will release Chamberlain, who will be a free agent following the season. The Yankees are going to need a spot when David Phelps returns from the disabled list following the All-Star break.
Chamberlain, whose velocity has been consistently in the mid-90s, has been passed by Shawn Kelley and rookie Preston Claiborne in the Yankees’ bullpen pecking order. Wednesday night, he worked a scoreless ninth in an 8-1 win over the Royals.
In 23 games, Chamberlain has given up 27 hits in 22 1/3 innings, fanned 22 but issued 10 walks and hit a batter.
* Robinson Cano’s three-run homer in the third inning was his 1,559th career hit, moving him past Thurman Munson and into 18th place on the all-time Yankees hit list.
* Phelps will spend the All-Star break in Tampa getting his strained right forearm in shape to be ready to come off the DL when play resumes.
“It’s not something that popped up, I had been a little stiff,’’ said Phelps, who last pitched on July 4 in Minnesota when he beat the Twins, 9-5. “The MRI [exam] was a big relief. With the All-Star break I will miss one start.’’
Phelps, 6-5, is eligible to come off the DL July 20, but he won’t because that is the second game back from the break.
Phelps will start throwing Monday in Tampa.
“There is a lot less concern because of the MRI [exam]. It’s something minor and we are taking care of that,’’ Phelps said. “”We don’t expect it to be a real long time,’’ manager Joe Girardi said.
* The Yankees and Aaron Judge, a 6-foot-7 outfielder from Fresno State have agreed on a $1.8 million signing bonus. Judge is a physical away from completing the deal which is slightly over the $1.677 million signing slot for the 32nd pick in the June draft.
* Darryl Strawberry and John Franco will be on hand Monday night at Slate in Manhattan for a Home Run Derby viewing party and auction that starts at 7 p.m.