Delmon Young Right Field Protocol Almost Initiated Today
By Justin Klugh
Delmon Young had an explosive, ineffective, highly parodied Phillies debut yesterday.
Apr 30, 2013; Cleveland, OH, USA; Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Delmon Young (3) is hit by a pitch in the fifth inning against Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
His appearance as the DH in an American League ballpark seemed a natural first step if we’re, like, really going to do this. And apparently we are, Delmon’s crappiness as a human being and fielder aside, for $750,000.
He socked a home run in his first at-bat, got hit by a pitch in another; he singled and popped out to round off the evening. But what we didn’t see – what lurked under the guise of that 14-2 feelings-decimating performance – was what they had planned for Delmon Young today.
Charlie said he did plan on playing Young in RF today. But he got hit by pitch in throwing elbow yesterday. That changed the plan
— Ryan Lawrence (@ryanlawrence21) May 1, 2013
It’s no surprise. This has been the plan all along, after all. Delmon Young will be the Phillies’ starting right fielder at some point this year.
But to know we were so close to the plan being green lit, and seeing him out there, and watching him track fly balls and throw the ball and run after the ball, just seems so humbling, you know? We’re all on this earth for only so l0ng, and something about Delmon Young’s defensive prowess makes me think deeply about human mortality.
Enjoy Laynce Nix while you can.
Except he’s not going to pinch hit tonight so his skills are useless.