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A quick glance at the last week, you don’t see any overwhelming signs that the breakout everyone expects out of Twins outfielder Delmon Young is coming anytime soon. That’s when you need to look deeper into said numbers.
Manager Ron Gardenhire moved Young down in the lineup for the current series against the Texas Rangers, and it has produced better results. “Delmon had great at-bats tonight,” Gardenhire told MLB.com regarding Saturday’s game. “I think you saw a big difference in him. Tonight he laid off a lot of tough pitches and got in good hitting counts and then ends up driving in runs.” This came just one day after an 0-for-5 disaster that left Gardy questioning Young’s decision making in the field and free-swinging ways at the plate.
Patience is the only attribute that has been in question when it comes to Young’s skill set.
OF Delmon Young, Twins (Last Three Years)
| Year | G | AVG | R | HR | RBI | SB | OBP | SLG | OPS | BB% | CT% | H% | BB/K | SB% |
| 2005 | 136 | .318 | 93 | 26 | 98 | 32 | .360 | .533 | .893 | 5 | 82 | 34 | 0.31 | 30 |
| 2006 | 116 | .316 | 66 | 11 | 69 | 24 | .339 | .375 | .814 | 3 | 81 | 37 | 0.18 | 26 |
| 2007 | 162 | .288 | 65 | 13 | 93 | 10 | .316 | .408 | .723 | 4 | 80 | 34 | 0.20 | 8 |
| 2008 | 24 | .258 | 11 | 0 | 8 | 4 | .289 | .312 | .601 | 4 | 83 | 31 | 0.25 | 21 |
If you look at his walk rate (BB%) you’ll see it’s consistently in the 4 range, which is significantly lower than the five-year league average of 9. There is no questioning Young’s skill set and tantalizing ceiling, but until he polishes up his approach at the plate, that superstar label will remain slightly out of reach. Given the fact he’s starting to take some baby steps, now may be the time to buy low on him.
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