Ruben Amaro: Michael Young has what Phillies need

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“He has all the elements we’re looking for,” general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said. “First of all, the makeup is extraordinary. He’s the ultimate team player. He knows how to play baseball. He’s a winning baseball player. He’s had the opportunity to be in big games in the playoffs and he just fits real well.”

...Amaro didn’t return a phone message seeking comment. His comments on Young were distributed from the team through a pool reporter.

“He has a tremendous track record,” Amaro said. “I know that last year was not his best year but after talking to the scouts and discussing it intently with the rest of our front office, we felt like this is an excellent person to bring to our club.

“The fact that he hits righthanded helps balance our lineup out a little bit as well. I just think all the elements he brings to the table for us are very, very positive.”

...“I think that’s just part of the process of being a major league player,” Amaro said of Young’s statistical drop-off in 2012. “You don’t have a great year every year. He’s had some years where he hit .280 and others where he hit .330. But at the same time, even when his numbers aren’t extraordinary - and they were still pretty darn good last year, maybe better than anybody we had on our club - but the fact of the matter is he’s a professional hitter.”