KC Royals: Dayton Moore Reclamation Projects

Chris Young: Hit

Who doesn’t love Chris Young? The guy is basically a magician throwing the batting practice “invisi-ball”, and kudos to Dayton Moore for taking a chance on him. Young is a little different in that he is someone else’s failed ‘reclamation project’.

The Mariners had given Chris Young a shot in 2014 after spending 2013 in the National’s farm system and battling shoulder injuries. Young had been an all-star with the Padres in 2008 and posted generally solid numbers throughout his career before posting an ERA over 4.00 for the Mets in 2012.

By limiting Chris Young’s innings and giving him rest down the stretch, Dayton Moore effectively utilized his talents. Young got his shot, and responded by becoming a fan favorite, at least so far, in Kansas City.

Dayton Moore gave Chris Young a second look as a ‘reclamation project’ and we’re glad he did. Dayton Moore seemed to figure out what the Mariner’s couldn’t in that Chris Young will give you quality stuff, but it can’t be overdone.

Chris Young started out well for the Mariners, but really started to fade as the season went on. The same could be said for the Royals but there was one difference. After Chris Young made a start on July 28th against the Indians, he wasn’t used as a starter until September 27th.

He also only pitched a total of 10.1 innings in that two month period. He got basically a two month break to rest only appearing in 10 games and at one time even had as much as two weeks rest.

By limiting Chris Young’s innings and giving him rest down the stretch, Dayton Moore effectively utilized his talents. Young got his shot, and responded by becoming a fan favorite, at least so far, in Kansas City. I hope Chris Young continues to confuse hitters for another three years in Kansas City. If he does, he may be Dayton Moore’s greatest ‘reclamation project’.

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