Does Delmon Young Even Want To Play Baseball?

When it comes to looking completely uninterested, no one seems to look the part better than Twins left fielder Delmon Young.  Routinely, Delmon appears lethargic and apathetic in the outfield, as if he has something better to do than play the game.  His fourth error of the season in left field on Tuesday night cost the Twins their only run allowed, an unearned run, and thus costing them a chance at their sixth victory in a row.  It's time now for Ron Gardenhire to make the decision to sit Delmon for a while, and give Ben Revere an opportunity full-time in left field.

Injuries have depleted the Twins lineup all season thus far, but regardless, this level of play in the outfield by one of your better players cannot be allowed to continue.  Many have questioned how Gardy is handling some of his star players, from Joe Mauer to Justin Morneau, and now even Delmon Young.  But to allow misplays in the field as we've seen from Young this season is just condoning the behaviors.  His lack of hustle isn't something typical of a Twins player, and needs to be addressed.

Delmon's bat was one of the things that helped the Twins take control of the Central Division last season.  Without that bat, the Twins would've most certainly struggled, especially considering the injury to Justin Morneau which took him out of the lineup for the last half of the season.  However, even a blind squirrel can find a nut every now and again.  Although Delmon is a career .288 hitter, he has to be one of the worst .280 hitters of all time.  Aside from 2010, his ability to be somewhat clutch at times has been almost non-existent.  In this, his sixth professional season, he has a total of 60 career home runs.  That's all.  That's not a great total for someone supposedly with a lot of pop in his bat who has been an everyday player for the last five years.  Something has to change!

Although the lineup as been a shell of its preseason self, Gardy can't let Delmon's play be allowed to continue just because he doesn't have as many options.  With Jason Repko back and healthy now, and Ben Revere's emergence, the Twins have options to put Delmon on the bench.  Making him the DH shouldn't be considered an option, either, given his performance at the plate thus far.  The designated hitter is supposed to hit, that's his one and only job.  Right now, Delmon can't even do that.  He's struck out more times this season than he has hits.  It's clear that Delmon is just going through the motions.

It's time for Gardy to send a message to Mr. Young.  If you want to actually play, the spot is yours.  Until you decide to show me that you're willing to put forth the effort to improve, we've got a spot right here on the bench for you.  It's time to reward the people who want to be there, and cut bait with the ones that don't.  With Delmon, we continue to hear the phrase "he's still young."  When will people stop using this complete cop out of an excuse, and start holding him accountable for the poor preparation and poor play, and in all actuality, lack of hustle and heart?  It's time for him to go.