WELL, THAT WAS FAST ERIC YOUNG JR...

Eric Young Jr was a Yankee for a moment, and now he's not.  He's elected free agency.

YESNetwork.com has the story...

"The Yankees have announced that speedy outfielder Eric Young Jr. elected to pursue free agency over accepting an outright assignment from the team, per Yankees PR.

The 31-year-old veteran got just one plate appearance for the Yankees this season, but made six appearances as a pinch-runner and defensive substitution.

He scored two runs, swiped one base and patrolled center field in his short stint with New York, after joining the team on August 31 from Milwaukee."

And even with only those contributions, Young was a New York Yankee doing whatever they needed.  Now however, he'll look for a more permanent gig... who can blame him?

Carry on

ERIC YOUNG JR IS A NEW YORK YANKEE!

The Yankees made a nice move. They traded for Eric Young Jr.

NJ.com has the story:

"The Yankees acquired outfielder Eric Young Jr. from the Brewers on Wednesday. They sent Milwaukee cash, which owner Hal Steinbrenner has plenty of. 

Here's what you need to know about the acquisition of Young: 

WHEN: He'll come up Friday. Rosters expand Thursday, but that's an off day for the Yankees. 

RUN! Young will serve as the team's pinch runner extraordinaire. 

HISTORY: In 179 attempts, Young has 144 steals. That's a (Larry David voice) pretty, pretty, pretty good success rate. He led the National League in steals with 46 in 2013. But back then he was 28. He's 31 now. So he's probably lost a step or two but he's still fast."

NJ.com's Brendan Kuty has some good stuff here, and I'm kind of psyched to see how it all works out with Young.  Kind of reminds me of a Dave Roberts during his playing days.

Anyway, I'm happy about this. Welcome aboard, Junior.

ACCIDENTS HAPPEN... & ERIC YOUNG JR IS APPLAUDED

 "You never want to injure anybody...You always want to put your best foot forward. It's just one of those things that happens and I just hope he has a speedy recovery, getting 

back out there doing what he does."  

--Eric Young Jr.

I just need to mention this because you really need to feel for Tim Hudson and Eric Young Jr. 2 players who played hard against each other when the Braves played the Mets last night and in a split second, as Young was running down the first base line to beat out a hit, he accidently stepped on Tim Hudson's ankle as he was covering the bag... and then, Hudson goes down, hurt.

Now I've seen class in my time, but I salute Eric Young Jr for how he handled this mess.  With Hudson down, Young knew he hurt Hudson, and this injury could very possibly be the end of Hudson's career, we just don't know yet.  He ran over and checked on Hudson.  He stood there crying as Hudson got checked out and then taken away by the Braves staff. And when it was time to leave the field, Young walked over, he shook Hudson's hand and no doubt, an apology took place.  As Young walked back to the dugout, he wiped his tears from his eyes...

The full story is HERE, but I just wanted to say that in this world of baseball, or even life... you need to take a moment and stop walking around with a chip on your shoulder.  Let your guard down once in a while... take a moment, reach out.  Acknowledge mistakes, recognize tragedy and be kind to one another.  That makes you a better person.  I applaud Young.  While this gesture will go unnoticed... I noticed and I'll be sure to show my boys tonight what good sportsmanship is. 

Good Sportsmanship goes a long way... in baseball... in life. Well played Mr. Young... well played.

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