Comments on: Redbird recollection: Dmitri Young

By: Paul

Paul — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 18:48:02 +0000

Oh, how quickly they forget…

After Jocketey made the deal for McGwire at the deadline in 97, Dmitri was pretty much a player with no position. Gant and Lankford were established in the OF, and Drew was only a year away.

Sure, we could have gotten something better, but the guy really didn’t have a place to play on those teams.

By: Sunil

Sunil — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 22:23:26 +0000

Dmitri’s gained quite a large following here in D.C. (emphasis on LARGE). With the total lack of compelling players on the Nats roster and the fact that they’re moving into a new ballpark next season, they almost had to sign Dmitri, or risk alienating their fans at a very inopportune time.

But, knowing Bowden, it was because he thinks Dmitri will win the MVP in 2008.

By: Mike

Mike — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 19:18:37 +0000

Dmitri could’ve been a perennial all star if he had kept himself in better shape and didn’t dabble in drug use (I use the word dabble lightly). It’s a shame.

By: tdawg

tdawg — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 18:09:07 +0000

Loved this piece — reminded me of the “Prospect Retro” pieces on Sickels’ sight. Please don’t do one for Haren — not sure I can deal with the pain.

You guys do a great job with the site, by the way — with the 2007 Cards sucking so, I come here for comfort on a daily basis

By: DavetheFalconer

DavetheFalconer — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 13:19:22 +0000

I don’t know what’s more depressing; seeing Dmitri Young as a thin Cardinals prospect with a possibility of playing shortstop, or realizing we traded him for Jeff Brantley.

Maybe both.

By: erik

erik — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 12:56:57 +0000

NMS…I believe you are correct, sir, in fact I meant to include that tidbit of info but apparently it slipped my mind.

By: nms

nms — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 12:33:27 +0000

If I recall correctly, this was the last trade the Cardinals made with the Reds. Brantley came over, stunk, and was reported to be damaged goods. I think he had arm problems with Cincy but Bowden maintained his health was fine before the trade was made (heard that one before?). I think Walt felt he had been lied to by Bowden about Brantley’s health and never worked on another trade with him again.

By: Lou Schuler

Lou Schuler — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 11:26:31 +0000

1997 was an expansion year. We added Tampa Bay and Arizona.

IIRC, the Brantley trade was an expansion-related move. When the Cards made up their list of protected players, Young didn’t make the cut. So instead of losing him in the expansion draft, we traded him for a player we were at no risk of losing.

If anyone has a better memory, please correct mine.

I don’t think anyone liked the move, but it was one of those where Jocketty had little room to maneuver.

By: DJ87

DJ87 — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 04:15:54 +0000

Are there any comparables currently in the Cards system for D’Meathook?

Just some wild guesses, maybe Joe Mather, Allen Craig, or Mark Hamilton.

By: michael

michael — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 03:31:14 +0000

OMG. I had somehow repressed the fact that DaHook was traded for Brantley. I shall not sleep at all tonight as the dark memories come flooding back; one being actually frightening my wife from the room with one of the most vile, expletive-filled tirades directed at Brantley after his 3290483948th blown save for the Cards…dear sweet Jesus.

Otherwise, loved the look back.