"Meat Hook" on comeback trail

by Phil Wood

Former National Dmitri Young says he wants to play again.

Play baseball. In the big leagues. No kidding.

Young last played in an old timer's game in Cooperstown this summer (in a Nationals' uniform), and to be honest, he looked in better shape than at anytime he played with the Nationals. He told MLB.com's Bill Ladson that he expects to play this fall in the Venezuelan Winter League.

Young turns 38 next month, and if the bat speed is still there, maybe he can pull it off. He's never been particularly good with the glove, and I assume he still suffers from diabetes. He last played in 2008, and while it was clear he could still put the ball in play, his many physical issues made him a handful for then-skipper Manny Acta to deal with.

Young was involved with an independent league team in suburban Detroit for a time, and offered private hitting lessons as well. I'd think his skills at this stage might be better suited for an independent circuit, but given he made roughly $5 million in each of his final two seasons, he's likely looking for a lot more than the four-figure monthly wage he'd earn in an unaffiliated league.

I wish him well, and I hope he's gotten his act together, health-wise, as he attempts something with such long odds.