Phillies third baseman Michael Young's name has come up plenty in trade rumors. His status definitely could have an impact on third-base prospect Cody Asche, who is enjoying a strong campaign for Triple-A Lehigh Valley.
Asche, who is ranked by MLB.com as the Phillies' ninth-best prospect, is batting .288 with a .453 slugging percentage and .802 OPS in 93 games. He has four triples, 10 home runs, 11 stolen bases, 21 doubles and 56 RBI. He's committed 11 errors and has a .955 fielding percentage.
The Phillies are still trying to decide whether to be sellers at the July 31 trade deadline. If they still want to make a run at the postseason, they would likely keep Young for his veteran presence in the clubhouse. If he is dealt, then it opens the door for Asche's arrival.
Though if Young is dealt, I would personally like to see the Phillies promote Maikel Franco, who is at Double-A Reading. Franco has the higher upside than Asche and is having a monster year. If the Phillies put up the white flag, why not give Franco a taste of the majors before he competes for a roster spot next spring?