Is Delmon Young in Rays future?

One rumor making the rounds of baseball’s annual winter meetings this week in Las Vegas is the return of Delmon Young to the Rays.

The right-fielder, who had as stormy relationship with the ballclub during his stay in both the minor leagues and in St. Petersburg, is rumored to be part of a three-way deal between the Rays, Rockies and Twins.

The Rays would send either Edwin Jackson or Andy Sonnanstine to the Rockies, who would send third baseman Garrett Atkins to the Twins. The Twins would then send Young to the Rays.

Getting Young and his sour attitude out of the Rays clubhouse before last season was seen by many Rays as a good move. Getting shortstop Jason Bartlett and pitcher Matt Garza in return was a great move, one that got the Rays to the World Series.

So why would the Rays want Young back?

Because they need a right fielder.

Because they would control his contract for another four years.

Because Jackson is out of options and the Rays are tired of waiting for him to blossom into the pitcher everyone expects him to be.

Because they are not sold on Sonnanstine as a long term fit to the rotation.

Because Milton Bradley, whom manager Joe Maddon and vice president of baseball Andrew Friedman met for lunch Monday, made $5.25 million during his breakout season with the Rangers in 2008.

Because Young comes cheap.

Oh, already mentioned that.