The center fielder, formally of the Arizona Diamondbacks, had an inkling his days with the team were numbered late in the 2012 season.

How could he not?

Adam Eaton, given the callup for a late-season look, was playing well. Young, having been plagued by injuries for most of the season, had struggled since an outstanding April.

Given the crowded state of the D-backs' outfield, it made sense that a move or two would be made. And indeed it was, as the team shipped Young to Oakland in a three-way deal that brought Heath Bell and Cliff Pennington to Arizona.

"Not extremely surprised," Young told Arizona Sports 620's Burns and Gambo of the news he was sent to Oakland. "I knew there was a chance of it. I was more surprised on how early it happened."

Young said he thinks Eaton will be a good player for the D-backs, and understands that the majority of prospects reach the majors at the expense of a veteran.

"He's a great guy, I think the fans will love him."

Young, though, admitted that while the fact a deal was made was not surprising, he was a little shocked it was consummated now, as opposed to the offseason.

"I didn't even know trades could happen this early," he said.

But now Young, who spent more than six seasons with the Diamondbacks, heads to Oakland to join a team that made a surprising run to the postseason this summer.

The career .239 hitter who was an All-Star in 2010 said it is tough to leave Arizona, but is excited about the new opportunity ahead of him.

"I have to be able to move on and try to blossom in Oakland," he said. "And give Oakland everything that I have to offer and work hard to try to get ready to help that team."

Young finishes his Diamondbacks career third on the D-backs' all-time list with 132 home runs, second with 112 stolen bases, third with 408 RBI and second with 198 doubles.