With the offseason well underway, the swirling trade winds continue to blow and create rumors and speculation. While it was once stated that Kevin Youkilis would not be traded by the Red Sox this offseason, his name continues to surface as a potential target that a few teams may be interested in. The latest team being the Colorado Rockies.
A report in the Denver Post by Troy Renck makes mention that the Rockies are in need of a right handed bat that could slide into the number five spot in their lineup. Youkilis fits nicely on all accounts.But WEEI reported a few weeks ago that Youkilis was deemed untouchable. Hmmm, maybe not if you consider what Renck says in his article.
“In talking to American League sources, there’s mixed opinions on how available he is.”
Sounds like Youkilis is still an option to be moved by Cherington, obviously if the right deal were to come along. With a lineup featuring a ton of left handed batters, Youkilis does provide some stability with his right handed bat, albeit an awkward stance at best.
But it’s Colorado who may push this option a little more aggressively if they see some of their targeted free agents sign with other teams. As Recnk notes, the Rockies are interested in free agent outfielder Michael Cuddyer. It appears so too are the Phillies amongst others, but they appear to be the front runners at this point. Cuddyer could be out of the Rockie’s price range and they are not known to bet into any type of bidding wars.
David Wright is mentioned as a possibility of going to Colorado, although it is a longshot and highly unlikely. So suddenly the Youkilis deal may have more validity to it. The one draw back is that Youk is set to make $12 million next season with a club option of $13 million for 2013. This may be a little rich for the Rockies organization, but should they unload some salary going the other way then it may work.
Some feel that if Youk gets dealt, who’s going to play third base? With Marco Scutaro signed for next season and deemed the fulltime shortstop, Jed Lowrie and Mike Aviles can split time at the hot corner.
What about the power and production from Youk in the lineup? What about resigning David Ortiz and then Michael Cuddyer. While Cuddyer won’t replace Youkilis’s production, he will replace the right handed bat.
It’s clear this clubhouse needs some reshuffling. I’m not saying a complete housecleaning, but a few rotten apples need to be thrown out and restocked with fresh ones. If Youkilis is half as bad in the clubhouse that we’re led to believe than isn’t he the obvious choice? If not, then it’s going to be another long year at Fenway Park. Change is good, providing it’s the right moves.
Sending Youk to Colorado might just be one of those moves and as a bonus he’s out of the AL so you won’t have to worry about him coming back to hurt you.