Saw this ESPNBoston’s site:
The idea of trading Kevin Youkilis to make way for top prospect Will Middlebrooks gained early traction back in April, when Youkilis got off to a slow start and Middlebrooks was tearing it up for Pawtucket, hitting nine home runs and driving in 27 runs in his first 24 games.
That was premature. Youkilis has been a valuable middle-of-the-order presence in the Boston Red Sox’s lineup year after year and figured to regain his batting stroke, while the 23-year-old Middlebrooks had fewer than 200 at-bats in Triple-A. No reason to rush things.
Now, however, that conversation is no longer just fan chatter. With Middlebrooks off to a dazzling start here and the 33-year-old Youkilis on the 15-day disabled list with yet another injury, this time a strained back, general manager Ben Cherington may be faced with his biggest decision yet, even more portentous than converting Daniel Bard to a starter.
What do you think? Would you give the Red Sox a call about Youkilis? He’s talked about wanting to play here…what would you be willing to give up for him?