Report: Kevin Youkilis Trade Imminent, As Red Sox Are Preparing to Shuffle Roster

by abournenesn

Jun 23, 2012

Report: Kevin Youkilis Trade Imminent, As Red Sox Are Preparing to Shuffle RosterFor many Red Sox fans, the question has become not whether Kevin Youkilis will be traded, but when.

Those suspicions now appear to be on the brink of confirmation.

The Red Sox are getting ready to make roster moves to coincide with a trade for Youkilis that "could come any time now," Peter Abraham of the Boston Globe reports.

The Red Sox have been rumored to be taking offers for Youkilis for weeks. His role as the everyday third baseman became imperiled when he went on the disabled list in late April and rookie Will Middlebrooks joined the major league roster in his place. Middlebrooks has since made a home for himself in the bigs, batting .319 with eight homers and 31 RBIs while Youkilis has struggled since coming off the DL in late May, hitting just .225 with four homers and 13 RBIs for the season.

The veteran infielder has been bouncing in and out of the lineup, playing both third and first base, which has caused headaches for both manager Bobby Valentine and Gold Glove first baseman Adrian Gonzalez, who has been playing some in right field.

Valentine said Friday that he would most likely be sticking with Middlebrooks at third and benching Youkilis, but a trade could solve that problem permanently.

As Youkilis has struggled in his return, the number of suitors and what they are willing to offer has reportedly dwindled, but the Red Sox still appear ready to still make a deal.

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