My Kingdom For a Prince... Tigers and Rangers Turn in Blockbuster Deal

Not at all like trading a kingdom, but when you get a chance at a title like that, you have to go for it.

Just when you thought baseball news was hitting a lull, two American League teams burst of the scene to save the day.  The Detroit Tigers have traded first baseman Prince Fielder to the Texas Rangers for second baseman Ian Kinsler.

The Rangers seemed tentative at first, and who could blame them with 7 years and $168 million left on Fielder's contract.  According to Rangers general Manager Jon Daniels, "Both sides were interested and we got the money where both sides could live with it."

A strange way to phrase that, "both sides could live with it."  But with Detroit giving them $30 million of salary relief, it could be worse.  Oh, and their infield is stacked now.

The Rangers will boast one of the most potent infields in the game in 2014.  Prince will man first as he has done in Milwaukee and Detroit, and with Kinsler gone, it will give the Rangers a chance to slot Jurickson Profar as the every day second baseman.  On the left side, the tandem of Elvis Andrus and Adrian Beltre will continue to goof off and hit bombs swinging from one knee.

And its not like the Tigers are hurting in this deal, either.  While they are giving $30 million to Texas, Kinsler is only owed $62 million, bringing their grand total to $92 million, which Texas pays $138.  The extra funds could set up nicely for say, a Max Scherzer re-signing?

With first base open and a bad hip to worry about, the Tigers will most likely shift two-time defending MVP Miguel Cabrera over to first base, with Kinsler, Jose Iglesias and potential rising star Nick Castellanos rounding out the remaining positions.  So no real question marks for the Tigers on the field, but in the dugout, how will 44-year-old rookie manager Brad Ausmus fare with the perennial postseaon powerhouse Tigers?

Over in Arlington, is this the year manager Ron Washington can finally get the monkey off his back and get that 11th win in October?

Back to the Show

Sorry for the delay, everyone.

A lot has happened since my last post.  Three if by Strike has added a new writer, Jordan "Doc" Coulombe, who I've known for five years now but who's name I still have a tremendous amount of trouble spelling.  The Bruins made a storybook Stanley Cup Playoff run only to fall two games shy in the Finals, leaving me in a tailspin for the better part of two weeks.

Aaron Hernandez killed a guy!

The Celtics ousted Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and head coach Doc Rivers, but signed 36-year-old Brad Stevens to head up a new-look Boston team and drafted seven-footer out of Gonzaga Kelly Olynyk.  And all the while, the Sox have been the hottest team in the American League, creeping up to 20 games over .500 in early July.

But back to the Bruins.  It took seven games to beat the Maple Leafs, but then nine to beat the Rangers and Penguins combined.  Then the Cup... You know what, let's just stop there.  Andrew Ference, Nathan Horton, Jaromir Jagr, Rich Peverley, Anton Khudobin and Tyler Seguin are gone.  I'm going to blame my long absence from blogging for not being able to come up with an appropriate wording for how I feel about that.

And speaking of feelings, getting a pretty good one about the Sox this season.  It's tough to not like this team, and hey - don't think I've forgotten what this blog says just below the blog name at the top, there. John Lackey has gone from complete lackey back to John Lackey this season, and it seems like everyone, from Jose Iglesias to Shane Victorino to Koji Uehara has stepped up when this team has needed them to.

Bills looks okay, but we'll talk about that later.

Does this mean the blog is back in full force?  That's up to you guys.  Your support for this blog has been tremendous thus far, and even just writing this rambly recap piece, I remember how fun it is to have a blog.  So if Three if by Strike puts up some numbers, then your summer just got a little bit hotter.

Bruins Add Veteran Depth at the Deadline for a Playoff Push

Now that the NHL trade deadline has come and gone, the Boston Bruins have put themselves in a great position to make another playoff run thanks to minimal injury problems and some added veteran depth.

Jaromir Jagr has joined the team today after being traded from the Dallas Stars for two prospects, including Lane Macdermid, and a conditional second-round 2013 draft pick, but the Bruins weren't done dealing after the five-time Art Ross Trophy winner was signed.

Today, the Bruins completed a pair of moves.  Forward prospect Maxime Suave was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks for another forward prospect, Rob Flick.  Sauve was injury-prone throughout his career with the Providence Bruins, and the 22-year-old Flick is a former fourth-round draft pick who will add a great physical presence.

The last deal of the day was involving the St. Louis Blues, who will send Wade Redden to Boston for just a seventh-round draft pick -- a sixth-rounder if he is to play in the playoffs.  Redden has never played for the B's, but has previously played with captain Zdeno Chara and currently injured Chris Kelly when the trio were on the Senators.  The Bruins picked up Chara as a free agent in 2006 when the Senators chose to re-sign Redden instead of the 6'9" defender.

The Bruins have had some defensive struggles with the sometimes lackadaisical play of Andrew Ference and Johnny Boychuk, not to mention the Adam McQuaid injury.  With a player like Redden, the Bruins have given themselves a player who can make those on the ice with him a better player.  With under a month remaining and every point making a difference, the Bruins look to be in good shape.

Bruins Reportedly Trade for Jaromir Jagr

Hopefully this isn't another Jarome Iginla scenario, but for the time being, the Bruins have reportedly completed a trade that would put Jaromir Jagr in Boston.

Multiple sources, including ESPN's Pierre LeBrun and the Dallas Morning News' reporter Mike Heika, have said the deal is completed, pending the approval of the league.  The deal seems to be similar to Iginla's, with the Bruins sending two prospects along with a conditional draft pick based on if Jagr is re-signed for next season.

As with the Iginla deal, we will be monitoring this very closely to make sure all the details are correct and that everyone dots their i's and crosses their t's.  But, as it would have been with Iginla, it will be great for the B's to add a veteran presence like Jagr, who has the ability, even at age 41, to make everyone around him on the ice a better player.

UPDATE: The deal is rumored to involved Lane Macdermid and Cody Payne as the two Bruins prospects going to Dallas, and the draft pick will be a conditional second-round pick.

UPDATE: The deal is official.  Jagr will join the team on Wednesday.  As to where he'll fit in, that remains to be seen.  Patrice Bergeron went down with an apparent head injury on Tuesday night against the Senators, so with more line jumbling on the way, Jagr's role could vary greatly.

Jarome Iginla Officially Traded to Penguins...

Well, that's embarrassing.  I had numerous sources, from ESPN to WEEI to Yahoo! Sports telling me that Jarome Iginla was set to become the newest member of the Boston Bruins, but they were wrong, I was wrong.  Everyone was wrong.

Iginla has just been officially traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins as of early Thursday morning.  The deal will send forwards Kenneth Agostino and Ben Hanowski to Calgary along with a conditional first-round draft pick is Iginla is re-signed in Pittsburgh next season, per CBCSports.com.

I am shocked by this.  CBC had this article up at 8:47 p.m. Wednesday night that I did not catch, but that was overlooked by everyone when the news hit around midnight that Iginla would be heading to Beantown.  The trade deadline is still a few days away (April 3), and thus far, the only other substantial rumor has been surrounding veteran defenseman Ryan Whitney from the Edmonton Oilers.  The Bruins defense corps is in rough shape this season, and a left-handed D-man who could bolster their power play could be just what the doctor ordered.

But either way, the Iginla news has ruined my weekend, so let's hope the Bruins can get back on the horse and get another big deal done.

Bruins Reportedly Acquire Jarome Iginla... Let's Go!

If you've been following any hockey news over the past few days, you've heard about the rumors involving 35-year-old Calgary Flames winger Jarome Iginla.

Late Wednesday night, after Iginla was scratched from the line-up for the first time in 441 games with the Flames, a deal was reportedly struck between Calgary and the Boston Bruins.  Iginla will join the Bruins, who needed some good news after coming back from a two-goal deficit only to blow that lead with eight seconds remaining and lose in a shootout to division rivals, the Montreal Canadiens.

In return for the Flames captain, reports indicate the Bruins are sending young defenseman Matt Bartkowski and a top prospect in Alex Khokhlachev up to Calgary.  Along with the two young players, a conditional first-round draft pick will be part of the swap if Iginla is re-signed in Boston next season.

All in all, this looks like a great pick up for the Bruins at a time when they really needed it.  Iginla ranks third among active players with 525 career goals, and his veteran presence will be a huge spark at the Bruins ramp up for another Stanley Cup run.  As to where he'll fit in, that's tough to say right now.  The Bruins have been shaking up their lines a little bit recently, but on the offensive side of things Wednesday night, they scored five great-looking goals, with the first and second forward lines looking very sharp.

A third line spot would seem weird for the six-time all star, but right now seems the most practical unless they decide to mix up their pairings again.  Whatever the Bruins do will be very interesting, and they have back-to-back games Saturday and Sunday against Philadelphia and Buffalo to figure things out, provided the deal is completed and Iggy joins the black and gold by then.

Cleveland Rocks?

What do a known steroid user, an alleged "gyroball" pitcher, a mafia don, an all-star outfielder, a two-time World Series champion manager and the host of "The Price is Right" have in common?

They all call Cleveland home.

The Cleveland Indians have been pushing the pedal to the metal just before Spring Training gets underway, re-signing their emotional leader and closer, Chris Perez, as well as inking three free agents and a manager.

After spending eight years with the Boston Red Sox and a year at ESPN, Terry Francona takes over at the helm.  Francona helped the Sox to their first World Series title in 86 years, and will embark on a mission to give Cleveland their first since 1948.

On Tuesday, the Tribe greatly improved their outfield by signing free agent Michael Bourn to a four year $48 million contract. 

While those first three transactions will be huge for any success to be had for the Indians, the club also made some suspect ones.  They signed Jason Giambi and Daisuke Matsuzaka to minor league deals within a couple days of each other.  Francona and Matsuzaka are familiar with each other, but I doubt that will help his performance.  And as far as Giambi is concerned, Francona is familiar with the 42-year-old former as a Yankee, whom he had to strategize against.  

 

Those weren't the only moves that Cleveland has made so far.  Another familiar enemy to Tito, Nick Swisher was picked up by the Tribe earlier in the offseason for a hefty $56 million price tag.  Drew Stubbs came over from the Reds in a three-team trade along with three pitchers including former Orioles Red Sox reliever Matt Albers.

The Indians are another one of those teams that has been lying in the weeds for a few seasons now and has poised themselves to be a serious contender in the AL Central.  I can't wait for Spring Training games to start, and I can't wait for MLB 2K13 to come out so I can make some sense of where all these players are and how these teams look.

Hanrahan Named Closer Just Days After Signing

The Red Sox didn't waste any time naming new trade acquisition Joel Hanrahan the primary closer for the 2013 season.

Manager John Farrell had a conversation with presumed closer -- before the trade --  Andrew Bailey, in which he outlined the Sox plan for him and Hanrahan.  Bailey will be the primary set-up man for the former Pirates all-star.

So the back end of the bullpen is already set before going into spring training.  There's none of this, 'well, let's wait and see' attitude which plagued the team in plenty more areas than just the bullpen in 2012.  Right off the bat, Farrell is doing exactly what he said he would.  He's leading by example, drawing a line in the sand and making the tough decisions.

Bailey is not the type of guy who is going to sit there and cry about the hand he was dealt.  Instead, I'm sure he's glad to know his position so he can get to work mentally and physically preparing for the role he was held out of last season due to a nagging thumb injury.

So as Boston fills in the cracks in their roster, the team is starting to take shape.  In the pitching department, it appears they're working backwards, starting with the eighth and ninth inning guys and still trying to shore up their rotation.  Either way, as a Sox fan, I feel a little bit better knowing where at least one are of the team stands.

Productive Offseason for Boston? Well, Not Exactly

 The Boston Red Sox suffered through a 69-93 campaign, their first losing record since 1997.  Heck, even the pink hats suffered through this one; the entire city was miserable.  Most of the blame was tossed onto the back of then-manager Bobby Valentine, who has since been canned to make way for John Farrell, last seen in a Sox uniform in 2010.  Since the trade deadline of this past season, the Sox have been hard at work to right the ship, and now at the brink of 2013, they still have their fair share of work ahead.

The blockbuster trade of the decade came in July.  The Sox sent Adrian Gonzalez, Carl Crawford, Josh Beckett and Nick Punto to the Dodgers, while LA sent back James Loney, Rubby de la Rosa, Ivan Dejesus, Jerry Sands and Allan Webster.  While the deal seemed to shake the Boston cityscape, there were very few in opposition to the trade.  It freed up the money the Sox had sunk into Gonzalez and Crawford for the next 5 years, and left them in a position for a big offseason.

With great money, comes great responsibility, if I may alter the phrase a bit.  So far, the Sox have been movers and shakers, but it looks like they are marching to the beat of their own drum here, snatching up players that were not very high on anyone's wish list anyway.

Jonny Gomes was signed on for two years, $10 million.  He joins a laundry list of characters to come over from the Rays including Crawford, Julio Lugo and Rocco Baldelli, all names that have continued to kill the Sox even wearing the home whites at Fenway.  His most significant moment in Rays history probably came when he took some cheap shots on Coco Crisp during a 2008 brawl between the two teams, so his most valuable asset may be on display in the clubhouse.

Another two year deal went to aging free agent pitcher Ryan Dempster.  He is another owner of a ridiculous starting pitching contract, worth $25 million, the going rate these days.  Dempster had an ERA over 5.00 in the American League pitching for the Rangers, and its unknown how many quality innings he'll log towards the back end of the rotation.

One of the better deals so far has been signing Shane Victorino to a three year, $39 million deal.  Victorino is a veteran outfielder, and although slowed somewhat by age, can still fly around the outfield and be a solid contact hitter to put at the top of the bottom of the batting order.  He figures to be a fan favorite in Boston, seeing as how he's already making significantly less than the two previous veteran outfielders signed (JD Drew and Crawford).

Catcher David Ross was signed to a two year, $6.2 million deal.  The 36-year-old is supposedly one of the best backups in baseball, but we all know the best backup already came and went through Boston: Doug Mirabelli.  If he can do anything similar to Mirabelli, he'll be a great addition.  He's known for his knowledge of the game, much like Jason Varitek, so hopefully he can settle the Sox starters down and really get them going.

But so far, the biggest deal has been made out of the team getting Mike Napoli for three years, $39 million.  A deal similar to Victorino's except for one small difference: he has not actually signed yet.  This article comes three weeks after Napoli agreed to sign in Boston, and still, his signature remains absent from the dotted line.  No one is sure what the deal is, but there are rumors about the deal now being for two years or that Napoli's physical did not go so well.  Either way, reports are surfacing now on Thursday that first basemen Adam Laroche is now back in the Red Sox' sights.  Just a mess, really.

With all this going on, general manager Ben Cherington has still found time to trade for a new closer, Joel Hanrahan, from the Pittsburgh Pirates.  Not sure where his priorities lie on the Napoli deal, but either way, Hanrahan is coming over with a prospect in exchange for Mark Melancon, Sands, Dejesus and Stolmy Pimentel.  For $4.1 million this year, the deal seems pretty sound, but eligible for arbitration for next season, Hanrahan may cost the team upwards of $7 million to keep around next year.

So moves have been made with hopefully a few more on the way, but right now Boston sits in a better position than they did last season, which isn't saying much yet.  With the extra money, it seems the front office has just thrown it at whoever they want, most of the time completely overpaying, but new blood in the system is a welcome sight.  They still need a premier starting pitcher, which they did not get in Dempster, a solid first baseman/utility man, which they did not get in Napoli, and an everyday right fielder which they did not get in Victorino or Gomes (although the two will work well out there platooning.)  There is still room for improvement, and as long as the Sox stay proactive, 2013 could be off to a promising start.

Uehara Signs a One-Year Deal in Boston

The Dallas Morning News is reporting that left-handed reliever Koji Uehara will sign with the Boston Red Sox for the 2013 season.

No details on the contract have come about just yet, but the word is that the deal is for just one year.  His signing in Boston is dependent on passing a physical.

Uehara adds to the pretty serious list of names that the Red Sox have picked up during the Winter Meetings in Nashville.  Jonny Gomes, Mike Napoli and Shane Victorino have already shipped up to Boston, which is not exactly a "serious list," but it is when you consider that the Sox, after going 69-93, have been the biggest and most aggressive players at these meetings, overshadowing just about every other team.

In 36 innings last season, Uehara posted a 1.75 ERA before missing time with a strained lat muscle.  We'll see if he can do any damage at the back of the bullpen.

Will the Red Sox Trade Jon Lester?

We're almost two months removed from the most miserable season in Red Sox history since 1997, and still, the team is finding new ways to make us cringe.

Earlier this month, general manager Ben Cherington told the media that his team would still have one of the highest payrolls in Boston.  That's all well and good, but if you just start throwing money around at below average players -- i.e. Jonny Gomes -- its just going to make the situation that much worse.

Gomes was recently signed to a two year, $10 million contract.  A decent player, better clubhouse guy, but he's no 2012 Cody Ross.  The latest scare for Red Sox Nation?  Jon Lester could be on the move.

Will Myers is one of the top 10 prospects in the league right now, currently patrolling the outfield in the Royals' minor league system.  Kansas City has reportedly expressed their interest to add a front man to their starting rotation and has stated they are willing to deal Myers.  So let's get the rumor mill turning.

Lester and the Red Sox have not been in discussions for a contract extension, but that means nothing at this point.  With a struggling ball club that saw one of the worst starting pitching performances, I don't think anyone is jumping the gun on this deal.  A Lester-Myers deal, could be pretty enticing though, but you're comparing apples to oranges with an established starting pitcher versus a 21-year-old outfielder.  Although, as far as production last season, Myers hit .314 with 37 homers, 109 RBI and a .987 OPS.

So there's that.

We'll see what becomes of these rumors, although I would put money on the Red Sox holding onto Lester for many years to come.

Blockbuster Trade Developing Between Jays and Marlins Involving Jose Reyes, Josh Johnson

Multiple sources have confirmed talks between the Toronto Blue Jays and Miami Marlins regarding a mega-deal that would cause even more of a stir in the AL East across both leagues.

The Marlins are reportedly packaging shortstop Jose Reyes, pitchers Mark Buerhle and Josh Johnson, outfielder Emilio Bonifacio and catcher John Buck to send north of the border.  In return, the Blue Jays are trading shortstops Yunel Escobar and Adeiny Hechavarria, catcher Jeff Mathis, starting pitcher Henderson Alvarez and prospects including Jake Marisnick, Justin Nicolini and Anthony DeSclafani.

If this deal is made official, the Marlins will have officially traded away 12 of their 25 starters from 2012 Opening Day, including their entire infield, not to mention their new manager Mike Redmond has almost nothing to work with.  Up north, picking the right manager will be even more crucial now after John Farrell signed on with the Red Sox.

Outfielder Giancarlo Stanton, the team's last remaining beacon of hope, tweeted yesterday, "All right, I'm pissed!!!! Plain & Simple."  Keeping him as well as the fans happy in Miami will be no cakewalk.

Shredder Making Plays

It seems the entire baseball world is talking about the blockbuster trade between the Red Sox and the Dodgers, but one guy keeps falling by the wayside.

With three of the four players moving from Boston to Los Angeles being Adrian Gonzalez, Josh Beckett and Carl Crawford, its sort of understandable that no one would be quick to mention Nick Punto, but if he's making plays like this, maybe his name will start popping up more.  I mean, the guy was a starter for the World Champion Cardinals last year.

The range he shows in this play is unbelievable.  I've watched it time and time again, and I still don't know where that speed comes from to catch up to that ball.  He has no business being there, and saves what could have been a big early run for the Marlins.  Love it.  Shredder's going to play great ball no matter who he plays for.

Josh Beckett Placed on Waivers, Finally

CBSSports.com's Jon Heyman has reported that the Red Sox have put pitcher Josh Beckett on waivers.

Heyman's report also indicates that there is not a lot of interest in Beckett across the league.  If that rings true and Beckett goes unclaimed, the Red Sox will be able to explore trade possibilities before the August 31st deadline.

If a team does go for Beckett, however, they will either pick up the rest of his contract through 2014 -- which he is owed nearly $32 million -- or work out a trade with the Sox.  If neither of those possibilities work, the Red Sox can always pull him back off waivers.

It's tough to say if this really means anything, or if this move will be a wake up call for Beckett or not.  At this stage, the way he carries himself makes it seem like there is no urgency in his play, and that he just doesn't care how he pitches.  They got rid of Kevin Youkilis and that didn't work, so hopefully they can dump Beckett and go into remission the rest of the season.

Shoppach Traded to Mets

This is a post I hoped I would never have to write.  Former Red Sox catcher Kelly Shoppach was placed on waivers and picked up by the New York Mets on Tuesday.

I have delayed blogging about this in hopes of answering any and all questions readers would have for the unofficial fan page of Shophouse.

The trade on Tuesday was to exchange Shoppach for a player to be named later, adding to the list of completely unnecessary moves that the Red Sox organization has made since the season began.  But with the recalling of Ryan Lavarnway, there was just no room for Shoppach on the roster, which by the way, I don't understand.  Lavarnway has had great numbers in Triple-A, yes, but for a backup catcher, Shophouse was hitting .250 with five home runs, what more do you really want?

The biggest question is, will this page remain the unofficial fan page?  Absolutely.  That sweet rookie card picture isn't about to leave the right side of the screen, and being traded to the National League means he won't be belting lasers off of the Red Sox miserable pitching.

So here's to you, House, still my favorite player on the Sox this season.  As soon as I find out what number you'll be taking on the Mets, I'll be purchasing one of those blue player tee's.  Good luck out there.

Derek Lowe Designated for Assignment by Indians - Are You Thinking What I'm Thinking?

Late Wednesday night, Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Derek Lowe was designated for assignment.  Lowe is 8-10 on the season with a 5.52 ERA.

Combine the Red Sox number one and number two starters in Jon Lester and Josh Beckett.  Totaled up, they sport a 10-17 record and an average ERA of 5.20.  This is a no-brainer, kids.

A hero of the 2004 World Championship team, Lowe needs to return to Boston.  It would give the fans, and maybe even the rotation, that energy that it lacks.  That energy that you're not going to get from Craig Breslow.  And try to tell me Lowe wouldn't get that spark back pitching every fifth day in front of the Fenway Faithful.

Sox general manager Ben Cherington completely dropped the ball at the trade deadline.  Rumor has it, Sox owner John Henry is over in London for the Olympics, and wasn't even in the States on July 31st.  This is your chance, Red Sox.  Wake up and get Derek Lowe back in Beantown.

Report: Craig Breslow In, Matt Albers, Scott Podsednik Out

Jack Macgruder from FOXSportsArizona.com is reporting that the Red Sox have reached an agreement with the Diamondbacks to send reliever Matt Albers and outfielder Scott Podsednik to Arizona for reliever Craig Breslow.

Breslow made his Major League debut in 2005, and has already donned a Sox uniform in the past, appearing in 13 games in the 2008 campaign.  The left-hander has a career 3.02 ERA and could bolster the bullpen in case an arm like Franklin Morales is needed back in the rotation.

More details to come.  Deadline is forty-five minutes away.

Jim Thome Traded to Orioles, Everybody Wins

Jim Thome, eighth best home run hitter in baseball history, was just traded to the Orioles from the Phillies for two minor leaguers.  Thome had signed with the Phillies as a free agent, hoping to platoon first base while Ryan Howard was on the DL this season.

As recently as last month, Thome has been as good as ever, batting .333 with four home runs, 14 RBI and a 1.137 OPS.  He now takes his talents to Eutaw Street, where the O's are still hanging on, sitting in second place.

The 41-year-old should see regular DH time now that he is with an American League team.  When Thome gets into a rhythm, its hard to stop him, and with just one more home run to officially make him the seventh best home run hitter of all time, we could see him make the jump by the end of the week.

Youkilis Wearing Different Sox, Chicago Bound

The trade has finally been made; one that Red Sox Nation knew was imminent in the past couple weeks.  The advent of Will Middlebrooks and the under-production from Kevin Youkilis totaled up to a trade with the Chicago White Sox for Brent Lillebridge and Zach Stewart.

Youkilis has been known to be a problem in the clubhouse, and barely hitting over .100 in June while his counterpart Middlebrooks hit over .700 meant the Sox would have to take action quick to get anything back for him.

Youkilis tripled in his final at-bat in Fenway, and was pulled for a pinch-runner, giving the Fenway Faithful ample time to give Youkilis the send-off he deserved.

Nothing can discredit was Youkilis has done for the Sox, especially in 2007, but of late, his style and his play have been nothing but detrimental to the club. 

Please Cut Him Loose

Kevin Youkilis is 2-for-25 in June.  According to reports, the Dodgers, Diamondbacks, White Sox, Pirates and Indians have all shown interest in the corner infielder.  For the love of moneyball, please get rid of him.

Nicknamed "the Greek god of walks" while he was coming up to The Show, he has proven time and time again that he can be a valuable component to an offense, but his nagging injuries have decreased his value of late.  Comparatively speaking, Youkilis has a lot to offer teams who are lacking a solid corner infielder, but his problems lie off the field as well.

In 2010, Youkilis publicly criticized teammate Jacoby Ellsbury for not spending time with the team while rehabbing from broken ribs.  According to an article written by Jackie Macmullan at the end of last season, Youkilis was bringing down the clubhouse with his poor attitude, and this season, has already shown that he would be fine with getting traded, displaying no interest in staying with Boston.

So let's dump him while we still can, before other teams realize what a horrible decision they are about to make.