Kevin Youkilis Trade Rumors: White Sox Must Find a Way to Make a Deal Happen

The Chicago White Sox are in the thick of things early on in the AL Central, and acquiring Kevin Youkilis could be a nice boost to their playoff hopes. Per ESPN, the Southsiders are considered the favorites to acquire the apparently very available Red Sox's third baseman.

Most didn't expect the White Sox to contend in the AL Central, and now that they are in good position (only 1.5 games behind division-leading Cleveland), they must make the best of their contending status.

Youkilis is known as the Greek God of Walks due to his patience and eye at the plate. That approach could benefit the White Sox. The team has drawn only 213 walks this season, which is just below the leave average of 218.

Youkilis' ability to draw the free pass has waned over the past couple years, but I attribute much of that to him battling injuries. I believe that the recent decrease in playing time and the rehab assignments have allowed him to get as healthy as he's been in over two years.

Now, he just needs the at-bats. 

With the White Sox, Youkilis would get an opportunity to play regularly, if not every day.

The current player logging the most time at third base for the White Sox is Orlando Hudson. The O-Dog has been a huge disappointment, as he is almost literally hitting his weight. If he were Prince Fielder's size, then that would be acceptable. But Hudson is 190 pounds, and that isn't cutting it.

Wouldn't this be a more promising site at the plate than Hudson?

Landing with the White Sox would give Youkilis a fresh start without the presence of a player breathing down his neck. In Boston, it's obvious they want Will Middlebrooks to be the man at third base, and rightfully so.

Honestly speaking, the bar isn't that high to reach improvement in Chicago. They have a gaping hole at third, and it's almost certain that Youkilis would, at the very least, be an improvement.

The time has come for Youk to move on—or should I say, change his Sox.

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