Phillies Trade Rumors: Landing Kevin Youkilis Would Be Perfect Move for Philly

Even when Chase Utley and Ryan Howard return to the lineup, there is no question that the Philadelphia Phillies could use some more pop in the batting order.

Kevin Youkilis from the Boston Red Sox would provide some. And according to ESPN's Jerry Crasnick, the team has put eyes on him:

"

#Indians and #Phillies are among the teams monitoring Kevin Youkilis in his minor league rehab, says a BB source. #RedSox

— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) May 20, 2012"

It isn't so crazy to think that the Red Sox could move Youkilis. He was already publicly called out by manager Bobby Valentine earlier in this season, which didn't play well in the locker room. He'll be a free agent after this season. Rookie Will Middlebrooks has played well (.297, five home runs, 16 RBI) this season.

A move wouldn't be shocking.

Sure, the Phillies already have the aging Placido Polanco at third. But Youkilis could come in and play at both third and first base, and Polanco could play a bit of second base for the team as well. Youkilis could also provide relief for the Phillies' first base platoon. If the Phillies have another playoff run in them, they'll need to keep their veterans fresh.

Question number two: Would it make any sense for the Phillies to give up what little young talent they have left in the farm system for a potential rental?

It could if the Red Sox have interest in a player like pitcher Joe Blanton, as David Murphy of the Philadelphia Daily News pointed out:

"

What if the Red Sox proposed a straight Blanton-for-Youkilis swap? Two guys with similar salaries who will be free agents at the end of the season, both of whom fill holes for the other side (similar is relative, of course - Youkilis actually makes $4.5 million more than Blanton, along with a $1 million buyout next year). Just something to think about. 

"

Red Sox fans may think that is crazy, but the team needs pitching help and Blanton is having an excellent year (he's 4-4 with 39 strikeouts, a 3.74 ERA and a 1.15 WHIP). It would be a quick and easy way for the team to get a bump in the rotation.

Obviously, all of this is a long shot at this point. But it's an intriguing long shot, and one that could make each team better.

I know this much—the Phillies would be better off with Kevin Youkilis than they are without him. His bat would perfectly fit in the lineup, and could be just the spark this team needs to win its sixth-straight NL East title.

Hit me up on Twitter—my tweets will gladly have another as well.