Red Sox Trade Rumors: Breaking Down the Latest Buzz from Beantown

The latest trade talk in Boston surrounds mainly one man. That man is Kevin Youkilis, and trading the fan favorite looks like the only way for the Red Sox to salvage what has been a disappointing season thus far.

They are sitting at .500 and playing in the toughest division in baseball, so the Boston Red Sox are in dire straits.

Boston has placed seven outfielders on the disabled list and the Sox major league squad is starting to resemble a MASH unit.

When Youkilis returned from his injury at first base the Red Sox moved Gold Glove winner Adrian Gonzalez to right field.

Yes, you read that right. Adrian Gonzalez is playing in the outfield and the Sox are in a bind.

The move is likely not permanent, but it actually makes sense seeing how manager Bobby Valentine wants to keep Gonzalez and young third baseman Will Middlebrooks in the lineup with Youkilis returning.

In an ESPN story, Valentine seemed to have a good handle on the entire situation and seemed to be open-minded about the Gonzalez experiment.

"

I don't think he'll mess up anything, but there may be a few he doesn't get to. If it comes to the point that outs were given away, we'll probably scratch the idea. If it's obvious a ball should be caught and it's not caught, we'll have a different appraisal.

"

The experiment also gives Youkilis a chance to showcase his talents for a possible trade.

Trading Youkilis is the best way to help keep Boston somewhat alive and the first baseman would likely net some sorely needed outfield and pitching help.

The only way to remedy the situation might be a bitter pill to swallow for Bostonians who have come to love the man they call "Youk," but it might be the best scenario for the Red Sox.

The pitching staff could also use a face lift too, and that could come by way of Josh Beckett.

Beckett has had a roller coaster season thus far, but he could garner some real value in the market if Boston decides to dangle his services.

They are only five games out of first place and despite the mediocre record, the Red Sox could find themselves in a good place if they play their hand correctly.

Boston can be sellers and stock up their farm system while they find small ways to improve their ball club and possibly compete for a division crown.