Kevin Youkilis: Boston Red Sox Intend on Trading 3rd Baseman

Danny Knobler of CBSSports.com reports on Twitter that the Red Sox are telling teams that they will definitely try to trade Kevin Youkilis.

"

Red Sox are telling teams they definitely intend to trade Youkilis.

— DKnobler (@DKnobler) June 1, 2012"

Will Middlebrooks' emergence as a capable major leaguer has since made Youkilis expendable, as it has been difficult for manager Bobby Valentine to rotate him into the lineup with the likes of Adrian Gonzalez, David Ortiz and Middlebrooks.

Nick Cafardo of The Boston Globe reported that the Dodgers, Diamondbacks and Giants could all have interest in the versatile third baseman, and a bidding war could begin if Knobler's report is true.

Youkilis is hitting just .250 with four home runs this season, but there was a four-year stretch from 2007 to 2010 where he was one of the best third basemen in the league.

His versatility will definitely make him an attractive option as the deadline gets closer, and the Red Sox will still be able to receive a nice return for his services.

We'll look to see how this saga develops from here, but all signs point to this next month or so being the last time Youkilis wears a Boston uniform.