Red Sox Trade Rumors: Former All-Star Kevin Youkilis Must Be Dealt

Three-time All-Star Kevin Youkilis was a part of the 2004 and 2007 Boston Red Sox championship teams, but the time has come for the struggling 33-year-old to be traded.

FoxSports.com reported on Monday:

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The Red Sox have made clear that (a) Youkilis is available and (b) they are willing to include cash to facilitate a better player return.

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A wealth of teams have inquired about Youkilis according to Fox Sports, including the Arizona Diamondbacks, Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, Cleveland Indians and Pittsburgh Pirates.

Although the veteran third baseman is due more than $7 million this season, including a $1 million buyout for his $13 million club option next season, the Red Sox appear prepared to take on a significant portion of his remaining contract. That leaves teams such as the small-market Indians and Pirates with a legitimate shot of acquiring him.

It's hard for Red Sox fans to fathom how far Youkilis has fallen. He was an All-Star as recently as last season, when he hit .285 with 13 home runs, 63 RBI and 52 runs before the break.

But the second half of last season, and the first half of this season, have been a completely different story. Youkilis hit just .199 in 37 games in the second half of 2011, and he has backed that up with a .215 average so far in 2012, with 13 RBI in 135 at-bats. 

His injury history may be part of the problem. He was diagnosed with bursitis in his hip last season, and he's had back problems for the past two seasons.

Beyond that, it didn't help that new manager Bobby Valentine questioned his desire to start the 2012 campaign. Once you speak out publicly against a player known for his commitment on the baseball field, it's hard to patch that relationship up.

Perhaps a change of scenery would do Youkilis well, but it's clear that his time in Boston is long overdue. The man whom Red Sox fans affectionately call "Youk" is no longer the baseball player he once was, and it's time we all realize this.

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