Red Sox Trade Rumors: Best Possible Fits for Kevin Youkilis

The Boston Red Sox are getting desperate to trade third baseman Kevin Youkilis, and the low asking price is going to turn him from "too risky" to "worth the risk."

According to FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal and Jon Paul Morosi, trade talks for Youk have intensified in the last few days:

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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. In response, a number of clubs have indicated that they have interest in acquiring the three-time All-Star.

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The report goes on to say that Boston is willing to pay much of the $7 million that is left on Youkilis' contract. Throw that in with the fact that he has a $1 million buyout on his contract next season, and this is a very low risk for a potential suitor.

Sure, Youk is an anemic 1-for-21 over his last seven games, is posting his worst career numbers ever and has back injuries, but who knows how a new environment would treat him? Since the Red Sox want to rid themselves of the former all-star, this looks like a win-win for everyone.

But who should most try to land Youkilis? Rosenthal and Morosi mention five teams: the Arizona Diamondbacks, Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, Cleveland Indians and Pittsburgh Pirates.

Let's take a look at the best fits. 

Los Angeles Dodgers

First and foremost, Youk could use a move to the NL, just for the fact that it would signify a truly fresh start. 

And the Dodgers could be that perfect fit.

Not only do they need a third baseman—Elian Herrera and Jerry Hairston have actually been terrific, but they are utility men. The Dodgers would still find a place for Youk—but they would give him some good lineup protection.

The Dodgers are third in the NL in batting average and first in on-base percentage. Youk would see plenty of pitches to hit, and he would also help Los Angeles in the power department, where they rank 14th in the NL. 

Chicago White Sox

Whether it be Orlando Hudson, Eduardo Escobar or Brent Morel, the White Sox have gotten essentially no production out of third base this year. 

They need Youkilis as much as he needs them. 

Even if he comes in and continues to stink up the place, he's cheap and he wouldn't even serve as a downgrade.

The White Sox are a hard-hitting offensive team, and adding Youkilis would just give them more pop and help them hold off Cleveland. 

Cleveland Indians

Speaking of Cleveland.

The Indians are a small-market team, and being able to pick up someone like Youkilis for as cheap as he'll come is an idea they should always entertain.

Jack Hannahan is returning from the disabled list, so they don't desperately need a third baseman, but adding some depth to a team that is ninth in batting average in the AL, eighth in runs and 12th in home runs is a good idea. 

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