MLB Trade Rumors: Why Cleveland Indians Shouldn't Deal for Kevin Youkilis

There are a number of reasons why the Cleveland Indians could use Kevin Youkilis: They need a right-handed bat at the corner, they could use some veteran leadership and the two-time world champion could be a valuable asset if they make the playoffs this season.

But none of those things overcome the fact that Youkilis, 33 years old and breaking down, isn't the same player he once was.

Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe wrote about the Indians on Thursday, "Like many teams, they could use a right-handed bat at a corner, and are very much involved in talks with the Red Sox."

Let us put all our memories of Youkilis before the second half of last season aside (including you, Red Sox fans). Let's look at what Youkilis has done since.

The nine-year veteran hit .285 with 13 home runs, 63 RBI and 52 runs before the All-Star break last season, then hit .199 in 136 second-half at-bats before being diagnosed with hip bursitis. He's battled back problems since.

Not only is Youkilis an aging player, he can't stay healthy. Given that he hasn't done much when he's actually played this season (.225 batting average), where is the value for the Indians?

We've seen this before. Teams value veterans just because they are veterans and they've played well in the postseason before. But sometimes a player's output on the field (or lack thereof) hurts a team more than what his veteran leadership brings.

The Indians are currently 36-32 and leading the American League Central, but three teams are within five games of them. While that's reason to add a bat, that doesn't mean they should add Youkilis.

There are better options out there for Cleveland. If the Indians are serious about making the playoffs for the first time since 2007, they will go for more valuable players, even if it means spending a little more cash.

Trading for Youkilis is hoping for something to happen, when there are no indications that he'll come around.

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