WEEI.com's Kirk Minihane sure knows how to spice up a listless off-season. In a piece today, Minihane simply asks the question of whether it's time to trade fan favorite Kevin Youkilis. He actually makes a pretty compelling case that now would be the time to deal Youk for starting pitching—before his trade value erodes further with advancing age. Nevertheless, the spectre of Mike Aviles and Nick Punto platooning at third is laughable—no matter how good their respective OPSs are. It's probably more likely that Boston trades one of its young, left-handed hitting outfielders (Reddick or Kalish, plus other prospects) for a number four or five starter. Assuming he's healthy, trading Youkilis (while certainly something to consider) would probably be a net loss for the 2012 squad. You did wake us up, Kirk, but don't do that anymore, OK?
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Trade Kevin? Youk Gotta Be Kidding Me!
WEEI.com's Kirk Minihane sure knows how to spice up a listless off-season. In a piece today, Minihane simply asks the question of whether it's time to trade fan favorite Kevin Youkilis. He actually makes a pretty compelling case that now would be the time to deal Youk for starting pitching—before his trade value erodes further with advancing age. Nevertheless, the spectre of Mike Aviles and Nick Punto platooning at third is laughable—no matter how good their respective OPSs are. It's probably more likely that Boston trades one of its young, left-handed hitting outfielders (Reddick or Kalish, plus other prospects) for a number four or five starter. Assuming he's healthy, trading Youkilis (while certainly something to consider) would probably be a net loss for the 2012 squad. You did wake us up, Kirk, but don't do that anymore, OK?