MLB rumors: Kevin Youkilis wants to play near California home
By Bryan Rose
Yesterday we learned that corner infielder Kevin Youkilis was feeling healthy and wanted to play in 2014, this after missing large portions of the past two seasons with injury.
The New York Yankees, always in search of offensive help made a call to their former player but were told Youkilis would prefer to play closer to his home in California:
"Cashman called Youkilis’s agent to gauge interest in returning to Yankees. Youkilis appreciated call, but wants to play near home in Cali."
That doesn’t exactly leave a ton of options for Youk, who would likely narrow his options to the Padres, Giants, Angels, Dodgers, Athletics or potentially the Arizona Diamondbacks.
San Diego has Chase Headley at third while San Francisco has Pablo Sandoval. Both teams have first base covered as well. The Dodgers could need a third baseman if Juan Uribe was to depart in free agency, but they’re out of the question too if Uribe returns.
Meanwhile, Arizona is stocked at first base and seemingly fine at third as well, leaving just the Athletics and Angles as potential suitors – at least with their current roster. The Angels could become a landing spot if the team does indeed trade Mark Trumbo while Oakland is always in search of cheap talent with upside.