Earlier today, FoxSports.com's Ken Rosenthal linked the Phillies to another player, this time free agent third baseman Kevin Youkilis. The Phillies are one of three teams interested in Youkilis' services, in addition to the Cleveland Indians and the Chicago White Sox. But, lurking on the sidelines could be the Los Angeles Dodgers, who seemingly have limits to spending:
The White Sox and Phillies are interested in Youkilis, according to major league sources. The Indians and Cubs also are reported to be possibilities. But an official from one of those clubs expressed concern that the Dodgers might want Youk — and as it turns out, they are indeed considering signing him.
Youkilis, 33, would fit the Dodgers only under certain circumstances: If Hanley Ramirez ends up at shortstop and not third, if third baseman Luis Cruz becomes more of a super-utilityman, or if the Dodgers are resigned to sending Dee Gordon back to Triple A, perhaps for an entire season.
Of all the free agent third basemen options, Youkilis is the most polished and is essentially the only starting player out of a lot that includes Eric Chavez and Jeff Keppinger.
Youkilis was a shell of his old self in 2012 split between the Boston Red Sox and Chicago White Sox. In 122 games Youkilis hit just .235 19 home runs and drove in 60 runs. Youkilis is known for his high on base percentage, and had that up to .336 in 2012. Only Juan Pierre, Chase Utley, and Carlos Ruiz had higher on base percentage for the Phillies in 2012.
