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Ask Nick: Kevin Youkilis on the trade market?

Red Sox Mailbag

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February 23, 2012|By Nick Cafardo

Kevin Youkilis has said he wonders if this is his final season with the Red… (Brian Blanco/REUTERS )

When pitchers and catchers have their first workout, you know things are going full force. Many of the positional players are also in Fort Myers for spring training, so this is obviously a team that wants to put last season’s collapse behind them.

In this week’s mailbag, we have a lot of different inquiries, including about Kevin Youkilis and his role, possible pitching depth issues, and the mindset of Josh Beckett.

Here we go:

Q: What are your thoughts on a deal that would send Kevin Youkilis to the Marlins, who need a third baseman, for Hanley Ramirez, since we really need a shortstop?

Rob, Webster, NY

A: I’m not dismissing the possibility of the Red Sox and Marlins hooking up on a deal. The Marlins would want a boatload for him, and if Youkilis was in the package, you’d have to think about it. The one fly in the ointment is that the Marlins have the right idea moving Ramirez to third base, because as he gets older and bigger, he’s not suited for shortstop in the long term.

Q: Would the Red Sox be smart in pursuing David Wright? He’s not 30 until after the season and until last season (excluding his first season) he had played at least 140 games each year. Furthermore, if the Mets don’t get off to the start they want, they may be looking for someone to take him.

Max, Australia

A: Not sure there’s much difference between David Wright and Kevin Youkilis right now. Both are very good when healthy, have had their share of injuries, and are now getting back to health. When healthy, Youkilis is a fine middle-of-the-order OPS hitter.

Q: After witnessing the Beckett interview this year, what kind of shape does he seem to be in?

Vince, Albany, NY

A: Seems to be in decent shape, much like he was at this time last year. Things got away from him after that. He obviously put on 15-20 pounds during the season. He still had his best WHIP and an ERA of 2.89.

Q: According to Fangraphs, Mike Aviles has a career 12.4 UZR/150 at shortstop, which is much better than his numbers at second and third base, so why are people questioning his defense as a shortstop?

Lin, Taipei, Taiwan

A: I think it’s just because he’s a heavy-legged guy and it has been a while since he was a starting shortstop. Now he’s older. His range is better than Marco Scutaro’s, but is he an everyday guy? He’ll have to answer that.

Q: Could you please tell me why the Red Sox are playing games by offering an invite to Jason Varitek to come to spring training when they know it’s a waste of time? Couldn’t they just find a coaching job for him in the minors, where I think he could be a big help to not only the catchers, but also the pitchers that are on the way up in the system?

Ron, Attleboro, Mass.