Now that the MLB season is over, we all know that the "hot stove" is going to be getting pretty toasty. One of the biggest things going on this offseason (well at least from a Red Sox perspective) will be what the Red Sox do with their infield.
Beltre, V-Mart, Varitek, and Ortiz (if his option isn't picked up) are all free agent. One of the theories going right now is that Youk will slide over to 3rd, and the Sox will let Beltre walk.
Youk recently talked about this possible move...
"I'm preparing myself to play third base because if you prepare yourself to play third base and you play first, it's an easy transition," Youkilis said. "So, for me, I try and prepare myself mentally to play third. I'll probably take a little more ground balls this year, but hopefully we'll find out sooner than later."
Youkilis was then asked if he minded manning third base after become a Gold Glove first baseman. His answer? Not at all. "I love third base. I love playing it, I enjoy it. It's a lot of fun," he said. "I would love to play third base, but wherever the team needs me I'll play. First base, third base. No outfield. I'll play shortstop if they want me to play short. For me, anywhere in the infield is good (WEEI)."
There is no doubt in my mind that Youk can play 3rd everyday. The question is who is going to fill in that 1st base spot. I think we can all agree one way or another Ortiz will be back next season, so there goes the DH spot. There is a decent market for 1st base with guys like Dunn, Konerko, Pena, and so on. Plus there are rumors that the Sox could make a deal for someone like Fielder or Gonzalez.
In my eyes the Sox have to bring in a power hitting 1st baseman, and resign V-Mart. So, it'll be interesting to see what they end up doing, but at least Youk seems to be healthy and getting ready to slide back to 3rd.
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