Of course, it's been a long time since Kevin Youkilis played for the Red Sox (58 days, to be exact), but it'd be impossible to forget the guy who's been an MVP candidate, All-Star and Gold Glove Award winner for the past three years.
While his somewhat freakish thumb injury ended his season on Aug. 2, he underwent successful surgery and expects to head into spring training at full strength. He said he's open to playing first base again or moving back to third base — whatever helps the team win — but where do you think he should play?
A case could be made for both. The easiest choice might be just to keep him at first base. Though it's not his "natural" position, he's developed into an elite defender at first base, as it looks as though the AL Gold Glove will be an annual battle between him and Mark Teixeira for the next five or so years.
Then again, moving across the diamond gives Theo Epstein more flexibility in free agency and the trade market this winter, potentially giving the Red Sox another power bat. Such an acquisition will be essential if Adrian Beltre (who's a Scott Boras client, by the way) signs for big money elsewhere.
Some of the names thrown around to possibly head to Boston via free agency or trade are Carlos Pena, Adam Dunn, Prince Fielder or (the ultimate pipe dream) Adrian Gonzalez.
Those names bring varying degrees of excitement to Red Sox fans, but knowing that Youkilis' versatility allows for them to be in the offseason discussion is something that won't be taken for granted.
One interesting aspect of the decision is Youkilis' explanation of playing each position. While common thought is that playing first base requires less effort than at third, Youkilis dispels that notion.
"First base is a lot of work, too," he wrote in his "diary" for ESPN.com. "You have to hold on runners who are shuffling off the base. People always think it's more strenuous to play third, but in my mind, it's more strenuous to play first base because you're holding on runners, going to get cutoffs and relays. … I think it's just as hard at first base because you're always moving around, moving at different angles, and covering the base on throws. Whereas third base, you might get one ball hit to you all game and you don't even move."
While neither position is clearly easy, Youkilis doesn't seem to be worried about it in the least.
"I love both positions," he wrote. "I'm happy to play wherever. Throw me in, I'm ready to play."
That's good to know, but where would you put him?
Share your thoughts below.
Tuesday, Sept. 28: Which Red Sox player would make the best politician?
