Third baseman Kevin Youkilis was rumored to be traded for quite some time. One of the more common rumors was that he would be traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks for left-handed starting pitcher Joe Saunders. In the end, Boston traded him to the Chicago White Sox for 25-year-old righthander Zach Stewart and utility player Brent Lillibridge.
↵This is a good thing. With Stephen Drew returning to the big league club from the disabled list on Wednesday (assuming all goes as expected), there is a lockjam already in the infield. Likely Josh Bell will be designated for assignment. Willie Bloomquist, John McDonald and Ryan Roberts would see time at third base and Drew with the others fighting for time at short.
↵Plus, if Arizona was looking for more hitting in their lineup, Youkilis seemed like a weird choice. He is batting .225 and has only played in 41 games this year.
↵With him off the market, everyone can search for something new. Trevor Bauer will probably start in the majors on Thursday, so Joe Saunder viably could become available again. there will undoubtedly be teams looking starting pitching help, and Saunders is on a one-year contract only.
↵What rumors will swirl around next? We will keep everyone posted.
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