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Kevin Youkilis could soon be headed to the Red Sox' top rivals. Reports out of New York say that the unusually thrifty Yankees have offered the first baseman a 1-year, $12 million deal, leaving Youkilis with a decision to make between New York and Cleveland.
Oddly, it might be Cleveland that actually offers Youkilis the most financial incentive. The Indians have been pressing hard to make a move in the last few days, and while they came up shy on Shane Victorino (who they wanted to get as much for his talents as to drive up the price on Shin-Soo Choo), with Youkilis they might have the extra edge needed to bring him in. Not only is Youkilis from Ohio (albeit Cincinnati rather than Cleveland), but according to Joel Sherman, the Indians are also offering him two years to New York's one.
Still, if the siren call of contention brings Youkilis to the Bronx, we'll be met with the newest edition of stories about a Red Sox favorite in New York, and wondering about the reaction of the Boston crowd to a player that switched sides.
I can't wait.