Cafardo: Dodgers Scouting Kevin Youkilis

The actual scouting happened in Tuesday night's game, but it's just more assurance that the Los Angeles Dodgers are interested in at least finding out if Kevin Youkilis has something left to offer. It's no secret the Red Sox are attempting to trade him, and while the Dodgers are currently in first place in the National League West, they could use the offensive boost at either third or first base.

Los Angeles has James Loney at first base, and Juan Uribe has spent the most time of anyone at third this season. Dodgers' first basemen have hit just .254/.313/.358 as a whole, while their third basemen have the exact same OPS (671), while getting their similarly as well, at a .252/.317/.354 clip. It's easy to see, even with Youkilis' struggles in 2012, why the Dodgers would be intrigued by the possibility of acquiring a bat that's normally dependable for either of those positions as they attempt to extend their season into October. Ken Rosenthal has also discussed the Dodgers' interest in Youkilis, and even if one of Loney or Uribe steps it up, there would still be a place for Youk.

Youkilis, to his credit, did the things that the Dodgers were likely looking for. He had just one hit, but it was a hard-hit double to right. He didn't draw a walk, but he didn't strike out, either, and he spent time at both first and third base. It's not going to convince the Dodgers to take on his salary and give Boston a player back or anything, but it beats seeing him in the midst of his 0-fer stretch, too.