Daily Notes | Kevin Youkilis' Change in Value

According to Red Sox beat writer Nick Cafardo, the White Sox and Indians are the most likely destinations for Kevin Youkilis while the Dodgers and Pirates, and what sounds like one other team. Here are the situations that would be best for Youk's fantasy value:

1. White Sox. This is also the most likely to happen, so Youk owners that are one click from dropping him should wait a little longer. According to ESPN Park Factors, U.S. Cellular Field is the third best park to hit this season. By comparison PNC Park, Dodger Stadium, and Progressive Field are all in the lower third of baseball for hitters. Of course Youk's numbers in 77 at-bats in U.S. Cellular don't support that it will be the best change of venue, but again that's 77 at-bats. Being in a lineup with Paul Konerko (AL batting leader) and Adam Dunn (MLB home run leader) will be beneficial regardless of where the White Sox decide to place him in the lineup.
2. Indians. This move would allow Youkilis to play baseball in the state he grew up in. It would be on the wrong side of the state, but certainly he would be comfortable. He would be out of a microscope that he has been under for almost the entire season. His numbers also aren't great in Cleveland over the course of his career, but at least he would stay in the AL in this deal. 
3. Dodgers. The Dodgers could use somebody to hit behind Andre Ethier and Matt Kemp when he returns. Youkilis would obviously benefit in the RBI department if that were the case as Kemp has shown the ability to be the best player in the game over the last two seasons. On the flip side, this move would be rather drastic for Youk. He would change leagues, coasts, and baseball cultures going from Boston to Los Angeles. Even for a player that is falling apart mentally this season, how much change is too much change?
4. Pirates. This would put Youkilis about 5 hours from where he grew up in Cincinnati and give him the opportunity to play against the Reds more often. Unfortunately distance from birth place is not a category in most fantasy leagues. Andrew McCutchen desperately needs a sidekick, and Youk could very well hit clean up if he were moved to the Pirates. All in all though the support around McCutchen would not lead to high RBI or run opportunities and the adjustments might be difficult to overcome.