Yankees Still Waiting On Youkilis; Indians Nab Reynolds
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) — The Yankees have put their own offseason twist on a classic Abbott and Costello routine: "Teixeira's on first, Cano's on second and I Don't Know's on third."
Seeking a stopgap at third base with Alex Rodriguez expected to miss a chunk of next season, the Yankees were left watching Sunday night as another option came off the board.
The Indians have agreed to a one-year contract with Mark Reynolds, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal is pending a physical.
But that could be good news in New York's pursuit of free-agent corner infielder Kevin Youkilis. The Indians were considered the Bombers' top threat for his services.
The Dodgers and Mariners have also been linked to Youkilis.
Joe Bick, Youkilis' agent, told the New York Daily News on Sunday that his client is "in the process of considering options" and "giving serious consideration to the Yankees." Last week, Youkilis said he was weighing some "good choices" without getting into specifics.
Reynolds will play first base for the Indians, who plan to go with Lonnie Chisenhall at third, WFAN and CBSSports.com baseball insider Jon Heyman reported.
The Indians reportedly wooed Youkilis with a two-year package, and new manager Terry Francona personally reached out to one of his former players, hoping to bring him to Cleveland. Now it appears he's out of their plans.
Youkilis reportedly received a one-year, $12 million offer from New York. Traded from the Red Sox to the Chicago White Sox in June, he hit a career-low .235 with 19 home runs and 60 RBIs in 122 games.
The Yankees need a bat at third with A-Rod to undergo surgery to repair a tear in his left hip. Targets Eric Chavez and Jeff Keppinger both came off the board last week.
The 28-year-old Reynolds batted .221 with 23 home runs 69 RBIs in 135 games for the Orioles. Although he strikes out too much — he fanned 159 times in 457 at-bats last season — he has 181 career homers in six seasons in the majors. Reynolds played four seasons with Arizona before he was traded to Baltimore in 2010.
Reynolds has struck out more than 200 times in three different seasons.
Yankees fans -- did you want Reynolds over Youk? Let us know in the comments below!
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