Cherington: ‘Nothing going on' with Youkilis trade rumors

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No Red Sox hitter has been in trade talks more than Kevin Youkilis this season, and it won't go away anytime soon.

He's clearly in a rut at the plate, hitting just .219 at the plate with four home runs and 19 RBI this season. Youkilis missed time due to being hit in the rib cage, and his replacement, Will Middlebrooks has taken advantage of it. Middlebrooks is hitting .290 with six home runs and 22 RBI, looking every bit the player who will take over at third base on a permanent basis.

That being said, GM Ben Cherington doesn't see a trade coming anytime soon.

"The reality is there's nothing going on," Cherington said on 850 WEEI. "We've talked to teams about several things. Yeah, teams have called to check in on Youk. That was a while back, right before he went out on his rehab assignment."

Much has been made about Youkilis' reported attitude problems within the clubhouse as well.

"There' a lot about Kevin that you want on a team," Cherington said. "It's hard to see a guy like that who does care that much going through a tough time. We've got to support him and see him through the tough time. I'm confident he will be in a better place soon."

What -- or where -- that place is remains the question.

(ht ESPN Boston)

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