MLB Rumors: Will New York Yankees Sign Yankee Killer Mark Reynolds Or Kevin Youkilis?

The New York Yankees were not thought to have been a team in need of a third baseman, figuring Alex Rodriguez and his massive contract (and even more massive ego) were almost impossible to move. But following the news that A-Rod now needs surgery on his other hip and will miss at least the first month or two or three of the 2013 MLB season, the Yankees are in the market for a player to handle the hot corner duties. Could that mean bringing in Yankee killer Mark Reynolds or Kevin Youkilis? You know what they say. If you can’t beat them, join them? In this case, if you can’t beat them, make them join you. Reynolds would be the better fit in this lineup as a power hitter who either hits home runs or strikes out. I am not saying that is how teams should build their lineups, but it is clearly one with which New York has become comfortable. But he will also likely come as a more expensive option in comparison to Youkilis, and the Yankees’ brass is intent on lowering payroll, meaning Reynolds may have to accept a one year deal loaded with incentives if he wishes to sign with New York. Yankees’ fans would like to see him either on their team, or at least out of the American League East. As a member of the Baltimore Orioles, especially late last season, it seemed as if Reynolds was hitting two home runs per game against New York as the two battled it out for the division. New York also talked with Jeff Keppinger, only to watch him sign with the Chicago White Sox. They considered bringing back Eric Chavez, but he opted to sign with the Arizona Diamondbacks. That took out a pair of options that seemed attractive at an affordable rate entering this week of the Winter GM Meetings in Nashville. Of course, there is still one other way the Yankees could go, although many fans may not be on board with this thought. New York could consider bringing in another former Yankee killer in Kevin Youkilis, most recently of the White Sox, but known for his days with the contemptable Boston Red Sox. During the heated rivalry with Boston last decade, there was perhaps no more hated member of the Red Sox than Youkilis. Could he actually join the likes of Derek Jeter and company in the same locker room? It would be strange to see, but not outside the realm of possibilities. Certainly, Reynolds and Youkilis are not the only options remaining, but they may be the most tempting. The Yankees could inquire about a trade for a third baseman or decide to go with someone in house, but it is likely that they will at least kick the tires on signing either Reynolds or Youkilis, a pair of known Yankee killers, to fill in for Rodriguez, a current Yankee failure.       The post MLB Rumors: Will New York Yankees Sign Yankee Killer Mark Reynolds Or Kevin Youkilis? appeared first on Hardball Chat Baseball Blog.