The rumors and the denials are flying like baseballs off the bat of Red Sox slugger Kevin Youklis.
A day after CBSSports.com reported Thursday that the Red Sox are telling teams they definitely intend to trade Youkilis Boston GM Ben Cherington knocked down the story Friday.
"Thats inaccurate," Cherington told Boston's WEEI.com. "Some teams have checked in on him. We havent told any teams we plan to trade him. Its our job to listen if teams have interest. Hes swinging the bat well since coming off the D.L. and (is) a big part of our team and lineup."
Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Bay Area and California sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.
RELATED: Youklis statssplitsgame logs
According to CBS Sports, the Dodgers are interested in Youkilis and The Boston Globe reported that the Giants and Diamondbacks could be part of the discussions. The Reds, Phillies and Indians have also been mentioned as possible destinations.
Should the Giants inquire about the 33-year-old as a solution to their offensive woes at first base? Are you concerned that he could end up with the Dodgers?
Youklis, who has struggled to stay healthy, is earning 12 million this season. In 2013, the first and third baseman's contract has a team option for 13 million, with a 1 million buyout.Youkilis, a three-time All-Star, is hitting .250 this season in 96 at-bats after missing three weeks with a back injury.