Youkilis isn't playing out of position at third base, he's played nearly half his professional career as a third baseman. Between the majors and minors he's played 559 games at 3B. He's played 634 at first. And IIRC, when he came up through the system his defense at third base was considered to be top-tier quality defense. Youkilis + Gonzalez > Youkilis + Beltre. EDIT: Also I find it very Chicken Little-ish that Papelbon was one of the most dominating relievers over the previous 5 years, but he has one less than stellar year and already the team, media, and fans are calling for him to be traded, cut, whatever. His ERA+ prior to last season was 255. He put up a 112 ERA+ last season which is still above average. Not up to snuff with his previous numbers, but still not atrocious, but I find it odd that people are ready to give up on him despite being an incredible closer the previous 4 seasons. Yeah, he costs a lot of money, but that's the price you pay, and if he bounces back then it makes the large payment a little easier to swallow.