Kevin Youkilis, A Red in '13?

Cincinnati native and Boston Red Sox 3B Kevin Youkilis revealed some interesting insights during a recent interview with ESPN's Joe McDonald.  The 32-year old talked about his past, present and future with Boston -- a future that may include playing for the very team he grew up rooting for.    

"If I were to go anywhere, I would want to go to Cincinnati and play in front of my parents at home...I think it would be really cool for my dad and my mom, but especially for my dad, growing up in Cincinnati, that would be a real cool thing," says Youkilis.

Youkilis starred locally at both
Sycamore High School & the
University of Cincinnati before
starring in the pros.

The 3-time All-Star and 2-time World Series Champion added "If it wasn't Boston, I would want to play in Cincinnati just to say that I did it.....I grew up rooting for them. I used to be bitter towards the Reds because they didn't draft me, but that bitterness is gone. It would be fun and it would be for my family."

Given the fact that he's signed only through 2012 with a club option for '13, it's not far-fetched to imagine such a scenario unfolding.  The man currently occupying the hot corner for Cincy is Scott Rolen.  Rolen is only signed through the end of next season and if his injuries and lackluster on-field performance continue, could likely retire then. 

Unless a young prospect such as Todd Frazier, Juan Francisco or Yonder Alonso were to grab the position between now and 2013, it's probable the organization could be in search for a free agent to fill the hole in the 2013 offseason.  And that player just might be one of the Queen City's own in Youkilis.

Youkilis is currently hitting .270 with 16 HRs and 76 RBIs for the division-leading Red Sox.  He boasts a .291 career average & .393 OBP in 8 big league seasons.