NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Kevin Youkilis may be the most talked about free agent third baseman, but his representative isnt in a rush to complete a deal.
Agent Joe Bick arrived at the winter meetings on Monday and stayed away from specifics as he discussed Youkilis. The White Sox and Philadelphia Phillies are believed to have the most interest in Youkilis, who had 15 homers and 46 RBIs after came to South Side in a trade in late June.
But Bick remained vague as he talked about when or where his client will land and how much it will take to get him there, aside for an allowance that Youkilis is also open to playing first base.
Whatever it takes to get the right deal in place, Bick said. Certainly everybody would rather have it happen sooner than later, but it doesnt always work out that way. Were prepared to do a deal when the right deal is there.
Youkilis played through several bumps and bruises after he joined the White Sox last season.
He appeared in 80 of the teams 90 games after the June 24 trade brought him over from the Boston Red Sox even though he had bursitis in his right knee and battled several other nagging injuries.
But Bick said his client is in good health for the first time in three offseasons. Youkilis had surgery on his thumb at the conclusion of the 2010 seasons and underwent hernia surgery after 2011.
Its the best that hes been in several years, Bick said. Completely healthy. The good news is he hasnt spent a minute this winter rehabbing anything. Feels good. Feels strong. Everything is going great.
Youkilis, 33, said in early October he believed his health is on the right track.
Hopefully I have some good years to still play the game, Youkilis said. I hope to play a few more years and hopefully good quality years of playing.