MLB: Pirates have called Red Sox about fading IF Kevin Youkilis?

From an inquiry standpoint, GM Neal Huntington has been active on the phones for the second straight year and showing interest in taking on salary.

According to Fox Sports Ken Rosenthal, the Pirates have inquired about 33 year old corner infielder Kevin Youkilis (.231 – 4 HR – 13 RBI) who is falling out of favor in Boston and appears to be on the downside of his career.

Youkilis coming off a disappointing 2011 season where he batted .258 with 17 home runs in 2011, is hitting just .231 this season with 4 home runs and 13 RBI’s. His days of being a regular .300 hitter appear to be over and he comes with a high price tag.

Youkilis is in the fourth year of a four-year, $41.125 million contract. He’s due $12 million this season and has a $13 million club option in 2013 with a $1 million buyout. He doesn’t have a no trade clause that would prevent the Pirates from acquiring him.

Youkilis has started 27 games at third base and 11 games at first base this season. His .686 OPS is better than Pirates corner infielders Pedro Alvarez (.665) and Casey McGehee (.593).