"They do not prefer the scenario to play out, but if the Red Sox [team stats] cannot re-sign free agent Adrian Beltre, they are prepared to move first baseman Kevin Youkilis [stats] to third base, general manager Theo Epstein said yesterday.

"It's something we've had dialogue with him about over the years, including recently, and he sees himself as a third baseman even though he's played more first base than third base in his major league career," Epstein said during a conference call yesterday. "He's maintained a lot of the skills that are required to play the position.

"He's got really good instincts over there, more than anything. He's played that position more by instinct than by pure athleticism, (and) he still maintains that, the ability to read hops and make plays. We'd be comfortable if we had to move Youk over to third. He would do a fine job defensively and his offense would certainly be outstanding for that position.""