Kevin Youkilis inked a one-year contract worth $3 million to avoid arbitration today:

Youkilis had come in far from the number offered by the team. He asked for $3.7 million, while the team offered $2.525 million. Last season the Red Sox ended up renewing his contract at $424,500. Relievers Kyle Snyder and Javier Lopez were the other Sox players who were eligible for arbitration this off-season. Lopez signed for $840,000. Snyder exchanged numbers with the Sox before signing a one-year contract for $835,000.

Great signing. I'm sure Youkilis would have liked a long-term contract but at this point the Red Sox aren't ready to offer that. Soon, though, I'm sure. Youkilis was still slotted in to be our first baseman in 2007 before this signing, but here's how the lineup looks now:

C Jason Varitek

1B Kevin Youkilis

2B Dustin Pedroia

3B Mike Lowell

SS Julio Lugo

LF Manny Ramirez

CF Jacoby Ellsbury

RF JD Drew

DH David Ortiz BN Sean Casey

BN Alex Cora

BN Bobby Kielty

BN Doug Mirabelli

BN Coco Crisp

I like it ... so I'll take it. I think this team is pretty solid heading into spring training. Our bench is strong as well, but I think we could use some upgrades if the options come about.