Joe Bick, the agent for Red Sox first baseman Kevin Youkilis, has told The Boston Globe's Adam Kilgore that his client and the Red Sox are far apart in their discussions on a long-term contract and will not come to terms before the start of the new season. Youkilis, who is not eligible for free agency until the end of the 2010 season, will now decide between signing a one-year contract and going to arbitration.

Youkilis is 29 years old, just one year older than first baseman Mark Teixeira, who will make $170 million over the next eight years with the Yankees. Youkilis made $3 million last season and ended up finishing third in the American League MVP voting.

Bick also reported that Youkilis has accepted an offer to play in the World Baseball Classic.