Youkilis set to rejoin Epstein, Hoyer in Cubs' front office

MESA, Ariz. -- Kevin Youkilis was in Cubs camp on Wednesday, and was expected to be named a special assistant to president of baseball operations Theo Epstein and general manager Jed Hoyer, whom he knows well from their days together with the Red Sox.

Youkilis, 35, would join former big league pitcher Ryan Dempster, who was named a special assistant in December.

Youkilis retired after the 2013 season. In 10 Major League seasons, including nine in Boston (2004-12), he compiled a .281 batting average, hit 150 home runs and tallied 618 RBIs. His .382 career on-base percentage ranks 156th on baseball's all-time list.

He was expected to have similar duties as Dempster, which include spending time with the Cubs in Spring Training, visiting the Minor League affiliates during the season, evaluating amateur players leading up to the First-Year Player Draft and performing professional scouting assignments.