Bobby Valentine speaks openly about Kevin Youkilis – MLB News
The former Boston Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine and Kevin Youkilis do not enjoy good memories. Some say during the 2012 Major League Baseball season, Youkilis and Valentine had tough exchange of words which later prompted Youkilis’ trade into Chicago White
Sox.
Now since Valentine has been fired from the Red Sox job, he tried to explain what went really wrong in his and Youkilis’ relationship. Youkilis on the other hand, has also signed a new deal with the New York Yankees after playing well in the Chicago White
Sox.
“All of his issues in Boston well preceded me, Look at the innocuous things I said. Those weren’t the issues. They were made to be. It wasn’t a good fit there and he got to go somewhere else. I don’t think it is more complicated than that,” Valentine said.
Youkilis started his career in 2004 with the Red Sox and showed great performances for many years. However, when Youkilis was traded into Chicago White Sox, he personally did not like this move by the Red Sox management.
“I thought he was great, He is a competitor. A lot of what you saw with the Red Sox is what you get. He comes ready to play every day. He has a grinder mentality. He never takes anything for granted or gives in on anything,” Chicago White Sox manager Robin
Ventura also said for Youkilis.
Overall Youkilis was doing quite well when he was traded. However, at the end of 2012 Major League Baseball season, he maintained his valour and finished with great numbers.
He hit with a hitting average of .235 along with 19 home runs, 60 RBIs and .336 OBP. Not only in 2012 season, but overall his eight-year career has also seen many good performances. His career hitting average of .283 along with 148 home runs, 610 RBIs and
.384 OBP also makes him a good role.
Youkilis now has signed with the Yankees and hoping a great new beginning with them. Experts believe that this will also help Youkilis to stay on top of his game for future seasons.
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