Youkilis keeps Red Sox rolling
Kevin Youkilis has proven over the last couple of season that he is the Red Sox' most productive slugger. While the likes of David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez brought Boston their two World Series titles this past decade, Youkilis has proven that he is no slouch as he bats cleanup for the Sox and has emerged as a fan favourite and fits in just fine in Bean Town.
Youkilis helped the Red Sox to their sixth World Series in 2007 as he batted before David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez. Since Ramirez was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers, Youkilis has batted cleanup and done a fine job too.
In 2008, Youkilis batted a .312 and smacked 29 home runs and had 115 runs batted in. He was also a candidate for the MVP award.
Last season as the cleanup hitter, he knocked home 27 home runs in 135 games, was at .305 average and 95 RBIs. Once again he was a candidate for the AL MVP award.
Beginnings in his hometown
Youkilis played at the University of Cincinnati, in his hometown. UC coach Brian Cleary recruited Youkilis but takes no credit for seeing his potential: “I looked at him and said, Well, we need somebody," said Cleary. "I'd love to tell you I saw something no one else did, but he was just better than what we had."
The slugger majored in Finance and was a terrific player for the Bearcats from 1998-2001.
“He coaches himself. He knows his swing. Any time we said anything to him, he was already a step ahead. He made the adjustments he had to make. I just think he's a really smart guy who had a great feel for what he had to do," said Cleary.
Youkilis set some school records. In 2000, he hit three home runs in one game and 19 for the season. He also finished his career with 56 home-runs, 206 walks, a .627 slugging percentage, a .499 on-base percentage and a .366 batting average, all school records.
He was drafted eighth overall in 2001 by the Boston Red Sox in 2001. Some saw him as a risky pick in the first round, questioning his power with wood and his defensive play. His build was also bizarre as he was heavy, and had a weird stance. But bottom line is he can play.
Youkilis spent three years in the minors and was seen as a very smart batter but not seen as a power hitter and a little sluggish at third base.
The complete package
Since his time in Boston, Youkilis has answered any doubters wrong and he is a dynamic baseball player. He is the complete package, as he does have power; he swings mostly at strikes and can alternate between playing at first and third base.
In 2007, Youkilis was vital in the Red Sox run to the World Series. In the ALCS against the Indians, Youkilis pelted three home runs, and recorded 14 hits, tying an LCS record and scored 10 runs breaking the old record.
In the World Series, Terry Francona made the most difficult decision in baseball as he had to go without a DH in Colorado and had to decide whether to bench 120 RBI man Mike Lowell, 117 RBI man David Ortiz or the red-hot Youkilis. Youkilis was the odd man out but didn’t complain, saying he was happy as long as the team won. Youkilis was inserted late in games three and four as the Red Sox swept the Colorado Rockies for the World Series.
“Youk” has a good home in Boston and his versatility is a great weapon for the Red Sox. He is a warrior and the bald-and-goatee look is one of the most beloved looks in Bean-Town. Youkilis looks to continue to be the slugger of Boston and lead the Red Sox to more championships.
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