The deal is through 2012 with an option for 2013 and the price tag is reportedly $41.3 million. And the winner is, hear the drum roll, first baseman Kevin Youkilis — and the Boston Red Sox.
Youkilis was eligible for salary arbitration this year. The announcement of the deal last week ends the need for that and solidifies the right side of the infield with Dustin Pedroia at second.
There is nothing wrong with that combo, and Pedroia just entered into a six-year extension.
Youkilis had a career year in 2008 and that is always a dangerous place from which to negotiate a contract if you are the Sox. However, in Youkilis’ case, the risk is minimal.
His first full year in the majors was in 2006 and he has steadily improved his game since.
The Elias Sports Bureau ranks players for MLB as to overall value and Youkilis ranked 11th in the AL among all outfielders, DHs and first basemen.
He was third among first basemen in the AL behind only Justin Morneau and Carlos Pena.
Youkilis also finished third in the AL MVP balloting and carried the Sox for parts of the season when David Ortiz and Mike Lowell were hurt.
He is a modern-day “see-a-ton-of-pitches” hitter who has moved from being in the No. 2 hole to a middle-of-the-lineup RBI player.
Youkilis won the Henry Aaron Award this year as the AL’s best hitter. He said at the presentation ceremony, “I don’t see myself winning these awards.” In doing so, though, he said he “felt like a kid again.”
That is one of the very positive parts of Youkilis. He plays with a kid’s energy and enjoyment of the game but with the focus and drive of a professional.
That is one reason the risk of signing him to a long-term deal is minimal. He is going to play the game the same way after he inks the contract as he did before.
“This year I think I turned the corner a lot,” said Youkilis reflecting back on 2008. “They [the Red Sox] saw me as a guy who could drive in some runs and protect guys in the lineup.”
He likes that.
Youkilis says all he wants to do now is improve.
As for the odd-looking maneuvers he goes through at the plate preparing to hit, he just smiles. He told me last summer he has no idea whey he runs a hand up the bat, which is cocked over his head at an odd angle, as he gets set in the box.
As a star for the Sox, he realizes kids all over New England are trying to imitate his moves. He would rather that not be the case.
“Don’t have your kids hit like me,” he said with a smile at the Aaron ceremony. “Tell them to hit like J.D. Drew.”
The Sox clearly don’t care how he gets set in the box. It’s what happens when that bat starts moving, and that has been good enough for a new deal that looks just fine, thank you.