Many Yankees fans expressed outrage when the team signed former Boston Red Sox third baseman Kevin Youkilis this offseason. When he gave his first interview of spring training on Thursday, Youkilis did nothing to help himself in the eyes of the fans. Instead, the veteran third baseman's comments may instead have him well on his way to being one of the most despised players in pinstripes.
“To negate all the years I played for the Boston Red Sox and all the tradition, you look at all the stuff I have piled up at my house, to say I’d just throw it out the window, that’s not true,” Youkilis told reporters on Thursday. “I’ll always be a Red Sock.”
“It was great years in Boston,” continued Youkilis. “One bad half-year doesn’t take away from all the great years I had there and all the good things I’ve been able to do along the way and accomplish as a team, as an individual. It was great.”
As much as fans may not want to hear it, you have to respect Youkilis for his sincerity. Instead of trying to win over the fans by denouncing the Red Sox, Youkilis was honest about his time there, even if it further infuriates a fan base that has already indicated that it is difficult to root for him.
Youkilis spent eight and a half seasons manning third base for the Boston Red Sox, and was a key player on two World Series championship teams. He was traded to the Chicago White Sox early in the 2012 season, partially because of differences with manager Bobby Valentine, and partially to make way for top prospect Will Middlebrooks.
When Youkilis spoke to the New York Daily News’ Mark Feinsand Friday morning, he did note that, “I'll be proud to be a Yankee for life after this year, too.”
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