Per @HighHeatStats on Twitter, the Kevin Youkilis era of the Boston Red Sox concluded one year ago today. It’s strange to look back and think about how much Youkilis was around for and how quickly he became irrelevant.
The Red Sox traded Kevin Youkilis 1 year ago today. Since then, with CHW & NYY: 108 games, 15 2B, 17 HR, 54 RBI, .232/.335/.403 – below avg
— High Heat Stats (@HighHeatStats) June 24, 2013
When Kevin Youkilis was called up to the Red Sox in May of 2004, Moneyball mania was in full swing. The Red Sox were coming off a disastrous 2003 ALCS and the batting champion, third baseman Bill Mueller, was on the disabled list. Youkilis was a savior, and excitement, and a bit of a worry because Mueller had made such an impression the previous season. I still remember I had a friend who was doing a summer semester in Greece and was freaking out when he got back that Youkilis had been called up.
Youkilis was around for both World Series runs, played in three All-Star Games, and showed Boston fans what he could do at first base and third base. You could even say “Youk knows third AND Youk knows first.”
Now that he’s back on the disabled list with back surgery, the end may be near for Youkilis. If so, he would finish with a career .281/.382/.478 line, 104 hit by pitches, and 539 walks.