This pic kinda just makes me want to go "YYYYYOOOOOUUUUUKKKKK!" (AP Photo)
Good news for both Red Sox fans and Kevin Youkilis as the bearded first baseman avoided arbitration and got a very hefty, and deserved, pay raise. Yes, the Sox have used their ability to spend money over the last few seasons, however Youk's a prime example as to why it's so much better to have the talent come from the minor league system.
Youkilis, who basically played a flawless 1B and contributed quite nicely with his bat made a total of $424,500 last season, allotting the Sox to spend in other areas. Now yes, if you or I made that salary we'd be pretty happy, but in the baseball world, that's a bargain basement price. But damn, Youk's paid his dues since 2003 with the Sox. He's made that trip up 95 from Pawtucket quite a few times, and the Gold Gloven pitches per plate appearance machine is getting his just due. And the thing is, that even at $3 million, it still seems like a steal for the talents he brings to the table. I mean his back-up is going to be making $8 million next season...pretty wacky stuff.
Plus the best part about this is that it's like a triple threat. We not only get Youklis the man, we also get that sweaty nasty assed beard, and an intensity that's only rivaled by K.G. Good news indeed Boston.
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