http://tinyurl.com/7v6mom
A few weeks back, Red Sox first baseman Kevin Youkilis offered to answer a
few questions from the The Bottom Line. Bottom Line readers had a chance to
submit their questions before we sent the off to Youk. Here are is answers:
Note: The "Teixeira Sweepstakes" were in high gear and Youk was still working
on a contract extension when we sent these questions over, but for obvious
reasons, Youk was unable to dicuss anything related to his contract status or
how the Tiexiera situation was effecting the negotiations...
Dustin Pedroia just signed a six-year, $40.5 million extension that will keep
him with the Red Sox through at least 2014. Many of us are expecting the Red
Sox to offer you a long term deal as well. Have the Red Sox made you an
offer? Are you interested is staying in Boston long term?
I would love to play my entire career with the Red Sox, but a player doesn't
have complete control of how that turns out. Sorry, but I won't get into the
specifics of contract negotiations.
The Yankees had their worst season in recent memory last year, but they just
added C.C. Sabathia to the rotation. Do you think Sabathia makes them a World
Series contender again?
I think it's safe to say, with the additions of C.C., Burnett, Swisher and
Teixeira, that the Yankees will be a force. We'll be ready to deal with it.
Along those same lines, the AL East has changed quite a bit recently, most
notably with the Rays winning the East last year. Who do you think will
present the biggest challenge in the race for the AL East division title in
2009?
I'm sure it will be a tough battle all the way. Tampa Bay, the Yankees and us
have all had success, and Toronto's pretty good, too, and Baltimore also has
some excellent, young players.
What is your favorite part about playing at Fenway Park? Also, is there
anything you don't like about playing at Fenway?
The atmosphere at Fenway is the greatest, and I love everything about the
place. If Fenway had more seats, the atmosphere would be even better!
How difficult is it to prepare for a game physically and mentally when the
position you play can change from game to game?
I really don't worry about that, and feel completely comfortable at either
1st or 3rd. I want to be a Gold Glove caliber defender at either spot.
You've also hit in various spots in the lineup throughout your career. How
did you handle the added pressure of replacing Manny in the cleanup spot this
year?
I really never thought about replacing Manny. He's a sure Hall of Fame
player. I just try to have good at bats, and get the job done wherever I hit.
Do you have a spot in the batting order that you prefer most?
Anywhere in the middle of the order is fine with me. We've got a lot of
productive hitters, so Tito just has to figure out each day what's best in
any given situation.
You have a very unique batting stance. Could you give us some details on the
origin? And could you explain how the "separated hands" grip you use helps
your approach at the plate?
I've never really studied it in front of a mirror or anything like that, but
just go with what's comfortable for me. Things like the hands have just kind
of evolved without any planning.
This past season was full of career bests for you: .312 BA, 29 HR, 115 RBI...
but your numbers have typically faded in the second half. Did you do
something different in the pre-season or during the season this year to make
sure you didn't "burn out."
I didn't do anything different, but just didn't have any of the little,
nagging injuries that I'd had to play through in the past. I work hard every
off-season to be in the best possible shape, and just was able to carry it
through the season a little better last year. Plus, I was a little more
aggressive in certain counts and game situations, and that helped my power
and productivity numbers.
Speaking of routines... Do you have any unusual habits or superstitions that
are part of your pre-game routine?
Not really. I just try to stick with what's going good...try not to change
things that are working.
What pitcher on the Red Sox would you least like to face as a hitter? Also,
have you ever tried to hit Wake's knuckleball?
All the Red Sox pitchers fear me more than I fear them...Ha Ha! Wakefield's a
nightmare though!
What was your favorite moment from the 2008 season?
I'd have to say that getting elected as the American League's starting 1st
baseman in the All-Star Game, and playing in the final All-Star Game at
Yankee Stadium was something I'll cherish forever.
Do you have a favorite moment in your career?
The feeling I had the moment we won the 2007 World Series has to be the
all-time best. I can't wait to have that same feeling again!
How would you encourage an aspiring 4th grader? My son has hopes for major
league play.
The most important thing for me is to work hard in school, and on your
baseball skills, and to make sure you always have fun playing the game. Enjoy
the game, and working hard to get batter at it, and the rest will fall into
place.
We know there are some pranksters on the team... were there any particularly
memorable pranks or funny moments from this past season?
Probably nothing that was PG-rated enough to detail here!
Most Red Sox fans have heard of the SlumpBuster, the drink with the naughty
name that you promoted this season. Let's be honest: You DID know that meant,
right, Youk?
I'm not going to tell you that I'd never heard that connotation before, but
that's not what it meant to me. It's an energy boost to get yourself or your
team going.
What do you think of the new logo and uniforms?
They'll hopefully bring us a lot of good luck and help us win a lot of games,
and, if so, then I'll love them!
A pair of your game-worn underwear was recently auctioned off on ebay. Were
you aware of this? Also, last we checked Josh Beckett's pair were going for
twice as much as yours... thoughts?
The fans of this game never cease to amaze me! Beckett only uses his once
every 5 days, so they had to be a little newer looking!
Your beard became a bit of an icon this season. Some of the readers think it
may be the source of your success - true or false?
I wish success was that easy! If that were the case, I'd probably try to pull
off a Rip Van Winkle beard!
You recently shaved your beard for charity... will you grow it back from the
2009 season?
We'll see what feels right when the time comes. I haven't had a lot of time
to think about it yet.
And, since it is the holiday season... has anyone ever told you that the
beard makes you look a lot like Yukon Cornelius from Rudolph the Red-nosed
Reindeer?
No one's ever told me that! He's a legendary figure, though, so I guess it's
OK.
Thanks to Kevin Youkilis and his agent Joe Bick for taking the time to answer
these questions. I know I speak for all Red Sox fans when I wish Youk and the
team the best in 2009!
--
※ 發信站: 批踢踢實業坊(ptt.cc)
◆ From: 140.112.5.3