In Michael Lewis' Moneyball, we learn about the one player Billy Beane wanted more then anyone, but didn't end up with. He described this player as a pure baseball player, a lover of the game, and a workhorse. This player, is current Red Sox slugger Kevin Youkilis.
To take a term from hockey, Kevin Youkilis is a grinder. He goes out there day in and day out, and does all the little things that make a team better. He is hustling down the line on every hit, whether it's a liner in the gap, or a lazy pop-up to the infield. He is up against the railing, cheering for his teammates. And, he has great baseball facial hair.
Oh, and i forgot, he is a great ballplayer. He hits for power, isn't afraid to hit the outside pitch to the opposite field, and will play either hot corner with great defensive prowess (he broke the all-time record for consecutive error-less chances this season).
Kvin Youkilis, you rock (even though you're on the Red Sox).
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about 1 month ago
Okay, when he wins 2 out of the last 3 MVPs, maybe we can consider him ... wait. Pure? Is that a way around saying "the best?" IS that "Just For Men" beard color on his goatee? That isn't being very pure. Kidding. I like Youk, even though I am a life long Yankee Fan. I just dont know though, how can a first baseman be a grinder? A grinder is a work horse, mostly a pitcher or catcher. Sometimes you see that in the outfield too, a la Rowand. He is a great hitter, great glove too; but at first base. Not short. Not third (I know he was supposed to be a third, but was beat out by Lowell, your MVP).
I would think you would write this about Varitek, maybe Pedroia or Lowell. I dunno. Youk is clutch at times....but the purest? I dont know what that is, he certainly is not the best. Maybe he works hard, but no harder than Tek, thats for sure.
about 1 month ago
....all time errorless innings, AT FIRST BASE! i should point that out too. First base is not the hot corner. Third is. This cat is no Lou Gherig, I would stop treating him like one. He is a good player, gruff is a way to describe him, and I cant stand his facial colored hair...trim it down, before ya swallow the thing running one out, Youk! Now when he gets 190 RBI, like Gherig did, then I will take even more notice of him, though that AL East record will not be broken anytime soon.
about 1 month ago
I am a big Kevin Youkilis fan but, I don't know if he is the purest baseball player in the manner that you're discussing. He may be the purest in terms of playing the game the way it was meant to be played. He plays hard all the time and is always giving his best. He is certainly one of the more valuable players on the Red Sox right now, seeing as he has played both corner infield positions and has some experience in the outfield as well, and can hit in any part of the Red Sox lineup. Overall, Youk plays hard and has proved his worth to Red Sox fans over the course of his tenure. And remember, he deserves credit at first base because he set the errorless record, while having to deal with Julio Lugo's inability to play shortstop (haha).
about 1 month ago
I'll agree with that, though I think Tek has a tougher job just based on position alone. Good point about the outfield too, forgot about that. If I had to vote youre purest talent...Jacobi, Manny or Pappi, Beckett maybe too. All around would have to go to Jacobi though.
about 1 month ago
I like the way Youk plays, but I do not think he is the "purest" player today. I would give that honor to someone who can do everything, meaning, steal, throw, hit, field, hit for power. Youkilis covers a few of those areas, and does do all the little things, like cheer on the team, and keep spirits up with his effort. I think the purest player today might be someone like Hanley Ramirez or Chase Utley. If we were going back a few years I would have to say Larry Walker...I loved to watch Walker play because he always knew exactly what to to. He rarely made mistakes.
about 1 month ago
I may be mistaken about who said this, but I believe it was Tony LaRussa who said Larry walker was the "purest outfielder he had ever seen."
about 1 month ago
on Baseball Tonight today, Joe Morgan called Youkilis a special player, and "patiently aggressive".
about 1 month ago
Youkilis is just now being noticed? He is a very consistent hard working player and has always been. To say he is the purest depends on what you mean by pure. I would say he plays the game at it purest form, always paying attention to the fundamentals and always giving that little extra, to me that makes him better than most, but he is not the best player in the game.
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