Kevin Youkilis: 10 Keys to Red Sox Star Staying Healthy for a Full Season

Kevin Youkilis is probably the biggest unknown for the Boston Red Sox in 2012, based on the fact that he plays way too hard for third base, and every play he puts in 200 percent effort when he only needs to put in 95 percent.

Youkilis is a gritty baseball player. While that is great to have on a team, sometimes it can hinder his performance—how can he stay healthy in 2012 if continues to play this hard?

Take It Down a Notch

Kevin Youkilis has a fun-loving attitude, but on the field he is all about laying out and sacrificing his body for the good of the Boston Red Sox. However, this is starting to get ridiculous based on his age and injured past.

Youkilis needs to focus less on making every play his best, and more on getting through the year with as many plate appearances as possible. There are times when his offense could carry the ballclub for weeks at a time.

Start off Hot

The better Kevin Youkilis does the first couple of months, the healthier he will be for the Boston Red Sox in 2012.

Youkilis needs to get off to a nice start with both home runs and batting average. This will take the pressure off of him to perform well throughout the whole season, and he won't be pressing for that clutch homer later in the season if he knows he still has the power to carry the team.

Play More DH

David Ortiz will need more days off since he is older. Kevin Youkilis could start at DH on some of the days that a tough lefty is on the mound to take the pressure off of himself and to limit his time at third base.

Youkilis may not want to just hit, but with his body getting older, it is only inevitable that his play at third base will only worsen over time.

Battle at the Plate

The Boston Red Sox are lucky to have Kevin Youkilis at the plate with a runner in scoring position, as he is one of those gritty players who will fight off tough pitchers and draw that walk with runners on first and second to load up the bases.

Youkilis fighting off pitches is something that can actually keep him healthy. Why is that?

Well, it keeps him on his toes about what makes his swing feel right, and helps him realize exactly what he needs to focus on when he does swing the bat. Doing something like this will keep him off the DL.

Play Some First Base

Kevin Youkilis is one of the best corner infielders in the game, and could probably still earn a Gold Glove at first. When Adrian Gonzalez needs a day off, Kevin Youkilis should take his place at first.

This way Youkilis can take a break from the hot corner and maybe recover some in order to be at the top of his game.

Take Days off

Kevin Youkilis needs to realize that he is getting older and he can't play defense like he did back when he was coming up as a third baseman.

The Boston Red Sox third baseman needs to take days off when he is feeling uneasy at the plate and when he feels soreness in his body—maybe not every time, but when it is necessary enough that it could impact his playing time.

Keep Walking

Kevin Youkilis has been called the "Greek God of walks" by Billy Beane, current GM of the Oakland Athletics, and that is exactly how he will stay in 2012.

The more walks that Youkilis takes, the less running to first base for the slugger. This leads to less wear and tear on his body through the year and a better season for the Boston Red Sox.

Hit Balls out of the Park

Another way to keep Kevin Youkilis from running too much is to have him hit it over the outfield fence.

Youkilis could still hit 30 homers if he was at the plate for a full season, and that would save him from injury if he could at least tally 28-to-30 home runs in 2012. The Boston Red Sox offense would also benefit with these extra longballs.

Stay Focused

Kevin Youkilis needs to remember that baseball is a team sport, and that he does not need to produce a three-run home run by himself with no one on base.

The Boston Red Sox need him to be the focal point in the offense, and if he is on the disabled list, then he can't help them win ballgames.

Youkilis is one of those players who will follow orders, but also will have fun with his teammates. Just focus on making it to the playoffs and everything will be fine.

Playoff Atmosphere

After the September collapse in 2011, Kevin Youkilis and many other Boston Red Sox players need to regain the playoff atmosphere in their approach. They need to all focus on making the playoffs in 2012, especially Youkilis.

What he needs to do is not let anything distract him and to think about winning another title. It may not be easy to stay on the field, but he needs to focus on conditioning and getting stronger in order to stay on the field longer.