Fantasy Baseball: Should You Be Concerned with Kevin Youkilis?

Obviously, Bobby Valentine is concerned with the way that Kevin Youkilis has started. Should fantasy owners share the same concern?

Youkilis is hitting just .184 on the year with a .528 OPS. Plus, The Greek God of Walks has just three walks on the year with 13 strikeouts. Obviously there is some cause for concern. Youk only has two extra-base hits to make matters worse.

Given his age and injury history, there is every reason for fantasy owners to be fearful that their draft pick won’t deliver on his promise. He missed a game earlier this week with a sore groin, so that concern is real.

Youk has shown some signs of life, though, including hitting his first home run on the season on Wednesday. Thursday’s day off will not only allow him to rest his body, but it will also give him a mini-break from the drama that is circling the Red Sox’s dugout.

Another good sign is the production Youk has had in his last seven games. He’s hitting .269 over the stretch after starting the season hitless in 12 at-bats. He’s been even better of late, hitting .278 with all of his seven runs and five RBI in his last five games.

Youk is a big-time hitter. I’m more concerned with him staying healthy than producing. As long as he is on the field, I trust that he’ll turn things around.

This is a good time to see if you can land him if he has a scared owner. If you can get him at a discount, it’s a good gamble.

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