Baseball Musings
Baseball Musings
May 07, 2006
Setting the Table

Kevin Youkilis and Mark Loretta combined to get on base seven times today, scoring four runs in the process as the Red Sox defeated the Orioles 10-3. Given Youkilis' three year record now of getting on base, I wonder why the Red Sox did not find a place for him sooner. At 27, he's at the peak of his prowess. While he'll certainly be good for a number of years, the Red Sox missed out on his full peak value.


Posted by David Pinto at 05:34 PM | On Base | TrackBack (0)
Comments

With the big Millar/Olerud hole at first last year, it seems like they should have worked on converting Youkilis to first last year, instead of hauling him up and down the Pawtucket express. I guess there were some doubts about his OBP translating to the major leagues, or his ability to adjust defensively, which this year, so far, has put to rest.

Posted by: Hunter at May 7, 2006 05:50 PM

Until this year Youkilis has been a third baseman. The Red Sox had a solid third baseman the past few years in Bill Mueller, and aleady had problems with Millar ripping Francona to the media whenever not getting the start at first base. A team/manager so players first and putting emphasis on team 'chemistry' the Red Sox did not yet have a full time role for Youkilis despite obviously being major league ready and a fan favorite.

Posted by: Mike at May 7, 2006 06:02 PM

You're right, Mike...but it still sucks to wonder what may have been if Youk had been playing first for most of 05. You have to think he'd have been worth an extra couple wins over Millar/Olerud...which may have meant the division. Oh well, at least they made the right move this year.

Posted by: the other josh at May 7, 2006 08:31 PM

Doesn't Bill James work for the Red Sox? You'd think he would be one of the Greek god of walks' biggest fans. Maybe James was crusading for him but others in the organization didn't quite know what OBP was.

Still, a career .441 OBP in the minors should have made it clear to everybody that Youkilis was an ideal leadoff hitter. Funny thing, the Sox might replace him in the one-hole with Crisp when the overrated Coco returns.

Posted by: Casey Abell at May 7, 2006 09:09 PM

millar had better hair and better quotes to the media and that's what's important.

besides look how tough it is to switch from 3rd base to first -

Posted by: lisa gray at May 8, 2006 09:31 AM
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