BOSTON — Comparing playing baseball in Chicago to Boston, Kevin Youkilis used the word that has been used so many times since the September collapse.
“I would say there’s less drama all around,” Youkilis said. “No offense to you guys, but there’s always a story. With us, it’s just go about the game, you play, it’s over with. You get a question. But there’s no drama and questions all the time. It’s just fun. We’re also second fiddle to the Cubs.”
Youkilis had a tremendous return to Fenway Park Monday. He went 3 for 4 with two doubles and one run. And fans greeted him with a roaring ovation.
Despite Youkilis’ effort, his old club, the Red Sox, beat his new club, the White Sox, 5-1 at Fenway Park.
Youkilis, who was traded to the White Sox in exchange for utility man Brent Lillibridge and pitcher Zach Stewart on June 24, is batting .323 with (21 for 65) with three homers, four doubles, and 15 RBIs in 17 games for the White Sox.
Obviously, a change of scenery can help a slumping player. Youkilis has more RBIs for the White Sox than he did in 25 more games with Boston this season.
It’s fair to say that Chicago made out better than Boston in the trade. Lillibridge was designated for assignment before yesterday’s game after going 2 for 16 in a Red Sox uniform. Meanwhile, Stewart has a 3.74 ERA in four starts for Triple-A Pawtucket, but opposing hitters have batted .292 against him.
Youkilis and Valentine didn’t like each other, and Youkilis really was furious when Valentine publicly called out his emotional and physical commitment during April.
Valentine told reporters during this past weekend in Tampa Bay: “I think the comment I made early, he made a big issue out of. And I don’t think he ever wanted to get over it.”
Youkilis’ poor relationship with Valentine made him bitter and that negatively affected his play. He batted just .233 in 42 games for Boston.
Youkilis wouldn’t comment at all about Valentine.
”I’m just here to play baseball,” Youkilis said. “There’s no Bobby V vs. Kevin Youkilis or vice versa. It’s about the Chicago White Sox playing the Boston Red Sox and just playing baseball.”
