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Soooo Loooong, Yoooouk!  

Kevin Youkilis came up to the majors in 2004 with the Red Sox where he played 72 games and stayed and played for 8 ½ seasons until his trade to the Chicago White Sox last Sunday. He won a GG, three All-Star selections, came in twice high up in the MVP balloting and two World Series rings. His contributions to the Red Sox over these last years has been nothing short of phenomenal and he will be missed by all of Red Sox Nation. His intensity on the field put him head and shoulders over most major leaguers and the way he played every game, every inning, every pitch was like it meant the difference between a winning and a losing season. To watch him play live was a demonstration of his intensity that you didn't see on TV. As a pitch was thrown he would hop in place as he prepared for the ball to be hit to him, he was ready to field that ball and range for the catch regardless of the score, the inning or the ball being hit out of his zone. He was always primed for the ball and he played that way from the beginning to the end of the game. That was his trademark and his mantra. He expected nothing less from himself and that was what endeared him to his teammates... and that was also what irritated his teammates because he also expected others to play the way he played.

Over the years there were reports that Youk had annoyed others on the Red Sox staff because he would get on other players because he thought that they weren't playing up to his standards. All this came to light when he and former Red Sox Manny Ramirez went at it in the dugout during a game and it was all caught on camera for all the Nation to see as it unfolded. Reports were that Youk got on Manny's case because he wasn't playing hard enough and Manny took exception to his comments. Well, maybe Youk did annoy some players when it wasn't deserved but in Manny's case I think Youk was spot on.

Now Youk is gone and I wish him all the best on his new team. He will be missed and it will seem weird not to have him in the line-up and to see his unique batting stance at the dish. However, I think the move was a good one and if you read what Youk said a few days ago he knew it was just a matter of time before he was traded somewhere. His replacement, Will Middlebrooks, is a player that cannot and should not ever be seated on a bench. He came up when Youk was hurt - again - and literally took over the third base position the first day he arrived. Even at the beginning of this season I would have blanched at the thought of a Youk trade. I was sure Youk would be with the Sox until it was time for him to retire. Well, actually he is still with the Sox not just the red ones. It just goes to show you that no one, absolutely no one is indispensible and can be replaced at any time.

Hear that Pedey? Your actions have bordered on insubordination and frankly you are showing yourself not as a leader but as a whiny, spoiled brat. That will be discussed in my next column.  

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Phil, When you talked to ownership 2 years ago, did they tell you that Youk was injured and they did not have a backup? I agree with you that we most likely will see a better team because of the way Middlebrooks is playing. Why do you say that the clubhouse will be better? What do you know? I will make a deal with you. If you can come to Boston when the Sox are in town, I will give you a private tour of Fenway 3 hours before the game.It will include a visit to the Red Sox clubhouse. I will then take you out for drinks and food and take you to the game. The only stipulation is that you have to introduce me to your friends Ben, Bobby and the ownership.

Tony * Ashland

Valentine got his way......I think he is an IDIOT!!!!! Youk was one of the most reliable players on the team. I have followed Youk since his days with the Portland Seadogs and I consider myself lucky to say I watched a player who actually played the game how it was supposed to be played....for fun, the love of the game and the fans, unlike so many that play for the money. So with that said, YOUK we will miss you.

Harold Allen * Poland, ME

Welcome back, Trish! That was a great send-off for Kevin Youkilis on Sunday. Endings are difficult, and we could see that one coming. A new beginning in Chicago for him will be good.

I, too, have enjoyed watching the Little Leaguers run on to the field to stand with their hero Red Sox players to get autographs and stand through the national anthem this month of June. There have been times when the ballplayers have had to remind the kids to remove their caps for the anthem, and it's cute to watch. I don't have the same issue with Saltalamacchia not having his hand over his heart holding his cap that John does (and I didn't appreciate the swipe at the president, either)-often ballplayers stand with their hands behind their backs for the playing of the anthems (last night we had two). It is more important that they stand with an attitude of respect, which he did. More often than not I'm singing the anthem, and we do not hold our hand over our heart as we sing. But this is about baseball, not code of conduct around the national anthem-I'm just glad to see the team playing better and the young guys coming on. It's been fun to watch again.

Susan * North Chelmsford

A belated welcome back, Trish. You have been sorely missed and hope you got combat pay for your venture.

Youk will be missed but not forgotten. The time had come. I think that the management kept Phil's instruction for two years, before they acted on it. Must have been in the "To Do" folder Theo left on Ben's desk, Youk has contributed to the team in many ways. He went out like a gentleman and that will not be forgotten either.

Trish is back and the Sox keep winning, I can't ask for more.

Chuck Lewis * Warwick, RI

The next big blockbuster move. Ellsbury is excess baggage and perfect trade bait. As good as he is, he seems to be a bit fragile and accident prone. We have not been hurting for defense in the outfield by any means. Yes, we have not been stealing as many bases as when Els was on the paths, but there is a lot of aggressive base running and fielding plays, and that is a good balance. In addition to all those who were mentioned in the outfield,don't forget Podsednick (sp). He has been performing pretty well both offensively and defensively and a great addition as well as a potential leader. I also think that Crawford is a write off. If he cannot produce, then pay him off and get on with the business of playing the game. Didn't we learn our lesson with Manny?

Now my Peeve of the Day. John Hallman: I believe your politics are getting mixed up with patriotism and maybe bigotry. If you spent a little more time looking around, rather than stopping when you see something you do not like, you would notice that very few citizens and players place their hands over their hearts when the National Anthem is played. And it is true with all sports and other public events. This is a personal choice and respect can be silent as well as big and gaudy but it means no less. You give the impression that we should all be like lemmings and salute, or genuflect or wave or click our heels or get eagle tattoos, or whatever. That would be more like the Europe of the 1930-40's. In reality, most players are thinking about their job and the game, or even praying during those quiet moments before "Play Ball" is sounded. Enjoy the game. Leave the radical stuff for Glenn Beck.

Merrimack Valley Fredd