Gresh & Zo: The Newest Red Sox Brent Lillibridge
After eight and a half seasons, Kevin Youkilis is a Red Sox no more.
Youk was dealt to the White Sox on Sunday, with Chicago sending utility man Brent Lillibridge and reliever Zach Stewart in return.
98.5 The Sports Hub's Gresh & Zolak caught up with new utility man Brent Lillibridge on Monday, who is excited to be changing Sox.
"I'm excited to get after it. I know being a part of the Red Sox is a pretty special thing," the 28-year-old said. "I know a couple of guys from the northwest that are on the team between Jacoby (Ellsbury) and (Jon) Lester. I'm looking forward to seeing them and how they go about their business in Boston and try to be a part of it."
Although listed as a first baseman, Lillibridge can do it all in the field. This season, he has played at first, third, and in left and center field. He expects his versatility to continue in Boston.
"I'm a jack of all trades I guess," he said. "I came up as a shortstop but the last couple years I've been playing some outfield and a little bit of infield. I think that's what has kept me in the big leagues. I had a good year offensively last year, so I'm hoping to get some more playing time and to fit in perfectly with how the Red sox are going to go with the rest of the year."
With all those positions though comes a pretty good collection of gloves.
"I'm with Rawlings and I think I put them out of business with them giving me gloves; I have like six of them in my bag right now," said Lillenbridge. "It's kind of getting ridiculous how many different ones I have, playing first base and all of that stuff. That's part of the thing; I'm in the big leagues and I'll do whatever it takes to stay – playing different positions is a part of it."
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Lillibridge is expected to be active for Boston's series opener with the Blue Jays at Fenway Park Monday night, and is hoping for more playing time with his new team. He only received 63 at-bats in 49 games for Chicago, but is willing to do whatever his new Sox need.
"I'm looking forward to doing my part, whatever that is. I don't know exactly the role, but as long as I'm part of the team and contributing that's all that matters," he said.
Did Lillibridge know he would be part of the trade on Sunday? And how will playing under Ozzie Guillen help him with Sox manager Bobby Valentine? Listen to Brent Lillibridge on Gresh & Zo to find out!
