Red Sox Youkilis Talks Move From First to Third
FORT MYERS, FL (CBS) - The Red Sox have a new third baseman, but fans do not have to worry about getting to know him.
Kevin Youkilis is moving across the diamond, taking over the position he originally played when he made it to the big leagues.
"For me it's just about getting out there taking ground balls and getting used to all the little things that come with third base," Youkilis said. "Spring Training is a good time to take a lot of reps and get it down."
Kevin Youkilis Talks About the Move From First to Third
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One thing Youkilis is not worried about is getting back into a third base mindset. In seven seasons he has played 219 games at the hot corner, and is not concerned about making the throw across the diamond. There is much more to it, but Youk knows most of the little things will come back naturally.
"You have to charge a ball a little bit more, but you get used to that right away," the 2007 Gold Glove first baseman said. "I think that's one of the things you recognize and work on. For me, playing there a little bit last year a couple of games, it comes to you natruarlly when you play that position. You can't sit back."
One chore Youkilis will not miss at first is holding on runners. Although a vocal leader in the clubhouse, Youk did not like the banter that went with his spot at first base.
"I would have to say I'm lobbyist. I had to butter them up when they needed to be buttered up," he joked. "I just didn't want to talk to them when we were getting killed. I don't know what I was over there. It was fine, (it's) the one thing I'm not going to miss because there's nothing worse when you're getting beat like 13-1. Everyone keeps getting a hit, you're just like 'way to swing it, really good approach.' Why don't you just get out? I want to go home."
Youkilis Talks About His Spot In The Red Sox Lineup
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Youkilis is just one of the many Red Sox returning from an injury. He missed the final months of 2010 after undergoing surgery to repair a tear in his right thumb, but said he feels good and has no restrictions heading into camp.
