The Boston Red Sox defeated the Atlanta Braves 9-4 Sunday in a game that ended up being a farewell tribute to Kevin Youkilis. Trade rumors for the teams beloved third baseman heated up in recent days while rookie Will Middlebrooks had stepped up to fill in for Youkilis.
In the seventh inning Kevin Youkilis hit a triple and was lifted for pinch-runner Nick Punto who headed to the base and gave Youkilis a hug as he took over for the third baseman.
After the game manager Bobby Valentine said general manager Ben Cherington told him “there is a situation brewing.”
Youkilis who has played for the Boston Red Sox in nine seasons took off his helmet, waved to the crowd and blew a kiss to the crowd as he exited the field. After returning to the dugout Youkilis came out once again and waived to the crowd which provided him with a standing ovation while chanting “Yook.”
After the game ended the nameplate above Youkilis’ locker was removed from the clubhouse locker room. Soon afterwards it was revealed that the Boston Red Sox had traded Youkilis to the Chicago White Sox for pitching prospect Zach Stewart and utility player Brend Lillibridge.
It’s still not clear who made the decision to trade Youkilis however on Saturday afternoon he voiced his displeasure with the team after being benched for three games and replaced with the teams breakout rookie star.
Do you think Kevin Youkilis will make a good fit for the Chicago White Sox?