The writing was on the wall when Bobby Valentine removed Kevin Youkilis in the 7th inning from Sunday’s Boston Red Sox win over the Atlanta Braves. As he was taken out of the game, he received his second standing ovation of the game from the Fenway Park faithful and also from his teammates.
And while we all knew what was coming, we were hoping that Youk hadn’t been traded.
But Valentine had gotten word from GM Ben Cherington that a deal was almost done, hence why Youk was taken out. Rumors began to circulate on Twitter as to the destination and the return that Youk would bring. Those rumors quickly became fact that Youk was heading to the South Side of the Windy City.
After the Chicago White Sox finished their game, both teams announced the trade of Kevin Youkilis and cash considerations to the White Sox. In return, the Red Sox would get pitcher Zach Stewart and utility infielder Brent Lillibridge.
The Red Sox will pay all but $2 million of Youk’s salary which amounts to about $5.5 million. The Cincinnati native is in the final year of his contract that has a $1 million buyout if his $13 million team option is not exercised.
Obviously with Youk being traded, he was removed from the 40-man roster. The Red Sox also announced that Oscar Tejada, who is playing for the Double-A Portland Sea Dogs, had been designated for assignment to clear room on the 40-man for both.
Stewart will report to the Triple-A PawSox while Lillibridge head to Boston and hopefully be on the bench for tomorrow night’s matchup with the Toronto Blue Jays.
Stewart was just sent to Triple-A Charlotte on Tuesday night and had yet to appear in a game for the Knights. He had made 18 appearances (one start) for the Chisox and was 1-2 with a 6.00 ERA before his demotion. In his short big league career, Stewart is 3-8 with a 5.92 ERA in 31 appearances (12 starts) with the White Sox and Toronto.
He will be under the Red Sox control until 2018 and will first become arbitration-eligible in 2015.
Lillibridge has played in 48 games for the White Sox this year and is hitting .175 with no home runs, two RBIs and seven stolen bases. Overall in his big league career, Lillibridge is a .215 hitter with 16 home runs, 58 RBIs and 30 stolen bases. He’ll be arbitration-eligible for the first time in his career after this season.
There are no words to explain what we are all feeling right now. One thing’s for certain. Youk will be missed here. Red Sox Nation will get a chance to see him again this season though as the White Sox come to Boston after the All-Star break from July 16-19. You can bet there will be plenty of “YOUUUUUUUUUUUUK” chants that night.
With Youk being traded, the only member of the 2004 World Series team that remains is David Ortiz.
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photo credit: ap photo
