That's Kevin Being Kevin

After the Red Sox unloaded Manny Ramirez to the Los Angeles Dodgers many people were left wondering who would replace Manny's stats in the Boston lineup. Even guys in the clubhouse admitted that Manny's shoes aren't easy to fill. "You can't replace his stats. That's the bottom line," admitted Kevin Youkilis, a man who had gotten into an altercation Manny earlier in the season.

Fans saw Jason Bay as Manny's replacement. It was easy to do considering Bay would now be patrolling the same left field that Manny roamed for 7 and a half seasons. Bay had put up solid numbers during his time in Pittsburgh averaging .283 31 homers and 103 runs batted in per season. Let alone these numbers were about 10 below what Manny had put up in every category, people were stuck on the fact that Bay played in the small market of Pittsburgh. Questions arose as to whether Manny's replacement could play in Boston. (See Lugo, Julio and Gagne, Eric for further explanation)

What no one was realizing was that Manny's replacement was already in Boston and was going about his business as quietly as usual. Nevermind that he was voted 4th most overrated player in baseball by his peers in a survey taken by Sports Illustrated. Kevin Youkilis has put together a career year and is showing no signs of slowing down.

If comparisons are to be made let us take a look at the numbers, because numbers do not lie. This season Manny Ramirez is hitting .314 with 25 home runs and 86 runs batted in while Kevin Youkilis is hitting .320 with 23 home runs and 84 runs batted in. The numbers are nearly identical and Youkillis comes at a price several million dollars cheaper while causing fewer

headaches.

Many people will argue that Manny offers greater protection for Big Papi, David Oritz in the lineup. Since Youk has been inserted behind Ortiz in the lineup, Papi is hitting .285 with 15 RBI's in 12 games, more importantly the Sox are 10-5 since trading Manny.

It is my belief that many people take Kevin Youkilis for granted considering he has been in the Boston organization his whole career. I, myself, have never fully appreciated Youk as much as I probably should. The bottom line is Youk is a gold glove All Star who just gets better and better each year.

It is time he gets the praise that is long overdue.

-Scottie