2009 Red Sox Preview: First Base

The Red Sox are set up nicely for the next 4+ years after they signed All-Star Kevin Youkilis to a four year extension with a one year club option.

David Ortiz addressed the need for another 30+ home run hitter, but what he overlooked was Youkilis’ 29 home runs in 2008. A full year of 1st base as long as Lowell stays healthy will only increase his productivity, and he will have more opportunities with men on base out of the cleanup spot.

Youkilis’ defense is also spectacular, as he set the American League record for

Kevin Youkilis should put up some spectacular numbers in 2009

consecutive errorless games at first base in 2007. And his ability to play third base makes him that much more valuable.

Mark Kotsay, Brad Wilkerson, and Jeff Bailey provide Youkilis’ relief this year, and all three are similar to Youkilis, since all three provide depth in the outfield too, though Francona through the years  has never liked to utilize players like that though  (Eric Hinske, Mark Kotsay), and both of them seem like they would have provided more at a different position, example: Hinske’s best year was the only year he played third, and Francona never gave him playing time there, not even for one pitch.

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