Monday, April 16, 2012

Valentine: Stirring Up Trouble In The Hot Corner?

I'm not one to defend Kevin Youkilis, but... really, Bobby Valentine? After the good weekend that Youk had, why are you choosing now to call him out? What kind of manager makes those kinds of comments about his player.

I'll be the first one to jump on the "Youk is done, let's trade him" bandwagon, but I wouldn't ever question his commitment to the game.

From ProJo:

"I don't think he's as physically or emotionally into the game as he has been in the past for some reason," Valentine said. "But [Saturday] it seemed, he's seeing the ball well, got those two walks, said he got his on-base percentage up higher than his batting average, which is always a good thing, and he'll move on from there."
He had a bad start, going 0-12. We all know that. But did anyone think for even a second that Youk wasn't trying? I don't like this strategy by Valentine. I don't like that he's calling his players out for no reason. If there's a legitimate need for him to say something, have at it. There was no need, and I don't like it.

Kevin Youkilis's response:

 "I'm more confused than anything. Everyone knows I go out and play the game as hard as I can. That's just my style of play. I never was blessed with the raw tools like the guys who have got tools, so I've always hard to use playing the game as hard and with full effort my whole life. I don't know any better. That's just the way I play..."
 So for anyone looking for a little clubhouse stability, Bobby V. is here to tell you that even when you have a good game, you are not safe from his unfounded criticism. How long do you think before Bobby loses all the support of the players? You cannot question your players' hearts and not expect them to respect you less.  We all knew Valentine's act would get old. Who thinks it's already gotten there?

3 comments:

Lauren said...

*raises her hand*

Anonymous said...

I had my hand up when I first heard he was a candidate. This may be my ultimate "I Told You So" in my lifetime. Believe me, I am sad for Red Sox fans to be right about this...but I called this one a long, long time ago.

Jup said...

Very true, you did call it. I was just hoping it would be more than ten games into the season before he put his foot in between his big, toothy grin