The loudest ‘Youuuukkkk!!!” chants of all-time took place in Kevin Youkilis’ final day in a Red Sox uniform.
Sunday, the Sox veteran corner infielder was traded to the Chicago White Sox in exchange for relief pitcher/starter Zach Stewart and outfielder Brent Lillibridge.
Boston will also be paying $5.5 million of the $6.6 million Youkilis is owed in 2012.
Yesterday was undoubtedly the oddest of days for Youkilis, who had spent his entire career with the Boston organization after being drafted in the eighth round of the 2001 draft.
Youkilis tripled to deep right center in the seventh inning against Atlanta, plating Adrian Gonzalez, in what was his last at-bat as a Red Sox.
The Fenway Park crowd gave Youkilis a standing ovation for the effort and Youkilis responded with an energetic tip of the cap.
Red Sox fans had shown their appreciation towards ‘Youk’ earlier in yesterday’s game as well, giving him a ‘standing o’ in the first inning.
Youkilis’ many career highlights in a Red Sox uniform include a home run against the Angels in Game 1 of the 2007 ALDS and two-double effort in Game 1 of the 2007 World Series against Colorado.
In 2009, Youkilis was second in the American League in OBP (.413) and OPS (.961) and finished sixth in the MVP balloting in the AL. Youkilis was a three-time All-Star with Boston, was a part of two World Series championship teams and won a Gold Glove in 2007.
What the Sox are getting in return
Boston addressed two of its biggest needs in dealing Kevin Youkilis to Chicago.
It picked up 25-year-old righty Zach Stewart, who has seen time as both a starter and reliever. In 31 career appearances, the former hot prospect is 3-8 with a 5.92 ERA. He is just 1-2 with a 6.00 ERA this season.
The Red Sox also acquired utility man Brent Lillibridge, who is batting just .175 this year with Chicago. Lillibridge did, however, have success under former White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen as he hit 13 home runs and had a .845 OPS last season.
Sox dump Braves, 9-4
The Red Sox improved to 38-34 on the season with a 9-4 victory over Atlanta Sunday.
Aaron Cook earned his first win of the season for Boston, working five innings and allowing two earned runs on six hits. Cook did not walk a batter in the victory.
Cody Ross blasted a pair of home runs to lead the Boston offense.
Buchholz to DL
Red Sox starter Clay Buchholz was placed on the disabled list Sunday after it was reported that he was hospitalized with intestinal bleeding.
The Red Sox did not offer specifics on Buchholz’ status, simply stating that he had a “gastrointestinal situation” and that they hoped he would be back in 15 days.
Buchholz had been one of Boston’s best pitchers as of late and has an 8-2 record this season with a 5.53 ERA.
