The Ghost of Youk Future

Can someone have Christmas dinner with this man?

Injuries aside, Kevin Youkilis has been one of the most consistent performers on the Red Sox for years. He probably should have been MVP in 2008, but he finished third to Dustin Pedroia, and last year he was (reportedly) put out by the Adrian Gonzalez signing. In the last two years, there have been some rumblings that Youk is not the best clubhouse guy.

The Sox should protect their investment and give Youk a hug. Announcing early on that he wasn't for sale was a good idea. But this team has too many loners. Maybe the Sox can hire Kevin Millar as a consultant and just send him to Youk's house every so often.

Or maybe Youk is the type who will flourish under Bobby Valentine. Let's hope so.