Kevin Youkilis Changes His Sox

By Benjy Lipsman in News on Jun 25, 2012 2:10PM

With third base being the White Sox' most glaring issue, GM Kenny Williams pulled off a trade on Sunday that lands the team a former All-Star to play the hot corner. Boston third baseman Kevin Youkilis will head to Chicago in return for pitcher Zach Stewart and utility player Brent Brent Lillibridge. Boston will also pay $5.6 million of Youkilis' remaining $8.1 million salary this season

Youkilis is currently hitting .233 with 4 homers and 14 RBI, but has missed time this year due to a back injury. The 33-year-old is a three time All-Star and two time World Series winner who spots a lifetime .287 batting average, and was referred to in Moneyball as the "Greek God of Walks" by Billy Beane. In addition to helping spark the offense and fill a hole on defense, the Sox will look to benefit from Youkilis' experience in the postseason.

Paul Konerko sounded excited about the move. "There is no way we are not a better team with Kevin Youkilis," the White Sox captain said. "He is just too good of a player and has been through all the wars and is still relatively a young guy. We just have to keep him on the field. If that is the case, it could be one of the bigger steals of the season."

The odd man out is Orlando Hudson, who was signed when Brent Morel went on the disabled list. With Morel's back injury apparently more serious than first thought, and Hudson batting just .167 since joining the South Siders, the White Sox needed up upgrade the hot corner if they hope to win the AL Central. Hudson was understanding of Williams move, "If I was a GM, I'd make the same trade. I'm not the best third baseman over there, plus I'm not swinging the bat well, so definitely I'd make the same trade."

With Kenny Williams apparently in a buying mood for now, let's hope fans start showing up at the Cell to cheer on the first place White Sox. There are still a couple pieces that could help ensure the Sox make the post season, but Williams won't be able to open up the purse strings if there aren't butts in the seats to help pay for it.