Kevin Youkilis is everyone's favorite beaning target, because he's a hitting machine? No, because he bats like a tool

Logan on 08 21, 2009

Kevin Youkilis seems to be getting hit by pitches a lot lately. While it seems to come as a complete surprise to the Red Sox’s corner infielder every time he is a recipient of a 90+ MPH fastball to the back, I’m not entirely amazed when it happens. Let me break it down.

This guy is a great baseball player, there’s no doubt about it. Since making his major league debut on May 15th of 2004, Youkilis has won a Gold Glove and Hank Aaron Award (2007 and 2008 respectively), has been named to two All-Star games (2008, 2009), and has been a part of two Red Sox World Series Championships (2004, 2007). “Youk,” as he is known to Bostonians, also finished near the top of the 2008 AL MVP voting, eventually being bested by teammate Dustin Pedroia. He is well known for his gritty play and intense demeanor on the diamond, something that may contribute to the fact that he finishes near the top of the league in HBP annually.

Let me list a few of the notable Youkilis beanings:

Scott Proctor- On June 1st of 2007, Proctor, then with the Yankees, hit Youkilis in the head with a pitch prompting his ejection from the game. This would not be the last time a Yankees pitcher would throw at Youkilis in 2007.

Joba Chamberlain- I think it’s become pretty clear over the past few years that these two simply despise each other. Chamberlain decided to act on that feeling in 2007. On August 30th, Chamberlain threw at Youkilis’ head twice during one at-bat. Like Proctor a few months prior, Joba was ejected and also fined for what the MLB called “inappropriate actions.” Chamberlain has thrown at Youkilis multiple times since this incident.

Chien-Ming Wang- 2007 was not a fun year for Youkilis to face Yankee pitching. On September 15th Wang drilled Kevin Youkilis on the hand with a pitch resulting in a deep tendon bruise that sidelined “Youk” for 10 days. Youkilis would go on to rank 6th in the league with 15 HBP.

Rick Porcello- Against the Tigers in August of this year, Porcello intentionally hit Youkilis in the middle of the back with a pitch, although the Tigers’ young pitcher denies the intentional part (yeah, right). This prompted Youkilis to charge the mound and get in a wrestling match with the 20 year old Porcello. Both were ejected and later suspended.

Most recently, on Wednesday, Youkilis was hit by a pitch in the 9th inning of a game in Toronto. It was a 6-1 Red Sox’s lead with two outs and the bases empty. Intentional? It would appear so. ESPN broadcasters even called it to some extent before the pitch was even thrown.

So why is Youkilis the opposing team’s preferred target? Well for one, it’s normal protocol to hit one of the opposing team’s better players, if you’re doing it with intent. Youkilis fits that description. Aside from that, Youkilis just looks like a guy you’d want to plunk. With his awkward batting stance, goofy appearance, and unpleasant attitude that comes off as annoying to most, it’s easy to see why Youkilis is the guy people go after. Not to mention that after his recent body slam compliments of Porcello, teams now know that they don’t necessarily have to fear for their pitcher’s safety if he does decide to charge the mound. Youkilis just rubs people the wrong way. Even some Red Sox fans don’t care for the guy, regardless of the positive impact he has on their team.

Listen “Youk,” you’re just kind of a tool. Don’t expect this trend to stop anytime soon. Maybe you should consider taking a few boxing classes before taking on another wiry 20 year old kid, that way maybe teams will think twice before hitting you.

If the MLB really wants to make some money in this time of economic troubles, maybe they should consider a marketing promotion where fans bid on a chance to drill Kevin Youkilis with their best fastball. I’m sure there are a few New Yorkers that would be willing to throw down top dollar for a chance to cause this guy some physical pain. Maybe Joba would even get in on the action.