Player Preview: Kevin Youkilis

From now until the start of the Red Sox season we will be previewing the different players on the 2010 squad.


Today we will look at first base slugger Kevin Youkilis, his 2009 statistics, his career highs in parentheses, and a 2010 outlook.

Games: 136 (147, 2006)
Average: .306 (.312, 2008)
On-Base Percentage: .413 (new career high)
Slugging Percentage: .548 (.569, 2008)
On Base plus Slugging: .961 (new career high)
Home runs: 27 (29, 2008)
Runs Batted In: 94 (115, 2008)
Runs: 99 (100, 2006)
Doubles: 36 (43, 2008)
Walks: 77 (91, 2006)
UZR/150* (at 1B): +15.2 (new career high)

*UZR/150 is a sabermetric number of runs above or below average a fielder is, per 150 defensive games. Zero is an average fielder.

2010 Outlook: Kevin Youkilis will enter the season as the likely #4 hitter in the Red Sox line-up. The Sox will hope that Youk can stay healthy and belt 30 homers, as they are relying heavily on him in the middle of the order. He appeared in 63 games at third base in 2009, but will be sure to see a reduction in his time over there barring an extreme injury scenario. As a clubhouse leader who leads by example, Youk fits the mold of this Sox team and will look to stay his consistent self in 2010.

Next up: Dustin Pedroia