Not surprisingly, Kevin Youkilis was asked about Bobby Valentine’s comment that Youk was not “physically or emotionally into the game.” Rob Bradford of WEEI has his comments:
Dustin Pedroia, who is never one to mince words, commented as well, and he is not a big fan of Valentine calling Youkilis out publicly. Again, Bradford:
Happy Patriot’s Day, Boston.
“That’s not what I see. I go out every day and play as hard as I can. I take every ground ball in the morning, take every at-bat like it’s my last. I don’t think my game has changed at all ... I’m more confused than anything, because I think everyone knows I go out and play the game as hard as I can.”
Dustin Pedroia, who is never one to mince words, commented as well, and he is not a big fan of Valentine calling Youkilis out publicly. Again, Bradford:
“I don’t really understand what Bobby’s trying to do. But that’s really not the way we go about our stuff here. I’m sure he’ll figure that out soon. We’ve got Youk’s back. He’s played his [butt] off for us for a long time ...”
Asked if he thought Valentine’s comments could have been meant as a motivational tool, Pedroia didn’t sound impressed.
“Maybe in Japan or something,” he said, referring to Valentine’s stint as a manager there. “Over here in the U.S., we’re on a three-game winning streak, we want to feel good and keep it rolling. We feel we have a good team and we’ve just got to get each other’s backs and play together. Because if you don’t do that, I don’t care what sport you’re playing, you’re not going to win.”
Happy Patriot’s Day, Boston.
