Bobby Valentine Not Ready To Make Decision on Futures of Kevin Youkilis, Will Middlebrooks

by abournenesn

May 14, 2012

Bobby Valentine Not Ready To Make Decision on Futures of Kevin Youkilis, Will MiddlebrooksBOSTON –– A dilemma is swiftly approaching for Bobby Valentine.

On Sunday, Kevin Youkilis took 10 swings on a soft toss and 30 dry swings in his rehab from a stiff back. The Red Sox were eligible to activate the third baseman on Monday, but elected to take their time.

With rookie third baseman Will Middlebrooks swinging a scorching bat –– he’s belted four homers and 13 RBIs with a .310 batting average in 10 games –– it has complicated the decision for manager Bobby Valentine.

But the Red Sox skipper hinted on Monday that he likely wouldn’t keep Middlebrooks on the bench if Youkilis inherits his starting spot.

“Sitting on the bench is not the place for very many players, especially good young talented players,” Valentine said. “What would be the purpose of having someone sit [on] the bench unless there was a useful purpose not being in the starting role but also being able to contribute to the team’s wins? Now is there a place for him to do that? I’m not sure.”

Middlebrooks could return to Triple-A Pawtucket, where he would play everyday, or the team could decide to play him in the outfield. While Youkilis’ return continues to draw closer, Valentine declined to offer his thoughts on the upcoming decision.

“I think that’s a little premature,” he said. “We’ll do exactly what’s right. Those things, they usually play themselves out. No need to really make a decision until it’s time to make a decision.”

Through 18 games this season, Youkilis had belted two homers and nine RBIs with a .219 batting average.

Have a question for Didier Morais? Send it to him via Twitter at @DidierMorais or send it here. He will pick a few questions to answer every week for his mailbag.

Previous Article

Andy Pettitte Could Be Big Asset for Yankees Once He Shakes Off Rust From Retirement

Next Article

Sources: Wes Welker, Patriots Still Not Close on Contract Extension, July 15 Is Key Deadline for Negotiations

Picked For You