Kevin Youkilis is a better person than I

 

I have given Youk plenty of grief on this blog and in other places because of what I have perceived as his immaturity off the field.  Tonight, the man has made me proud.  In post-game interviews, Tina Cervasio and others tried to get the story about his last at bat (Proctor throwing at his head).  Thanks to dvr, I’m transcribing it here (keep in mind, it’s word for word, grammatical errors and all):

Tina:  What were your thoughts, Kevin, on that pitch? 

Kevin:  I got no comment on it.  No need to fuel no fire around here.  I got no comment.

Tina:  It’s unusual you see a manager and the opposing catcher with you at first base.  Could you kind of lead us…let us into what was going on at first after everything was settling down?

(She’s referring to Jorge Posada following Youk to first and talking with him)

Kevin:  There was nothing going on.

Tina:  Not explaining anything or trying to prove your case?

Kevin:  (Shakes head)  There’s nothing going on. There’s nothing that needs to get put out in the public that no one needs to be aware of.  What stays on the field is what’s said on the field and that’s it.

(That’s the direct quote.  Obviously he meant, "what’s said on the field, stays on the field")

Kevin looked beyond pissed during the entire thing.  Prior to Tina’s questioning, it seems someone asked him either how is the arm or if he got hit on the arm because he raised his arm to the side of his head and said:  "My arm?  Is my arm up here?" 

As pissed as he is, and rightly so, he kept it together with the media and didn’t let them badger him into 1) giving the Yankees bulletin board material and 2) give the Yankees pitchers a reason to throw at him tomorrow.

Youk has not only matured as a player (he now has a 23 game hitting streak for those not paying attention) but, seemingly, as a person as well.  I’m so impressed with him, and quite pleased. 

He has the right attitude.  He isn’t worried about trash talking and ‘the rivalry’.  He’s focused on what is best for the team.  I’m proud of him.  And I think the ninth inning of this game will help get the Sox back on track for the rest of the weekend.