"YOOOOOOOOOUUUKKKKKK!"
Yankee fans, did you ever in your wildest dreams think you'd be yelling this during the roll call? Well, get used to it. It's coming to the Stadium next year.
And after you get the image of your local plumber in a Boston uniform out of your head, you will see a player that perfectly fits your team.
The signing of Kevin Youkilis to a 1 year, $12 million deal by the Yankees not only was a move they had to make, but the most logical as well. With A-Rod out until the All-Star break, Youk may be one of the five most important pieces to a possible championship puzzle in 2013.
For one, Youkilis adds an element of grit that appeared to be lacking in recent Yankee teams. He may not be the feared hitter he was a few years ago, but he will grind out every at-bat and wear down pitchers, something the Yankees offense is known very well for. Youk's career OBP is .384. If he can play to that average next year, he will have done his job.
Yes, his OBP was only .336 last season, the lowest of his career. This was still good for 30th in the league, but higher than Mark Teixeira, who is another player well know for high OBP. Most players will kill for this type of "off year".
By the way, he can spell Teixeira at first base when need be, and will provide gold glove defense.
Love him or hate him, you'll get used to him, Yankee fans. You did it with Wade Boggs, Johnny Damon, and even Roger Clemens. As long as he produces, of course. On this one year deal, I believe he is eager to prove he has something left in the tank.
And he'd better, because the Yankees need him.
Now, on to five things:
1. Yes, the Falcons made a statement with their 34-0 shutout of the Giants. Yes, I am convinced they are capable of winning it all. But that's the key word: capable. I am still amongst the skeptics. They must win in January.
2. You read it here first. The Baltimore Ravens will lose their last two games and blow the AFC North.
3. If Russell Wilson played for a big market team instead of the obscure Seahawks, you can bet he may receive more Rookie of the Year votes than Andrew Luck or RGIII. 108 points in two weeks not only hasn't been accomplished by a rookie quarterback, but by any QB or team period since the 1950s.
4. Beware of the Broncos in the playoffs. Not a lot of people are talking about them, but Peyton looks better than ever and the defense is playing at an elite level. Don't be surprised to see them in New Orleans in February.
5. Adrian Peterson WILL break the single-season rushing record. If the Vikings squeeze into the playoffs, he should be the unanimous choice for MVP.
I think I predicted this matchup another week, but screw it, I'll say it again: Seattle vs Denver
Top 5
1. Houston
2. Atlanta
3. Denver
4. San Francisco
5. New England
Bottom 5
32. Jacksonville
31. Kansas City
30. Philadelphia
29. Oakland
28. Detroit
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