Youkilis to the Yankees? NOOOOO!!!!

When the Red Sox traded Kevin Youkilis away this last year, it was part of the bad dream that was the 2012 season for the Nation. The news coming out today makes that ordeal around Youkilis a nightmare.

Less than a year after being traded away to the White Sox, Kevin Youkilis agrees to join the New York Yankees (AKA the Original Evil Empire). The contract seems to be a one year deal worth $12 million. The motive behind the Youkilis signing is the fact that Alex Rodriguez (3rd baseman) is expected to miss part of the season due to a 2nd hip surgery. Youkilis had a off year in 2012 partially batting .235 with 19 home runs, 60 RBI's, and a on base percentage of .336.

It's very sad that another former Red Sox great is now a member of the New York Yankees. It seemed bad enough with Johnny Damon leaving for NYC after 2005. The difference here, however, is that it was ultimately Johnny's decision to leave the Red Sox for the Yankees rather than the team trading him away. While Youkilis ultimately chose to play for the Yankees, it was the Red Sox who parted ways with Kevin.

P.S. When the Yanks come to Boston, will the chants be "Yoouuuk" or "Booooo"? Seeing as he has already played in Fenway after the trade, it will be hard to tell. As for me, he might be the one Yankee I won't curse in 2013.

P.P.S. Key words are "might be."

2012 MLB Season So Far: BLOODY PIRATES!!!

The first half of the season is over with the arrival of the All Star Break (a break that I am hating more and more with each passing year) and some of the 1st place teams that are currently there are interesting to analyze. Probably the most intriguing of all of them are the Pittsburgh Pirates who just win 2 of 3 from the Giants and are in front of the NL Central by one game. James McDonald and a NY stress free AJ Burnett are pitching well and Andrew McCutchen is on the way to becoming an MVP winner. Pittsburgh seems really excited about them and I have to admit that they look good. They might need a bit more to hold off the Reds and the Cardinals but they look like they can actually pull it off. Despite my recent hate for them, I have some faith in the Pirates this year.

As for the rest of the standings, the Yankees seem like the most comfortable team in baseball with a 7 game lead in the AL East entering the break. Damn Yanks might have aging vets but they are using them well like Andruw Jones who just had a big weekend against the Red Sox with 4 Homers over 3 games. Meanwhile, the Sox are 9.5 back and are tied for last in the division. Lester and Beckett have to get better but that team has to also stay healthy. Despite what has happened so far, they still have a shot but have to start the second half strong.

A couple other surprise teams that are grabbing attention are the Nationals and the Dodgers. The Nats seem like a stronger ball club going forward and seem to be ready for October this year. Meanwhile the Dodgers need more offense if they want to stay in front in the NL West. Hope the Giants get it first. Then the White Sox have control over the AL Central and the no surprise that the Rangers have a tight grasp over the AL West yet again.

The break is here and I have nothing to watch for the next few days. Pity that there is no "actual" baseball on.