01-28-2006, 11:31 AM
First of all, Youkilis probably won't even be in the starting lineup. Lowell will start the season at 3B; Snow at 1B. Eventually Youkilis will probably platoon with Snow and get the majority of starts against righties.
Second, Youkilis' ability to draw walks has been extremely overhyped ever since Moneyball came out. In 79 AB's last year he walked 14 times, once every 5.64 at bats. Not too bad, but he also struck out 19 times. Add to that the 33 walks to 45 K's in 208 AB's in '04. Not exactly what you want leading off. Granted, Crisp's BB:K ratio isn't much better, but he's got the speed and energy you need at the top of the order.
CF) Crisp
2B) Loretta
DH) Ortiz
LF) Ramirez
C) Varitek
RF) Nixon
3B) Lowell
1B) Snow
SS) Gonzalez
Second, Youkilis' ability to draw walks has been extremely overhyped ever since Moneyball came out. In 79 AB's last year he walked 14 times, once every 5.64 at bats. Not too bad, but he also struck out 19 times. Add to that the 33 walks to 45 K's in 208 AB's in '04. Not exactly what you want leading off. Granted, Crisp's BB:K ratio isn't much better, but he's got the speed and energy you need at the top of the order.
CF) Crisp
2B) Loretta
DH) Ortiz
LF) Ramirez
C) Varitek
RF) Nixon
3B) Lowell
1B) Snow
SS) Gonzalez