There have been published reports that the Red Sox may trade either Bill Mueller or Kevin Youkilis to the Twins in exchange for relief pitcher, J.C. Romero. This sort of move seems inevitable. Youkilis is young (26) and less experienced at the big league level, but cheap. Mueller, 34, is an experienced veteran with damaged knees, and is a free agent at season's end. I love Mueller. He's been a clutch player in his time with the Sox, and plays great defense. But he is not the future. Here's a statistical comparison:
Bill Mueller
Avg. .281 Slg. .399 OBP .427 G 85 AB 281 R 39 H 79 TB 112 2B 17 3B 2 HR 4 RBI 38 BB 41 SO 42 E 5
Kevin Youkilis
Avg. .286 Slg. .429 OBP .413 G 31 AB 63 R 10 H 18 TB 27 2B 6 3B 0 HR 1 RBI 9 BB 8 SO 14 E 0
Their numbers are strikingly similar, and who knows what Youk could do if he played every day. You ususally expect a little more offensive output at the hot corner than Mueller has provided. Youk has had a little less than a quarter of the at bats, and yet his power numbers are similar.
Mueller might have more open market value for a team, like the Twins, that is vying for a playoff spot. If one of them has to go in exchange for some needed pitching - as much as I'd hate to see it - I think Mueller should, and will be, the guy.
Copyright © 2005 Kennedy's Commentary. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without the author's consent.
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