Kevin Youkilis bids the Fenway Park fans goodbye on Sunday

By Scott Barancik/Jewish Baseball News

After weeks of speculation, the Boston Red Sox have traded All-Star infielder Kevin Youkilis to the Chicago White Sox in exchange for two players and cash.

The 33-year-old Youkilis ended his nine-year Boston stretch in style at Fenway Park today (6/24/2012), hitting a triple in his final at-bat and earning a standing ovation and teammate hugs as he left the field for a pinch-runner (see video). Youkilis finished the day 2-for-4 with 1 RBI as the Red Sox defeated the Atlanta Braves 9-4.

Now in the final year of a 4-year contract, Youkilis will receive $13-million this season. The Red Sox have agreed to pay part of it. In exchange, they will receive utility infielder Brent Lillibridge and recently-demoted pitcher Zach Stewart. Youkilis is expected to become Chicago’s starting third baseman upon arrival.

Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine’s apparent dissatisfaction with the injury-prone Cincinnati native had fed rumors that he would be traded.

A lifetime .286 hitter known for his uncanny ability to get on base, Youkilis is hitting a career-low .225 with 4 HRs and 13 RBIs this season. He has played his entire career with Boston, which selected him in the 8th round of the 2001 draft.

(Click here to see how the Chicago Tribune, Boston Globe, and MLB.com described the Youkilis trade.)

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