JEWISH BASEBALL NEWS — Boston Red Sox 1B Kevin Youkilis will have season-ending surgery on his right thumb Friday, the team reported yesterday (8/5/2010).

For insight into how badly his injury hurts the Red Sox, listen to this video commentary by Boston Globe columnist Bob Ryan, who argues that Youkilis is among the premier hitters and fielders in baseball and should have been named 2008 American League MVP instead of teammate Dustin Pedroia:

There really is no way to exaggerate the scope of this loss to the team…(He’s) the most versatile batter at Terry Francona’s disposal…Kevin Youkilis has been one of the premier run-producers and winners in baseball…He plays first base at a Gold Glove level…He cannot be replaced. It is a mortal blow to the Red Sox. No way they can overcome this.

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