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Pregame Notes, May 19 »
May 19, 2008
Kevin Youkilis already has bashed nine homers this season, including seven in his last 13 games.
Youkilis, known for his patience at the plate and for seeing plenty of pitches per at-bat, has been more aggressive this season. It's not a case of Youkilis swinging for the fences, however, said manager Terry Francona.
"He has been consistent. He hasn't sold out his swing to hit home runs," said Francona. "When they make some mistakes he has hit home runs. But he's still getting hits to right field and right-center, trying to hit the ball the other way.
"He has come a long way, grown up a lot as a hitter and a player," added Francona. "He's a professional hitter. The first spring he didn't have many at-bats, but he pulled only one ball hard. Now if he sees a pitch he likes he has been aggressive. He's getting his pitch and whacking it."
Youkilis enters tonight's game second in the league in batting, at .329.
-- Steven Krasner
Posted by Steven Krasner 
at 4:26 PM | Permalink
