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One day after Boston Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine spoke up on his feelings in regards to third baseman Kevin Youkilis, the star at the hot corner has returned serve, according to WEEI.com.
Valentine said yesterday in an interview with WHDH-TV's Sports Xtra that he didn't feel Youkilis was giving it everything he had this year.
"I don't think he's as physically or emotionally into the game as he has been in the past for some reason," Valentine said. "But [Saturday] it seemed, you know, he's seeing the ball well, got those two walks, got his on-base percentage up higher than his batting average, which is always a good thing, and he'll move on from there."
On Monday morning, Youkilis responding to Valentine's assertions.
"I'm more confused than anything, because I think everyone knows I go out and play the game as hard as I can. That's just my style of play. I never was blessed with the raw tools … so I've always had to use playing the game as hard and with full effort my whole life. I don't know any better, so that's just the way I play."
Youkilis also said he and Valentine spoke on Monday morning but wouldn't divulge the tenor of the meeting.
It's just another twist in what seems to be a never-ending saga in Beantown with Bobby V.
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