With trade negotiations from last week at a virtual stand still (unresponsive after getting closer), we will bring it back to Splitsville for the week. Kevin Youkilis’ biggest strength is his fielding and durability. In fantasy terms, that means many many ABs (average of 540ish ABs since getting a full time job) over a full season.

The RHP/LHP splits for Youk are a bit strange. His first full year he was better off righties power and average wise. In 2007 his power was still way higher off righties, but his average was only 3 points different (putting in work in the offseason). This year the power trend continues, only the average trend is the other way. It has only been 11 ABs but he is hitting .364 off lefties. His walk rate is higher off lefties too and it has been his entire career. Apparently early in his MLB career he could see it but not hit it (relatively), and now he is doing both.

His home/away splits are strange as well. Fenway provided a nice home for him in 06 when he hit .310 there (compared to .247 on the road). 07 is a different story. In fact, almost a reverse story. .311-.265 the other way. This is puzzling. In theory he should live off the monster, but his doubles numbers are the same (close enough) in Fenway as they are on the road.
Youk has been tagged with the reputation as a streaky hitter. His monthly splits over his career prove that while this is true, there is little rhyme or reason to when they occur. He does seem to wear down over the course of the season. I’d chalk this up to playing every day harder than most guys. That being said, it doesn’t matter when you chalk it up to, he has stunk up the second half (the important half for you h2h owners) every year he has been in the bigs. I smell a deal to a team who is trying to move into the playoffs…

Here is the most important thing for fantasy owner that Youk brings. His first year after the count reaching 3-2 his K/bb ratio was 48/25. 07? 42/22. He has a phenomenal eye and is infinitely more valuable in a league that scores OBP and walks. In 5×5’s he obviously still has high value for the reasons above, but for those other leagues mentioned, he is severely underrated. (I am looking at you FGD Keeper league).

Short one this week, school finals and moving and such. We’ll be back with Finish the Trade part 2 next week.