Only 5 players in MLB history have posted back-to-back 20-HR seasons while playing at least 30 games at both 1st base and 3rd base in each season. They are Harmon Killebrew (1960-61), Mike Schmidt (1985-86), Dave Kingman (1972-73), Al Rosen (1954-55), and Kevin Youkilis (2008-09).
Given who the Red Sox just signed to play 3rd base (Adrian Beltre), I figured this was not only an obscure and impressive stat but also appropriate. Youk will once again be a full-time 1st baseman and will, in all likelihood, not play 30 games at 3rd base this year, as Beltre has generally been very durable. But on the bright side, Youk will have another crack at getting his 2nd Gold Glove. This move across the diamond will also be beneficial to Youk's back, which acted up on him a few times last season.
1 comment:
Yeah, first base full time will benefit Youkilis. He seemed to break down a lot last year. Beltre was an excellent move for the Red Sox.
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