Bobby V.: Youk 'Made Big Issue' Of Comments

The Plot Thickens

Spouting comments sure to roil the controversy surrounding himself and Kevin Youkilis, Bobby Valentine stated that the former Sox infielder was the one who "made a big issue out of" the manager's comments in April. By laying the blame for the bad vibes on Youkilis, Valentine is essentially absolving himself for the following comments he made to a local TV sportscaster:

"I don't think he's as physically or emotionally into the game as he has been in the past for some reason."

The reaction that followed those words led—along with Youkilis' injuries and Will Middlebrooks' performance—directly to the departure of one of the most popular Red Sox players of the last decade. We'll see how the situation plays out tonight at Fenway. Fasten your seat belts.