Well, the heat is being turned up significantly today in Boston -- and not just because of 80-plus degree temperatures expected for today's marathon.
In a rather strange interview, Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine criticized longtime standout Kevin Youkilis on Sunday, saying the player isn't "as physically or emotionally into the game as he has been in the past for some reason."
You know who is ALWAYS physically and emotionally into the game? Nick Punto.
And so, adding to the drama: Youkilis is NOT in the lineup for Boston in Monday's traditional early start on Patriots Day. He has been replaced at third base by Punto.
Youkilis and Valentine reportedly talked about the comments, made to a TV station, on Monday. Said Youkilis pregame Monday: "Everyone here knows I go out and play with emotion. The only time there has ever been a question is because I've been too emotional."
Youkilis is just 6-for-30 (.200) with no homers and three RBI this year. If you're wondering which side Dustin Pedroia is on, wonder no longer. Said Pedroia: "I really don't know what Bobby is trying to do. That's not the way we go about our stuff around here. He'll figure that out. The whole team is behind Youk. We have each other's backs here.
Pedroia also said of Valentine's motivational tactic, "Maybe that works in Japan."
SHOTS FIRED!
