“That’s the game of baseball, guys keep coming and going. David and I have definitely gotten a lot closer over the years. It’s one of those things where we sit there and [say], ‘Man, I can’t believe we’re the only ones left here.’ But I guess we have to keep that torch going for as many years as we can.’’
The question is just how many years.
Ortiz accepted arbitration and agreed to a one-year contract. At 36, he’s a year-to-year player, his future almost entirely dependent on his ability to keep producing at the plate.
Youkilis, who turns 33 next month, is in the final year of a four-year, $41.12 million deal. The Red Sox hold a team option worth $13 million for next season or can buy Youkilis out for $1 million.
This season could be his last with the Red Sox. But Youkilis said landing a new deal is not something he thinks about.
“I already hit the jackpot in monetary terms in the way I look at life. I live a different kind of lifestyle where I’m not flashy and all that. Money is not why I play this game. I play this game because I love the game and I love going out there and competing. That’s why I play baseball,’’ he said.
“I think more and friends and family are like, ‘You need to get this big deal, three years and so and so.’ I can’t worry about that. Once you start worrying about money and contracts and all that, that’s when you have outside things in your head. When you’re getting up and facing Felix Hernandez, you can’t be worrying about your contract.’’
Youkilis hit a career-worst .258 last season and his .833 OPS was the lowest it has been since 2006. He played virtually the entire season with a sore left hip caused by bursitis. By the end of the season, lower back stiffness and a sports hernia left him unable to play the final 13 games.
The injuries also affected Youkilis defensively as his lateral range was reduced to a step or two.
