Three-time All-Star and two-time World Series Champion, former Boston Red Sox infielder Kevin Youkilis, joined The Bay Area's 95.7 The Game Friday morning.
Youkilis is the Major League Baseball insider for the station, and one of the topics discussed was the trade rumors regarding the San Francisco Giants' interest in acquiring Philadelphia Phillies' second baseman Chase Utley.
"Chase Utley is a great player," said Youkilis. "Is he the player he was when he was 27 years old? Probably not. I mean, with the knees and all the different stuff.
I think you put him in an environment, especially a guy that lives here and can live at home, I think it could be a good thing."
Utley, 36, grew up in Long Beach, California, and attended UCLA. He and his family reside in the San Francisco area in the offseason.
Youkilis, who officially announced his retirement in October after playing a season in Japan, joined the Chicago Cubs this offseason as a special assistant to reunite with former Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein.
After discussing Utley's health, the 2007 Gold Glove Award winner further commented:
"[Utley] needs something new. Being in Philly for so long, it can beat you down. Mentally, physically, it's a very tough place to play. A lot of eyes on you, [and] a lot of media.
There could be a lot of negativity surrounding that city with sports, but it also can be the opposite. It could be the best place to play in the world.
He was there in the best years, and he's there during the worst years. I think it's just time for him to get a change of scenery."
Matt Rappa (@mattrappasports) is managing editor of Philliedelphia.com.
