Kevin Youkilis BOSTON – The Boston Red Sox ended what had turned into a tumultuous relationship with former All-Star third baseman Kevin Youkilis by trading Youkilis to the Chicago White Sox for utilityman Brent Lillibridge and right-hander Zach Stewart. the Red Sox agreed to cover most of Youkilis’ salary for 2012 as part of the deal. Youkilis was lifted for pinch runner in the eighth inning of yesterday’s game, a sure sign to most baseball observers that a deal had been consummated to trade him.

Controversy surrounding Youkilis and manager Bobby Valentine began in April, with Valentine questioning the effort being put forth by Youkilis. The drama continued when Youkilis went to the disabled list. Rookie third baseman Will Middlebrooks assumed starting responsibilities at third base, and when Youkilis return from the disabled list the Red Sox had too few positions for too many players. The result was forcing gold glove first baseman Adrian Gonzalez to right field to keep Youkilis in the lineup. That situation became unworkable and the trade was made. Middlebrooks expressed his appreciation for Youkilis via Twitter  ”It was truely an honor playing with and learning from Youk… He’s the definition of a professional. Played the game right,” he wrote.

The Boston crowd also expressed its appreciation to Youkilis with a rousing ovation following his RBI triple in the eighth inning and his subsequent removal from the game.