Youk set to take his act over to Japan
Veteran signs one-year contract with Rakuten Golden Eagles
"The Greek God of Walks" is taking his on-base talent to Japan, possibly joining Masahiro Tanaka -- if the ace isn't posted by his club -- on the defending Japan Series championship team.
Kevin Youkilis, a 10-year Major League veteran, signed a one-year deal with the Rakuten Golden Eagles of Nippon Professional Baseball on Friday, according to MLBTradeRumors.com.
Youkilis' agent, Joe Bick, told the website that Youkilis' wife and children will accompany him to Japan for a "life experience that was too good to pass up."
Youkilis battled through an injury-riddled season with the Yankees, playing in only 28 games -- the fewest of his Major League career -- and batting just .219 with two homers and eight RBIs. Despite attempting to come back after having surgery to repair a herniated disk in his back on June 20, Youkilis played his final game on June 13.
The 34-year-old is a career .281 hitter with a .382 on-base percentage and three All-Star appearances over a 10-year career with the Red Sox, White Sox and Yankees.