Youk gets long-term deal

The pride of Sycamore High School and the University of Cincinnati, Kevin Youkilis, who grew up in Montgomery, avoided arbitration by agreeing with the Red Sox to a four-year contract worth more than $40 million, according to ESPN's Peter Gammons.

Gammons says the deal includes an option for a fifth year.

Youk finished third in American League Most Valuable Player voting after an outstanding season in which he hit .312 with 29 home runs and 115 RBIs. Teammate Dustin Pedroia, who won the award, also recently signed a long-term deal.

The deal buys out Youkilis' last two years of arbitration eligibility and delays his chance to become a free agent by at least two years. Youkilis filed for arbitration earlier Thursday, a formality that would be negated if he passes a physical and the long-term deal is completed.

Praise from the MLB.com story about Youk's deal:

In 2006, Youkilis, who came up through the Minor Leagues as a third baseman, made a seamless transition to the other side of the diamond to become Boston's first baseman.

In fact, Youkilis has become of the best defensive players in the league at that position, as evidenced by the Gold Glove he won in 2007.

Part of the beauty of Youkilis is that he can still play a very solid third base, and never balks at doing so when Mike Lowell is either injured or given a breather. Youkilis started all seven games at third base in last October's American League Championship Series.

Manager Terry Francona has also come to embrace the adaptability of Youkilis to hit in any part of the batting order.

After superstar slugger Manny Ramirez was traded to the Dodgers on July 31, Youkilis moved to the cleanup spot and put up strong numbers.

The past two Octobers, Youkilis has proved that he is a clutch player, hitting .333 with six homers and 19 RBIs in 99 postseason at-bats.