Kevin Youkilis spent eight-plus seasons with the Red Sox and won a pair of World Series rings with them. So we can understand why he'd say,"I'll always be a Red Sock." But it was notable that he chose his first day of spring training with the New York Yankees to declare his affection for his new team's archrival.

On Friday, Youkilis acknoweldged that comment, made Thursday, "looks bad" on its own and stressed that he's "proud to be a Yankee" and will play hard for his new team. Did Youk manage to diss his new teammates and fans before he could clarify his comments? Or was he smart to offer Boston fans a Valentine's Day message, lest he be served the same venom previously dished out to Red Sox-turned-Yankees Roger Clemens, Wade Boggs and Johnny Damon?

• Jason Koziol: "I don't think there's anything wrong with what he said. its refreshing to see an athlete with a passion for a team he played for, most athletes go to team to go and don't care about the team or its fan base."
• Yamen Hoque: "Respect. This is why Youk will always be beloved by us Red Sox fans. Unlike Johnny Damon."
• John J. O'Brien: "Look. Youk is not in his prime but he will give the Yankees his best effort every day he is on the field. Will he be better than last year I think yes. Hey I think the Yankees would be happy if he rebounded to.260-.275 and has 75 - 90 RBI's?"
• Rick Stockfield: "This may be one of those 'better left unsaid' statements. Perhaps even an implied. Maybe even a "I'll always have a place in my heart for my former team, but I'm here in NY to win a championship" type of comments may have been better. This almost reads as though..."well, the Yankees were the only offer I go, so I'll play with them...". Just doesn't feel right."
• Mark Anthony Signor Sr: "Yep and no matter what you do in new york you will never be a Yankee we will just put up with you until something better comes along."
• Mitchell Jackson Seale III: "Kevin had a lot to do with the great years the Red Sox had, not just '04 and '07. The Red Sox dumped him for what they hoped is going to be a phenom. I like someone who is honest and understands the way management works. He'll do his job in NY. Compare this to Tom Seaver or Tom Glavine when their teams didn't think they we worth the cost. He's a pro."
• John Simpson: "Then expect us to boo you at Yankee Stadium this year as we have forever."
• Stephen Briscoe: "What a great way to make nobody happy."
• Brian Sannicandro: "Media blowing this a little out of proportion. The guy played 98% of his career there, what do you expect him to say? As long as he produces, I could care less what he feels inside.."

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