Red Sox notebook: Youkilis wins Gold Glove

Apparently, 2006 was an off-year defensively for Kevin Youkilis, who committed five errors in 127 games at first base, even if he'd only played nine games previously at the position.

So that probably means that 2007 was more the norm for the Red Sox infielder, who Tuesday was named the American League's Gold Glove first baseman. It seemed like an easy choice; in 1,080 total chances, he didn't make an error. He made three errors in limited duty at third base, the position he'd been groomed to play.

"It says a lot about him and his work ethic," said Red Sox GM Theo Epstein. "He came up a third baseman and was able to make such a smooth transition over to first base. Sometimes it looks easy, but he works extremely hard at his craft. What he accomplished this year was extremely impressive, especially considering he didn't come up as a first baseman."

"Naturally as a third baseman you become a little more aggressive and you try to get balls," Youkilis said. "I like to be a little daring, I like to charge, I like to throw the ball to second and third. I'm sure what I learned as a third baseman helped me at first.

"I'm not worried about making an error. I'm worried about helping the team win and getting an out any way we can. Now this year to have a great year there and win a Gold Glove means so much for me. It's definitely a boost in my confidence level knowing this award is the highest you can get for fielding. So I'm proud of playing defense for all the pitchers and all the other guys across the diamond that throw me the ball."

Youkilis said that making the switch from third base was "a little nerve-wracking, but that since he worked so hard at third, and first was "a little easier position," it was almost enjoyable. "Playing first base and playing on a daily basis, I was excited about that."

Re-sign Lowell!

Youkilis credited his fellow infielders for making his transition easier, and he reiterated the thoughts of many of his teammates. He wants third baseman Mike Lowell re-signed.

"It's definitely a huge advantage when you have guys across diamond that you play with and you know their habits and routines. To have a guy like Mike Lowell makes it pretty easy. Being a Gold Glover himself (2005) makes my job easy. It just flows little better when you have a guy you're acclimated to. We hope Mike signs back with us."

He's not alone. At the end of his blog entry Tuesday, Curt Schilling wrote, "SIGN MIKE LOWELL!!!!!"

"We're in discussions with (Lowell's agents) the Levinson brothers," Epstein said. "We're working at it. Hopefully we're moving the ball forward little bit each day."

Ortiz has knee surgery

David Ortiz wasted little time in having his ailing right knee repaired. He underwent an arthroscopy at Massachusetts General Hospital Tuesday.

According to team Medical Director Dr. Thomas Gill, Ortiz will begin rehabilitation immediately and the surgery should not interfere with his offseason program. He is expected to be ready for full participation in spring training.

-- The Patriot Ledger