New Red Sox utilityman has RI ties

BOSTON (AP/WPRI) — Brent Lillibridge's first day with the Boston Red Sox had him flashing back to his first day in the big leagues.

Lillibridge, acquired from the Chicago White Sox along with right-hander Zach Stewart for veteran Kevin Youkilis and cash on Sunday, stood at his new locker Monday night and expressed some nervous energy that he hadn't felt in five years.

The utility player was looking forward to a new start while getting to know his new surroundings and teammates.

"I got here pretty early. All the early guys greeted me," he said. "I got here at 1:30 and went straight to the ballpark. I didn't sleep too well last night. I kind of felt like I was getting called up again for the first time."

Lillibridge also said that his family members, a lot of whom are from Rhode Island, were huge Red Sox fans while he was growing up.

The 28-year old claimed the locker vacated by Youkilis a day earlier, wearing his No. 23 bright red batting practice jersey and talked about how he felt comfortable with his new team, knowing he'd be a spare part looking to just help whenever he's called upon.

"I'm just looking forward to getting my feet wet a little bit, just getting back to playing baseball like I have the last three, four months," he said. "I'm excited. I don't think any player is ever excited about moving on, but I'm just excited about being here."

Lillibridge hit .175 with two RBIs and seven stolen bases in 48 games with the White Sox.

"I watched some film (of him) this afternoon," Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine said. "I saw his statistics. He looks like he can be a contributing factor with a winning team."

Lillibridge played both the outfield and infield for Chicago.

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