The Heir Apparent

Veteran Kevin Youkilis is the current keeper of the hot corner for the Boston Red Sox, but prospect Will Middlebrooks isn't too far behind.

During spring training this year, Middlebrooks and Youkilis stood on one of the back fields at the player development complex at JetBlue Park at Fenway South, talking about the third base position while also taking fungoes.

There are striking similarities between the two, including work ethic and their willingness to do whatever it takes to win. However, there are many differences, too.

At this point of his development, it's unfair to compare Middlebrooks' potential to what Youkilis has already accomplished in his career. According to a National League scout, Middlebrooks doesn't draw walks or control the strike zone like Youkilis. However, the scout added, Middlebrooks is better defensively and sports a cannon of an arm.

From a physical standpoint Youkilis, 33, is 6-foot-1 and 220 pounds. Middlebrooks, 23, is 6-foot-4 and 200 pounds.

The natural transition from aging veteran to young star has been set in motion.

Last season Youkilis said he hopes Middlebrooks is the guy to someday replace him at third base in Boston. When the young prospect heard that, it also served as a motivational factor.

"That means more than I can even explain," Middlebrooks said. "He's one of the best that's ever played the game, in my opinion. He plays it the right way. He plays hard and for a guy to speak that highly of me means a lot. I'm going to pick his brain while I'm here."

Youkilis sat in the dugout at Fenway Park last season, and spoke with ESPNBoston.com about his career in Boston and what the future holds for himself and Middlebrooks. Youkilis has one year remaining on his contract with a club option for 2013, and no matter whether he re-signs with Boston or ends up playing for another team, he seems to be content with either scenario.

"I don't know what their plans are past [2013] but I actually think it would be cool, if I don't play here, that there's going to be another guy to enjoy the opportunities that I had," he said. "I've been thinking about that a lot. Probably for the first time in my life, I haven't worried about if I had to go to another team and it doesn't bother me. I've had so many great things that have happened to me here, and if I have to go at some point, it is what it is. The coolest thing is that somebody gets to come here and play."

And Middlebrooks could possibly become the next Kevin Youkilis?

"And that's cool," Youkilis said. "I think every player should have that attitude and I don't think guys should be bitter that somebody is going to take their job. It's a cool thing, and somebody should get the experience of playing here and having fans cheer for them and enjoy it. I've had that luxury and I've had that for a long time."

Middlebrooks said he appreciates the veteran's support.

"That's definitely encouraging to have someone behind you like that, someone you look up to," Middlebrooks said. "Just to be able to stay in one organization this long and hopefully able to make it to the big leagues with this organization will be exciting.

Youkilis and Middlebrooks both arrived at camp almost three weeks early to get a jumpstart on the 2012 season.

"I'm trying to be a sponge and soak up the veteran core group that's here and ask as many questions as I can," Middlebrooks said.

While Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine was watching pitchers throw live BP sessions one day during camp, Middlebrooks was done with his infield practice and was standing in the dugout. Valentine turned around, saw Middlebrooks standing there, and told the prospect to grab a bat and jump in there.

"My early impressions, he is as advertised," Valentine said. "He's a fine, young guy who loves the game, who needs a little work on getting caught in between on ground balls, but he has a great work ethic where he'll be able to overcome that easily."

Valentine added that he wants to talk with Red Sox hitting coach Dave Magadan about Middlebrooks' swing.

"I've only seen him during live batting practice, but his approach, his strength and the mechanics of his swing seem to be fine," Valentine said during spring training.

Middlebrooks made tremendous strides and honed his skills in 2011. He began the season at Double-A Portland, where he hit .302 in 96 games with 25 doubles, one triple, 18 homers and 80 RBI.

Prior to the July 31 trade deadline, Middlebrooks drew a lot of attention from other organizations, including the New York Mets. The Red Sox and Mets were in talks regarding New York outfielder Carlos Beltran, but the Mets wanted Middlebrooks and fellow Red Sox prospect Che-Hsuan Lin, and Boston did not want to part with either.

Middlebrooks was promoted to Pawtucket on August 19.

The Sea Dogs' bus had arrived back in Portland at 8:30 that morning after a road trip to Reading, PA. Middlebrooks went home to sleep and missed the first phone call from Sea Dogs manager Kevin Boles at 10 a.m. When Middlebrooks' cell rang a second time, it woke him up, and that's when he learned of his promotion to Triple-A.

He quickly packed his bags and headed south to Pawtucket. He hit some traffic on the way and was delayed a bit by inclement weather before arriving at McCoy Stadium just as the PawSox were finishing batting practice. He was able to take some swings in the cage in preparation for his first Triple-A game.

PawSox manager Arnie Beyeler walked over, shook his hand and said: "There's a reason you're here and have some fun."

Middlebrooks finished the season with a .161 average (9-for-56), including two homers and eight RBI in 16 games for the PawSox.

Overall at the minor league level in 2011, he hit .285 with 23 homers and 94 RBI. His 23 homers were 3rd most in the Red Sox system and his 94 RBI were tied for the most in the entire system (with Bryce Brentz).

"It's a confidence builder," he said of last season. "At some point in your career, you ask yourself, 'Am I able to do this? Am I a big leaguer?' Years like last year definitely build that confidence and make you push even harder to where you want to be.

"It was good," he said of his time in Pawtucket. "The numbers didn't show it, but I learned a lot. I really didn't hit the ball that well when I was there, but I was around a good core group of guys and I learned how to play the game a little bit differently. I had good coaching and good camaraderie up there."

He played in the Arizona Fall League during the offseason and was added to the Red Sox's 40-man roster in November.

Like many pro athletes now, Middlebrooks has a twitter account. He's engaging and entertaining, so be sure to follow him at @16WMBrooks. His time in Pawtucket was brief during the 2011 season. While with the PawSox he experienced yet another level of the fanatical Red Sox Nation at McCoy Stadium.

"They pack it out almost every night," Middlebrooks said. "There's nothing like it. I've been to other minor league games, but it's nothing like the support we get."

Support is something Middlebrooks has received in more ways than one. Just ask him about Kevin Youkilis.