Cesar Tordesillas

After saying he's always a Red Sock for life, Kevin Youkilis said he's proud to wear the New York Yankees pinstripes.

"I'm a Yankee today, and I'm excited," said Youkilis, who signed a $12-million deal to temporarily replace Alex Rodriguez at third base . "I'm proud to be a Yankee."

"The one comment alone looks bad," Youkilis said. "Let's be honest, I mean, the comment by itself looks terrible, but that was not what it was meant to be."

Youkilis explained his earlier statement, saying it's very hard to erase the eight-and-a-half seasons of memories in Boston, even though he had a bitter separation with the Red Sox after he was traded midway through last year's season to the Chicago White Sox.

"Those were great years in Boston. One bad half-year doesn't take away from all the great years I had there," he said.

Youkilis added said he and his family could not be more excited about living in New York and experiencing life in the Bronx.

Also, the third baseman said that Yankees fans will love the hustle that he brings to the team every single day.

"I think the Yankee fans are going to love the fact that every day I'm going to bust my butt and get dirty on the field and do all that stuff," Youkilis said.

Youkilis also revealed that he already talked to Yankees pitcher Joba Chamberlain, who repeatedly hit and threw at him in several games. Chamberlain was even suspended for two games for intentionally hitting Youkilis.

Chamberlain left Youkilis a voice mail upon Youkilis' signing, but the latter took weeks to text him back.

"I said hi to Joba today," Youkilis said. "We shook hands. He is growing a mustache. Tomorrow, we'll hug. It will all be fun. Everything is good. Life is good. There is no reason to get all worked up on the second day."

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Pride of the Yankees? Youkilis Backtracks, Says Glad to be in NY