CLEVELAND — The Boston Red Sox are adamant about not dealing with players’ contracts during the season because there are more important things to worry about, like winning the World Series.

Red Sox first baseman Kevin Youkilis, a seven-year pro, will become arbitration eligible after this season. But even though he would like a long-term deal to remain in Boston, it’s the furthest thing from his mind right now.

He’s just concerned about winning.

“If you worry about that (contract) stuff, it has a negative effect on your play and then you’re left at the end of the year with negative thoughts,” said Youkilis. “It all plays itself out. If you go out there, play hard, play well, and if you do well out there you’re going to get paid. If you start for a team on a daily basis, you’re going to get paid down the road.”

Youkilis said there’s been no communication with the Red Sox concerning his future status. The 28-year-old currently makes $424,500, the fourth-lowest salary on the club, ahead of pitchers Javier Lopez ($402,500), Jon Lester ($384,000) and second baseman Dustin Pedroia ($380,000).

Youkilis, in only his second full season with the Red Sox after the organization selected him in the eighth round of the 2001 draft, entered last night’s game third on the team in batting average (.314), to go along with nine homers and 48 RBI.

Defensively, he’s been sound on the right side of the infield even though he’s a third baseman by trade. With Mike Lowell given last night off, Youkilis was back at third and committed an error in the second inning against the Indians. He has gone 138 games without an error at first base.

He’s a critical component both in the field and at the plate for the Red Sox.

“To be a major-leaguer and to get paid good money is great,” said Youkilis. “I love playing the game for what I make now. Of course, there are guys all around me who make a lot more money than I do, but I don’t play to become a superstar. I play the game just to play the game. I’m just trying to get better and win ballgames. I’ve been a big competitor my whole life and I’m fortunate to get paid unbelievably well to compete on a daily basis.”

Even though he won’t become a free agent until 2011, he said yesterday he wants to remain in Boston.

“I definitely want to play here,” said Youkilis. “To say I’ll be playing here my entire career, I would be kidding myself because it doesn’t work that way in baseball these days. If I could play my entire career in Boston, that would be awesome; to be one of the select few to start and end my career for the same team would be great.”

Youkilis has quickly become a fan favorite of Red Sox Nation.

“You have to be a realist,” he said. “You have to understand that you are going to cross paths at some point [with management] and they might make a decision to let you go. If you keep playing well, they’ll hold onto you, and hopefully that’s the case here.”

Pineiro accepts demotion

Pitcher Joel Pineiro accepted his optional assignment and started for the PawSox last night. The right-hander was officially designated for assignment on Monday to make room for Lester. A starting pitcher by trade, Pineiro served as a reliever for Boston, and manager Terry Francona said yesterday that a couple of times this season Pineiro said he would start if needed.

Now he’ll be able to stretch out his arm with Pawtucket for a chance to hook up with another team as a starter.

“I think starting is in his heart,” said Francona. “I understand that. We all do.”

Masterson opening eyes

The Red Sox organization is loaded with talented young arms, and Double-A pitcher Justin Masterson has been showcasing his skills for the Sea Dogs. The 21-year-old right-hander improved to 4-0 yesterday, allowing just two runs on three hits with no walks and 10 strikeouts against New Hampshire (Toronto Blue Jays).

“Good for him,” said Francona. “I know he’s been real good since his call-up. He’s an impressive young man. He’s a nice kid.”

Masterson has made four starts for Portland since his call-up from Class-A Lancaster and has worked 26 innings with a 1.04 ERA.

Around the bases

Lowell and shortstop Julio Lugo were given last night off to keep guys fresh. … Red Sox reliever Brendan Donnelly (forearm strain) has played catch at 90 feet the last couple of days.

jmcdonal@projo.com