Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Day 122: So the Red Sox Made a Trade Yesterday...

We all knew something was going to happen before the non-waiver trade deadline with the Red Sox, it was just the who and where and when we needed. And chances were it was going to be a pitcher. With Clay Buchholz's return timeframe somewhat foggy and some season-ending surgeries effecting the bullpen, Boston definitely needed to add another arm to the rotation.

Over the course of yesterday evening, Twitter was a buzz with rumors. Jackie Bradley Jr. wasn't in the lineup in Pawtucket so he must be involved in some deal. Would he be traded for Cliff Lee? Jake Peavy? But JBJ wasn't offered up in a trade...instead the Red Sox dealt shortstop, Jose Iglesias. Surprising considering his breakout offensively the year, but then again, not surprising considering his breakout offensively this year. With a plethora of middle infielders in the minors, if the Sox were ever planning to use Iglesias as trade bait, now is the time.

Last season, Iglesias had just 77 plate appearances in Boston and batted a lowly .118. His defense has always been spectacular... offense not so much. But he went out in the off-season and busted his ass and came into the 2013 season on fire. Before his recent slump, his batting average hovered in the .400 range. So obviously, his value was fairly high. And with stock in Stephen Drew and Xander Bogaerts waiting in the wings, they could afford to lose Iglesias.

So last night, in a three-team, seven-player deal that included the Detroit Tigers, the Red Sox acquired right-hander Jake Peavy from the Chicago White Sox. The Red Sox sent Jose Iglesias to the Tigers (who fear they'll need a shortstop should Jhonny Peralta be suspended in the Biogenesis investigation, according to ESPN.) The White Sox got Detroit's top power prospect, as well as three prospects from Boston. The Red Sox also got a right-handed reliever from Detroit who will be assigned to Pawtucket.

Confused yet? These multi-player, multi-team deals always baffle me. But after my initial shock, I've decided I'm good with the move... even though I do have a soft spot for players who come up through the system and play in Portland. And Jose certainly was fun to watch as he patrolled the left side of the infield. Good luck to you, kid.

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