Striking late and dramatically, the Boston Red Sox bolstered their lineup by acquiring All-Star catcher Victor Martinez from Cleveland less than two hours before Friday's non-waivers trade deadline, CBSSports.com has learned.
The blockbuster deal comes following several days during which the Red Sox were hot on the trail of Martinez, San Diego slugger Adrian Gonzalez and Toronto ace Roy Halladay. Martinez, a three-time All-Star, was batting .284 with 15 homers and 67 RBI in 99 games for the Indians this season and arrives in Boston with the Red Sox having fallen into second place in the AL East, two games behind the New York Yankees.
The addition of Martinez is a huge boon for the Red Sox, who are concerned with the health of catcher Jason Varitek, 37, and who have watched slugger David Ortiz regress some this season. Martinez can catch, play first base and, of course, serve as designated hitter.
This is a huge move, and reportedly the Red Sox gave up three prospects to the Indians. This also means Jason Varitek can used to sitting on the bench. Red Sox always find a way to pull off these deals, and getting Martinez is big. - SF 58
Apparently now Jake Peavy is ready to go to the South Side Of Chicago. The Padres agreed to trade Peavy and will be getting Clayton Richard and three other prospects from the White Sox
Peavy is currently on the DL with a bad ankle but should be back soon, and I assume it is someone the Sox hope they can sign to an extension
Not sure what happened since the last time Peavy turned down this deal, but a big move for the Sox. Let's just see if Peavy can be a factor once he comes back. - SF 58
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At first I was mortified when I heard this Peavy to the White Sox trade for the following reasons:
ReplyDelete1. He already said no
2. He's on the DL
3. The Sox are on the hook with him for 3 more years after this incredibly backloaded contract he has!!!
Still after a few days I've calmed down about it and realized that this isn't a rent-a-player deal, but rather a move to ensure the White Sox are always in the conversation when it comes to playoff contenders for the next couple seasons. If it means Sox fans pay $20 for a hot dog at the Cell, then that's what it means.
Plus if he manages to come back on schedule this year, and pitch a few starts in September, this could really help their chances.