The Day After: Breaking Down the Red Sox Deadline Deals
By Chris Jones
Jul 22, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Boston Red Sox shortstop Stephen Drew (7) throws his bat after striking out against the Toronto Blue Jays in the sixth inning at the Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
SS Stephen Drew traded to the New York Yankees for 2B Kelly Johnson
As the 4:00 pm trade deadline neared, the Red Sox completed their fourth trade of the day, and Boston fans almost-cheerfully waved goodbye to another Drew, as Stephen Drew was sent to New York for infielder Kelly Johnson.
Drew was barely hitting is weight this season, posting a .176 patting average in 145 plate appearances, and he was making $10.1 million this year.
The move was not about the return, but what it means for the future of the Red Sox infield, as Manager John Farrell can now move Xander Bogaerts back to his natural position at shortstop, and now has the option of bringing back Will Middlebrooks back for another shot at third base and, if that doesn’t pan out, bring up highly-touted prospect Garin Ceccini.
It was obvious that Drew was not producing, and the Yankees were willing to eat up most of the rest of his contract. This was making the best of a bad situation for the Red Sox, they did the best that they could, and we can finally see Bogaerts back at shortstop.
GRADE: B