7/22: Youth shall be served

Adam LaRoche and Chris Duncan in, Julio Lugo and prospects out….but none of them will be an impact in today’s game. With the Yankees win today already in the books, tonight is all about Clay Buchholz.

Red Sox trade Lugo to Cardinals for Duncan

UPDATE: The Sox got a player to be named later too!? Wow.

Julio Lugo is a Cardinal while the Sox acquire 1B/LF Chris Duncan in the hopes of bolstering their offense against right-handed hitters.

Epstein and Gammons on LaRoche trade

Theo Epstein was on a conference call today, and mentions that this deal does not preclude a further deal. Also, Peter Gammons says the Sox turned down Clay Buchholz for Victor Martinez and made the LaRoche swap today because another team had entered the sweepstakes.

Analysis of LaRoche trade

As some may be aware, I contribute to The Hardball Times, serviing as their transaction guru. I opined on the LaRoche trade just now. Some excerpts after the jump.

Red Sox acquire Adam Laroche.

The Red Sox now have some serious flexibility at the corner infield slots. Laroche has a career OPS of .847 against righties, and it gives the Red Sox another quality left-handed hitter that they needed.

TEX 4, BOS 2: Second place

Josh Beckett did all he could to give the Boston Red Sox a lift.