Photo by Kelly O’Connor of sittingstill.net
No July 31st trade deadline was quite like what we saw transpire on Thursday morning and afternoon. In total, 18 teams sent 37 players to new cities, household names found new zip codes, and the Red Sox were right in the middle of the flurry of moves. Boston’s first transaction of the day came in the early morning hours, and was perhaps one of the most surprising trades of the deadline, in terms of the Red Sox return. In a market said to be depleted of big offensive players, Boston found a diamond in the rough when they sent Jon Lester and Jonny Gomes to the A’s in exchange for power-hitting outfielder Yoenis Cespedes. But Boston was just getting warmed up. Around noon time, news broke that the Red Sox had shipped John Lackey out of town, and received outfielder Allen Craig and pitcher Joe Kelly in return. Ben Cherington’s first two moves of the deadline awarded the Red Sox with two things they needed badly: middle of the order bats. For their third move of the day, Boston shipped Andrew Miller to the Baltimore Orioles and received the O’s number 3 prospect, Eduardo Rodriguez, in return. To polish it all off, the Red Sox final deal before the deadline saw Stephen Drew shipped to the Yankees(!!!) in return for utility man Kelly Johnson. I’m convinced that moved was just to mess with us.
- With Jon Lester, John Lackey, and Jake Peavy now out of the Red Sox rotation, Boston will use the rest of the season to evaluate how some of their young arms handle themselves against major league bats. On Friday, Anthony Ranaudo will look to carry his minor league success to the majors when he makes his major league debut against the New York Yankees. (Anthony Ranaudo to make major league debut Friday as Red Sox go forward with new-look rotation)
- While the playoff hopes for the 2014 Red Sox are long gone, the rest of the season isn’t meaningless by any stretch of the imagination. Boston will use the final two months of the current campaign to evaluate rookies, find out how their new pieces fit in their long term plans, and strategize for the offseason. (What’s next for the Red Sox after the trade deadline?)
- The Stephen Drew trade opened a lot of doors for the Red Sox going forward this season. With Drew out of the picture, the Red Sox can afford to bring move Xander Bogaerts back to his native position at shortstop. At the same time, Boston will be able to promote Will Middlebrooks from Pawtucket, and insert him at third base. (Xander Bogaerts to shortstop; Will Middlebrooks recalled from Pawtucket)
- The Red Sox used the 2014 trade deadline to address multiple areas of need for next seasons team. Overall, the Red Sox did well to deal pieces that were destine to hit free agency, and add two productive bats, as well as a young starter. Boston also added to their glut of pitching prospects, and cleared a spot for Xander Bogaerts to return to his normal position. (What the heck just happened? Red Sox trade deadline day first thoughts?)
- Over the years, the Red Sox have made some of their most important and memorable deals during the MLB’s annual trading deadline. Some moves saw franchise altering players come leave, while other moves saw franchise-changing players arrive. But whether is the 1997 Jason Varitek and Derek Lowe trade, or the 2010 Victor Martinez deal, the Red Sox seem to always make July 31st a day worth circling on your calendar. (5 franchise-changing trades by the Red Sox on deadline day)
- Tweet of the day: Time well spent
Q: How much did you sleep last night?
Cherington: I didn't.— Jason Mastrodonato (@JMastrodonato) July 31, 2014
In early August, the Boston Red Sox will take on the New York Yankees. At the very same time, their wives will take on a much greater threat: hunger in the Commonwealth.
To help end hunger in the Bay State, the Red Sox Wives are teaming up with The Greater Boston Food Bank (GBFB) for the 23rd annual Strike Out Hunger fundraiser at Fenway Park on August 1st and 2nd. Over the past two decades, the Red Sox Wives and fans have raised nearly $290,000 to help GBFB feed those in need and this year, their goal is to raise enough to provide 60,000 meals.
Fans interested in participating are asked to visit GBFB’s website by August 11th to participate in the enter the VIP Raffle for a chance to win four infield grandstand tickets for August 21st, a batting practice visit, a tour of Fenway Park, a welcome message on the scoreboard during the game, a gift bag and a photo in the Red Sox dugout.
The Red Sox Wives and GBFB will also be at the Red Sox vs. Yankees games on August 1st and 2nd, and fans are encouraged to stop by their tables and help Strike Out Hunger by donating $10 for an autographed photo of Red Sox players. For every $10 donation, GBFB can 30 provide meals to those in need!