The Boston Red Sox Make A Trade One Day After Moving to 2nd Place

Sports Betting News - July 22nd, 2009 - Written by Ryan Smith

The Boston Red Sox make a splash in the trade market just 9 days before the MLB trade deadline. After loosing their 4th straight game the Red Sox made a deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates for first baseman Adam LaRoche sending two BoSox prospects shortstop Argenis Diaz and right hand pitcher Hunter Strickland to the Pirates. The Red Sox were front runners in trade talks for Toronto Blue Jays starting Pitcher Roy Halladay but, decided to boost an offense that has scored just 12 runs in the last five games. Most think LaRoche will play first base for the Red Sox and starting first baseman Kevin Yokulis will move to third a more natural position for the all-star.

The BoSox hoped normal starting third baseman Mike Lowell would return to play most of the second half of the season but things haven't worked out that way. This is twice in the last two years that the Red Sox and the Pirates have worked out trade deals. Last year the Sox traded for outfielder Jason Bay to replace the loss of Manny Ramirez and it worked out well for the Boston team. Keeping the trend alive the Boston Red Sox decided to return to the Pirates with another deal and, the Pirates organization that is trying to cut cost was quick to accept the trade. This trade almost renders all possibilities of making a trade offer for Roy Halladay possible.

After dropping out of first place in the AL East for the first time all season and, now are one game behind the New York Yankees. The Red Sox are obviously more concerned with regaining the top position in their respective division than they are worried about acquiring Roy Halladay. The Pirates are far from done trading away players. The Adam LaRoche trade came as a surprise as most sports critics thought either second baseman Freddy Sanchez or short stop Jack Wilson would be the first two players to get traded since they both rejected contract extensions from the Pirates earlier this month. Expect to see the BoSox drop out of the race for Roy Halladay, and watch for the Pirates to continue trading away high salary players for minor league prospects and minor league contracts.