Earlier this evening, the Red Sox and the Angels reached agreement on a deal to send Shane Victorino and cash considerations out west in exchange for infielder Josh Rutledge. In a conference call with reporters, Red Sox Executive Vice President/GM Ben Cherington explained that the talks started only in the last few days.
“The deal kind of came together over the weekend,” Cherington said. “I talked to Shane this afternoon during batting practice about it…He’s been a part of a lot of great moments, not just for the Red Sox, but throughout his career.”
The deal was not an easy one for Cherington to make and it has brought about some mixed emotions for the Flyin’ Hawaiian. Victorino expressed to Cherington that he’s happy to have an opportunity to join up with a contender and play meaningful games down the stretch. On the other hand, the veteran feels that his time in Boston marked a very important part of his career and he is sad to leave his Red Sox teammates behind.
Baseball-wise, the deal opens up space on the Red Sox’s roster, allowing them to get a good look at international signee Rusney Castillo. While Cherington wouldn’t quantify how much that played a role in the Victorino trade, he said that it was “certainly” a consideration. However, there aren’t any immediate plans to make a similar move to accommodate Jackie Bradley Jr.
“Jackie is doing well. There’s merit and consideration in trying to get some opportunities for him too, but today it’s Castillo. We’ll see where it goes after that,” said the GM.
As for Rutledge, Cherington confessed that he has had interest in the infielder “going back to his Colorado days.” With Dustin Pedroia on the DL, the 26-year-old figures to see a good amount of playing time the rest of the way. If he does well, Cherington says he can envision him “being a part of the team going forward.”
Outside of today’s transaction, Cherington kept mum about other possible dealings this week. When asked about the level of interest he’s received in Mike Napoli, he effectively gave a no comment. When another reporter inquired on what’s next, Cherington tersely replied, “[There’s] nothing to announce and nothing is particularly close.”
Trade Napoli, try Hanley at first, let JBJ have his chance. Have to know now
what you have for future. Give the “best farm system” a chance to prove it
or show it’s all talk.
Yes, this needs to happen. There is no point in keeping Hanley in LF where he is horrendous. His future is either at 1B or DH (once Ortiz retires). The outfield needs to be Betts, Bradley and Castillo. Holt filling in at 2nd for now and then when Pedroia returns he can be used to give guys days off.
I thought I read that part of the reason Hanley signed with Boston is because they said he wouldn’t play first. Could be wrong
No, that has never been said. He has however said that he likes playing the outfield and feels that it is easier on his legs and body. He is atrocious there, so he is gonna have to move to first IMO (until Ortiz retires). He should like first base a lot, it is quite easy to play and it should be even easier on his body.
The place to hide bad fielders is in LF, not 1B. The 1B handles balls more then other position except for P and C. Hiding a bad defender at 1B causes a lot of problems, primarily with the infielders that have to take extra time on their throws, as well as with P’s an C’s on bunts / toppers and balls to 1B that the P has to cover on.
Hanley could well be the worst 1B in Boston since Dick Stuart.
If Napoli is traded, any possibility they move Sandoval to 1st and Hanley to 3rd?
Honestly, I don’t think they’ll make them make a position change
mid-season, though that would open up another spot to give JBJ time as well. Realistically, I could see them making the move in Spring Training next year, which creates the question: who is the better 3rd basemen? Hanley is a lot bigger now and seems more sluggish, which makes me think that he wouldn’t be a great 3rd basemen at this point. Also, his offence plays better at 1st than Sandoval’s and most of the time all he has to do is catch the ball (of course, sometimes that can be hard with bad throws). Sandoval hasn’t played 3rd as well this year, but it is very possible that it is an outlier. Also, I don’t think he was great there during his brief stint with the Giants. Overall I think the better decision would be to put Hanley at 1st and keep Sandoval at 3rd, but it certainly is debatable.
The defense is great, but I highly doubt his bat ever turns around. Thankfully, if he hits .250 with a solid obp he can still be valuable, but he’s got some work to do.
Cherington talking about Bradley sounds like a guy trying not to insult a friend who wants to set them up on a date with an ugly girl. “Yeah..ya know..not this time…she has great personality, ya know… but maybe later”
I hope Josh Rutledge does good for the sox. Always liked him