The Red Sox have made their first move of the trade deadline period. It wasn't the much-rumored starter or outfield bat, though. As first heard by the Royals Twitter feed, the Red Sox traded away Yamaico Navarro and minor league pitcher Kendal Volz for Kansas City utility infielder Mike Aviles.
Aviles seems to be a very similar player to Navarro, but a little bit older, at first glance. However, I don't mind the move. Navarro has not been swinging the bat overly well as of late, and the Red Sox may have been afraid the lack of production wouldn't have righted itself this year. Aviles has not been good in 2011, sporting a .222/.261/.395 triple slash line this year. However, there are two reasons for optimism. Firstly, the Red Sox have been seen as a lefty-heavy lineup all year, and this is a move that should help against left-handed pitching. Aviles has hit .309/.344/.600 this year against southpaws, and .296/.343/.464 in his career. According to Joel Sherman, the Red Sox have long had interest in Aviles. Last year may have something to do with that, as he posted a .304/.335/.413 triple slash in 448 plate appearances in 2010. As for Volz, he is a single-A relief pitcher right now. He showed some upside upon being drafted, but the team shouldn't miss him too much.
All in all, I feel the Red Sox have shored up a bench spot for a reasonable price. There should be more deals to come in the next 24 hours, and I'll be sure to keep you posted.
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