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akcranker -> RE: Theo Epstein (1/24/2006 8:48:27 PM)
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The Boston Red Sox acquired outfielder Coco Crisp in a deal with the Cleveland Indians on Sunday in exchange for reliever Guillermo Mota and third base prospect Andy Marte.
Crisp, 26, hit for a .300 batting average along with 16 homers, 69 RBIs and 15 stolen bases during his 2005 campaign with the Indians.
Guillermo Mota, acquired by the Red Sox from Florida last month, joins Cleveland after posting a 4.70 ERA and 60 strikeouts in 67 innings with the Marlins last season.
Andy Marte, considered to be one of the top prospects in baseball, was originally shipped to Boston from the Atlanta Braves as part of the Edgar Renteria deal. The 22-year-old third baseman clubbed 20 homers and 74 RBIs with Triple-A Richmond last season.
Breaking Down The Deal
After losing Johnny Damon to the Yankees via free agency, the Boston Red Sox have found a replacement center fielder in Coco Crisp. The 26-year-old Crisp continues to improve each season. Crisp possesses good foot-speed and has the potential to be a great base runner. Moving to the hitters’ paradise, Fenway Park, will certainly improve Crisp’s batting numbers. Crisp excels in the # 2 spot, but has the potential to assume lead-off spot in the batting order. In any event, he will definitely be a nice table-setter for the middle of the Red Sox order.
Guillermo Mota should be a better fit in Cleveland than he would have been with the Red Sox. The reliever has always benefited from pitching in big ballparks (see Dodger Stadium), and Jacobs Field should give Mota the edge he needs to be successful. Mota possesses a hard fastball with life and a deceptive slider. He will be a valuable addition to the nasty Indians bullpen.
Andy Marte will likely receive the chance to play third base for the Indians in 2006. Marte is very patient at the plate and has the ability to drive the ball and hit for power. He has the potential to be an impact player in the Major Leagues.
Both clubs addressed needs and did well in this deal. Boston acquires a necessary replacement for Johnny Damon and the Indians add another strong arm to their pen as well as a bona fide prospect talent at third base.
I give the Red Sox the edge in this deal because they add a talented impact player to the lead-off or # 2 spot in their batting order. I predict that Crisp will produce greatly at Fenway Park in 2006. You can expect the production of a .320 batting average along with 20 homers and 20-25 stolen bases.
Edge: Boston Red Sox
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