Shortstop Stephen Drew has reportedly been dealt from the Boston Red Sox to the New York Yankees for Kelly Johnson.
Per the Boston Herald’s Scott Lauber:
Confirmed: Stephen Drew to Yankees for INF/OF Kelly Johnson. #RedSox
— Scott Lauber (@ScottLauber) July 31, 2014
Given the rivalry between the two franchises, it may not be that much of a surprise that this is the first trade between the Red Sox and Yankees since 2007.
Red Sox send Stephen Drew to the Yankees. That's the 1st trade between the teams since Mike Stanley went to New York on Aug. 13, 1997
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) July 31, 2014
Drew made a name for himself last year during the Red Sox’s World Series run but he’s struggled mightily when he’s played this season. He won’t offer the Yankees much offense at all but his defense could still be of use to New York. However, it seems that Drew will be used as a second baseman not as a shortstop.
Interesting to see Yankees trusting Drew at 2B when he has no experience at the position. Seems like a risk this late in the season.
— Yankeesource (@YankeeSource) July 31, 2014
The Yankees will also receive half a million dollars for taking on Drew.
Yankees receive $500,000 from the Red Sox in the Drew deal.
— Mark Feinsand (@FeinsandNYDN) July 31, 2014
As for the other side of the trade, Kelly Johnson can play multiple positions but he’s on the 15-day disabled list, so the Red Sox will have to wait a bit to see Johnson in a Boston uniform.
Kelly Johnson is currently on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left groin (7/23). Yankees had expected him to return when eligible.
— Bryan Hoch (@BryanHoch) July 31, 2014
This isn’t the Curse of the Bambino by any stretch of the imagination but seeing cooperation between the Red Sox and Yankees is as weird as watching mongooses cuddle with cobras.
