Deadline Dealing: Gagne to Boston

The Red Sox probably made the biggest move of any American League team at the trading deadline on Tuesday afternoon. They acquired former NL Cy Young winner, Eric Gagne from Texas in exchange for Kason Gabbard, David Murphy, and Engel Beltre.

The trade gives Boston a very, very strong bullpen especially if Timlin and Donnelly can get over their recent injury troubles. Having those two guys healthy to go with Papelbon, Okajima, Gagne, and the emerging Manny Delcarmen could give the Red Sox one of their best bullpens ever.

Hopefully their starters can stay healthy because the loss of Gabbard is a hit to their pitching depth. However, if somebody were to go down, Julian Tavarez could fill in for the short term.

I also felt that Boston could have used another big bat in their lineup, but it would have been tough to find everybody at bats if another power hitter was added to the lineup. Despite not adding another big hitter, Boston could easily be the team to beat in the American League with the addition of Eric Gagne at the trading deadline.