Sox trade Arroyo for Wily Mo...

The Sox move one of their most popular players and cash for a part time outfielder. Our first response was "What?" We've heard the name Wily Mo Pena, but never associated him with the better outfielders in the game. Throw in the emerging Adam Stern, the solid Spring Training by non roster invitee Dustin Mohr (righty bat), and the minor league signing of Juan Gone, and further questions arise.



There were rumors that the Sox were in talks with Cincinnati, but they involved Clement, not Arroyo. He was apparently stunned when he heard the news. After all, he did take a below market 3 year offer to try and stay in Boston. It's really unfortunate that this type of thing happens. Players should be applauded, and rewarded, for this type of loyalty. But reality is that they are commodities. Tell us this situation won't come up in the next contract negotiation with every team. Prices just went up folks, and hometown discounts just became more rare...



Who was the winner in this deal? At first glance, Cincinnati. They get a proven starter with a rubber arm who won 14 games, all at a price of less than $3M per season. They had to give up a part time outfielder to do so. How do you not make this deal if you are Cincinnati coming off the worst ERA in the majors? No brainer. He's probably their #2 starter...



Sox get a 24 yr old outfielder who can play all 3 positions. His power numbers are outstanding - hitting 45 HR in 2 part time seasons, and has an .881 OPS vs lefties (Manny's is .885) - which is when he'll replace Trot . He's very athletic but is still fairly raw. At only 24, he's still learning, and plate discipline will be his biggest lesson. He has plenty of time to rid himself of bad habits, and his best years are still in front of him. Give round 1 to Cincy, but long term goes to the Sox.



Upside

• Pena is only 24, inexpensive, and under control for several years
• His skills should improve
• Still raw, but not too old to change bad habits - plate discipline
• Should hit 20 HR as part time OF (they don't grow on trees)
• Backup for: Trot, Coco, Manny, & Ortiz
• Forces Trot to have a monster contract year
• OF of the future (next to their 26 yr old CF)
• Short term option at 1B if Lowell struggles? (Youkie back to 3rd)

Downside

• Lose a 14 game winner
• Lose 200+ inning pitcher & bullpen flexibility
• Trot to free agency at year end - leadership presence

Overall it looks promising. As much as we hate to see Arroyo go, his 4.51 ERA wasn't exactly stellar. He was 10th in the league in quality starts, and rung up 14 wins. Arguably he was one of the best 5th starters. But with Schill, Beckett, Wake, Wells, Clement, Papelbon, and a rising Lester, he became expendable.



The key measuring stick is: Are the Sox better? The short answer is yes. They have plenty of depth in the OF, also gaining a power right handed bat. With Arroyo slated for the pen anyway, they still have plenty of depth in the rotation. Pena is still somewhat raw, but now has teachers in Papa Jack & Ortiz to bring him along. He also has the benefit of a stronger lineup around him. He is inexpensive and could be the new RF in 2007, decreasing age and payroll significantly. You could easily be looking at a 40HR 100+ RBI guy. He is a project, but if the Sox can teach him to prepare and be more disciplined, look out. There's a new Mo in town...