No more Coco Crispies

Yesterday the Boston Red Sox traded center fielder Coco Crisp to the Kansas City Royals for relief pitcher Ramon Ramirez. Coco was traded to the Sox during the 2006 offseason to replace Johnny Damon. He was injured in the beginning of the 2006 season, and never was the same player again. He had lack-luster results in 2006 and 2007. In 2008 he was replaced by rookie Jacoby Ellsbury, however he slumped in his first full season as well. Ellsbury did do well during the playoffs in the ALDS, however was replaced by Crisp in the ALCS do to a slump.

Crisp was excited to see the trade, as he wanted to be an everyday player. "I know my agent had told me there was a possible trade in the works within this week, and all that waiting and anticipating to see if it even happens kind of keeps you on edge," said Crisp. "When I finally got the news that I was going to Kansas City, it was exciting."

Last year, Ramon Ramirez went 3-2 with a 2.64 ERA in 71 games in 2008. He had 70 strikeouts in 71 2/3 innings. "In Ramirez, we believe we've acquired a young, controllable reliever that can really help our bullpen," said Boston GM Epstein. "He has a plus fastball, 92-95 mph, and an outstanding power changeup. A lot of people think it's a split, it's actually a changeup 87-88, that's a swing-and-a-miss pitch for him against left-handed and right-handed hitters. And a pretty good slider to go with it.

All in all this was a pretty good trade. The Sox needed a better arm in the bullpen. Crisp never really developed the results that the Red Sox wanted, and they already have a better and more valuable center fielder. This was a much needed trade for the Boston Redsox, and the Royals, who need better bat in the lineup since they were 75-81 last year.

Bye Bye Coco! We will miss you!