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Boston's Latest Spring Cleaning Update

by Andy Liakos
3/19/06

Pena says hello…Arroyo says good-bye. Spring Training is almost over, but the Boston front office is still focused on spring cleaning, which was evident today when the Red Sox traded right-handed pitcher Bronson Arroyo to the Cincinnati Reds for outfielder, Willy Mo Pena. Aroyyo has been a fan favorite here in Boston since his debut back in 2003. Bronson went 14-10 last year with an ERA of 4.51, pretty impressive for the guy that Theo seemed to view as our surplus in pitching. They were daunted with the task of choosing between seven potential starters to fill their five man rotation, and now that the dust has finally cleared with the big question of David Wells’ return, it seems as if the BoSox have finally cleaned house and the table is set.

I was not too surprised with this move as Bronson has been the best trade bait all season. You can say what you want to about Matt Clement and the reason for his sub-par performance after the all-star break, but all in all, Arroyo won more games last year and cost seven million dollars less. I’m certainly going to miss Aroyyo, and I wish him well. He was more than open with his love for Boston and the fans, and not like Judas Damon, I actually believed this guy. Plus, Bronson was always the trouble maker in the Boston bull-pen and the go-to-guy when someone deserved to get whacked. Let’s not forget last year’s incident with the D-Rays and how many guys Bronson beamed. This guy is a man’s man, and I know that everyone in Boston wishes him the best.

The Red Sox had two goals for this year: defense which has been accomplished, and to go out there and get younger and cheaper players that are ready to break through and become potential powerhouses in the line-up. At 24 years young, Willy Mo Pena just might be the last piece to this puzzle. He hit 19 home runs last year and 26 the year before, his first full major league season. With an offensively questionable infield, Pena adds a strong bat and some good defensive skills in what looks now to be a regularly platooning outfield. Naturally, the where abouts of Trot Nixon in the not too soon future is a concern, but I welcome Willy with open arms and can’t wait to see what this kid brings to our table. Willy Mo bats righty, but puts up better overall numbers against left-handed pitchers, which has been a major concern for Theo and the future of our team.