Without right fielder Shane Victorino, the Red Sox might not have won the 2013 World Series.
Two years later, there wasn't much sense in going forward with him.
So, five days shy of the non-waiver trade deadline, the Red Sox dealt Victorino to the Los Angeles Angels for utility infielder Josh Rutledge, a .274 hitter in 78 games at Triple-A this season. The Sox also will send money to the Angels to help subsidize the nearly $5 million remaining on Victorino's three-year, $39 million contract.
It was the first move in a week that could see the Sox sell off first baseman Mike Napoli and perhaps pitchers Justin Masterson and Craig Breslow, all of whom are free agents after the season.