The New York Yankees took two steps on Thursday towards their goal of capturing the AL East pennant, acquiring Stephen Drew from the Boston Red Sox and Martin Prado from the Arizona Diamondbacks in two intriguing deadline deals.
According to Alex Speier of WEEI.com, the New York Yankees will send oft-maligned veteran infielder Kelly Johnson to the Red Sox in a rare trade between the two blood rivals:
Confirmed: Stephen Drew for Kelly Johnson
— Alex Speier (@alexspeier) July 31, 2014
Just under a half hour later, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reported that the Yankees added another potential piece to their infield puzzle in Diamondbacks third baseman/utility man Martin Prado:
Confirmed: #Yankees get Prado from #DBacks. First reported: @JackCurryYES — Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 31, 2014
The Yankees had reportedly courted Stephen Drew this offseason, to no avail. Drew would eventually re-sign with the Boston Red Sox, hitting .176/.255/.328 in 39 games (131 at-bats).
In Prado, the New York Yankees get a consistent right-handed bat (.270/.317/.370 in 106 games) who can slot in at multiple places on the diamond. Per Steve Gilbert of MLB.com, the Yankees will send slugging catching prospect Peter O'Brien to the Diamondbacks.
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