Well this isn't the blockbuster trade we're all still waiting for, but Boston and Chicago decided to swap a pair of Sox on Tuesday afternoon. The Red Sox have agreed to send veteran Mark Kotsay and cash considerations to the White Sox for outfielder Brian Anderson.Kotsay was designated for assignment by the Red Sox on Friday after only playing in 27 games this season -- hitting .257 with a homer and five RBI. Anderson recently lost his spot on the White Sox when Carlos Quentin returned from the disabled list, and after Dewayne Wise's memorable catch in Mark Buehrle's perfect game last Thursday, it's hard to think he'd have gotten back to Chicago anytime soon.
In other words, this is one of those trades where the teams are hoping a change of scenery will be best for each player. Kotsay is a left-handed veteran outfielder who could come in handy for the White Sox in both the outfield and in backing up Paul Konerko at first base.
What the Red Sox are getting is a former first-round draft pick who just never lived up to the expectations placed on him in Chicago. A steady, sometimes spectacular, defensive player, it's Anderson's career .225 average that sealed his fate in Chicago. Maybe moving to Boston and getting a fresh start somewhere new will be just what Anderson needs to get his career jump-started.
