So why is De Aza now a member of the Sox.. It’s because the Sox opened up a roster spot by making a deal–finally!!

As my friend Russ explained earlier, The Sox dealt Edwin Jackson and Mark Teahen to the Blue Jays for Jason Frasor and minor leaguer Zach Stewart. I know there are many of you (Yes, AJ, that means you) that want the Sox to blow up the roster and start over. However, Jerry Reinsdorf is 75 years old, so that is not gonna happen. He wants to win now, and next year. He doesn’t want, or possibly the time, to wait for prospects, who might or might not develop. I have to say though that watching the Sox this season, I have agreed with the blowing up the roster idea at certain points this year.

At least I now know why Teahen played so much after the All-Star break. They were showcasing him. Obviously the Jays liked what they saw, and made the deal for him and Jackson. Jackson wasn’t a Blue Jay very long, but Teahen may finish out his deal North of the Border. I feel bad for Teahen, who the Sox got from the Royals, and had high expectations for him. They even signed him to a 3-year, 14 million dollar contract extension before he even played a game in Chicago. Injuries and lackluster play doomed the guy. Class act though.

The rumor mill had Jackson, or Matt Thornton, going to St louis for Colby Rasmus. Jackson did eventually go for Rasmus (and others),.

Jackson pitched some strong games for the Sox, but was expendable with the emergence of Phil Humber. The fact that he is a free agent at the end of the year as well, didn’t hurt his value as much as I thought it would.

Now what’s with the Sox-Jays connection? The Sox took on Alex Rios horrible contract, now the Jays took on Teahen’s less than optimal deal.

Frasor will be a nice addition to the Sox pen. He can be the long man, or close if needed. Over his 8 year career in Toronto, Frasor has averaged just less than 60 innings a year, and has 36 career saves. over the past 3 years, he has pitched 163.2 innings, while sporting a 2.90 ERA. He’s only allowed 4 home runs in that same span, so I think the Sox made a good move. Plus, with the state of most bullpens around baseball, it’s a true statement that you can never have enough arms.

Picking up Stewart isn’t so bad either. He may even make it to the Sox this year. I like Stewart, not for his pitching, but for the fact that he was born in Wichita Falls, Texas, a place I once lived.

Stewart was starting in New Hampshire, where he split 10 decision, with a ERA over 4. Not sold on his hits to innings pitched ratio (106/94.1), but he was one of the Jays top prospects, and the Sox have something the Jays don’t. I am talking about Don Cooper. Cooper, once he sees Stewart will repair any mechanical problem Stewart might have.

I am a fan of the deal, and am glad the Sox didn’t blow up the roster. Although they still have 4 days to do just that.

The Sox still have 6 games left against the Jays, so Teahen, Frasor, Stewart, and even Rasmus could play a pivotal roll in the Sox making, or missing the playoffs.

Go Sox