The Boston Red Sox were the most active team during this year's non-waiver trade period. They sent away three of their starting pitchers who are all seemingly fitting in with their news teams. Others who were traded don't seem to be having any issues with their change of scenery either.
Jon Lester, John Lackey and Jake Peavy were all traded by the Boston Red Sox prior to last Thursday's deadline. Lester earned a win in his first start with the Oakland Athletics, going 6 2/3 innings and giving up three runs against the Kansas City Royals. He also took out a full-page ad in the Boston Globe and thanked Red Sox fans for their support. John Lackey also won in his first start with the St. Louis Cardinals yesterday against the Milwaukee Brewers. Lackey lasted seven innings and gave up two runs against a high-powered offense. Jake Peavy has had two starts since being traded to San Francisco, but he has yet to earn a win. He's thrown 13 innings have gave up seven runs in losses to the Dodgers and Mets, but he's looked solid despite what the stats show (he had a perfect game through six innings against the Mets).
David Price is another high-profile player that was traded before the deadline, but he has yet to make a start for his new team, the Detroit Tigers. He will debut for Detroit against the Yankees on Tuesday night. Others who were traded and had success or made an impression with their new teams include pitcher Justin Masterson, outfielder Sam Fuld, infielder Stephen Drew, and reliever Andrew Miller.
The Cleveland Indians sent Justin Masterson to the St. Louis Cardinals, and the starting pitcher earned his first win with the team on Saturday against the Milwaukee Brewers. He lasted six innings and gave up five earned runs, but received much run support. Although his first start wasn't too promising, Masterson is expected to be a good fit on the Cardinals because of the staff's depth. Minnesota's Sam Fuld was sent to Oakland for pitcher Tommy Milone. Fuld is only 2 for 11 in his first three games with the A's, but is expected to play each position in the outfield and provide flexibility. On Saturday he made a spectacular throw from center field to catch the tagging runner at home.
The Red Sox also traded within their division, sending infielder Stephen Drew to the Yankees and reliever Andrew Miller to the Orioles. Drew immediately punished Boston for trading him. The Red Sox hosted the Yankees over the weekend and Drew went 3 for 11 against his former team with two walks and five RBI's to help the Yanks win the series in Boston. In Baltimore, Miller earned two holds in two appearances for the O's as the team won the series against the Seattle Mariners.
But don't worry, MLB teams can still orchestra waiver trades throughout the month of August, so some players could find new homes within the month.
