BOSOX BRING IN BYRD
The Boston Red Sox acquired outfielder Marlon Byrd and cash from the Chicago Cubs for pitcher Michael Bowden and a player to be named later.
What does it give the Boston Red Sox
With star outfielders {P Jacoby Ellsbury} and {P Carl Crawford} both sidelined (and with fourth outfielder {P Jason Repko} now also out due to a shoulder injury), Boston needs the outfield depth Byrd brings. While he's not playing well at all this season, Byrd knows the American League and gets a fresh start in a hitter's ballpark. Look for Byrd to see regular chances in center field, with {P Cody Ross} possibly playing more in left (and {P Darnell McDonald} serving more as the fourth outfielder, but depending on how Byrd does).
What does it give the Chicago Cubs
Cubs prez Theo Epstein drafted Bowden (No. 47 overall in the 2005 Draft) so Epstein obviously respects Bowden's potential. Moreover, Chicago's bullpen is struggling, so adding a live arm to their organizational depth is a plus. The Cubs probably aren't contending this year so moving and aging and scuffling vet like Byrd for a still-promising young arm makes a lot of sense. This move also opens up center field for later this season for top prospect {P Brett Jackson} (with the likes of {P Reed Johnson}, {P Joe Mather}, and {P Tony Campana} likely rotating in until then).
Fantasy impact
