Thu, Jul 31, 2014 at 3:54pm

YANKEES & RED SOX SWING A DEAL!

The New York Yankees acquired infielder Stephen Drew and cash from the Boston Red Sox for infielder Kelly Johnson.

What does it give the New York Yankees
Is it the Apocalypse? Nah, just a Yankees-Red Sox trade! This appears to be a straight swap of left-hand-hitting infielders, but for the Yankees it may be significantly more. Drew is a natural shortstop who will (for now) play second base for the Bronx Bombers, as well as back up all over the infield. If he pans out, Drew could be in line to replace the legendary {P Derek Jeter} as the team's starting shortstop in 2015.

What does it give the Boston Red Sox
Drew failed miserably upon his return to the Red Sox this year, so the club is essentially pleased to dump him for almost anything. In Johnson, the BoSox get a decent lefty bat who can play third base (which is where he may play for the rest of 2014) and back up elsewhere. This move should give {P Xander Bogaerts} another run as Boston's starting shortstop.

Fantasy impact
Both players should see a spike in their fantasy value, since both could have become lost in the shuffle had they remained where they were. Drew has more longer-range value if he indeed becomes the Yankees' starting shortstop in 2015.

Player focus

New York Yankees

cash considerations

Stephen Drew IF

Boston Red Sox

Kelly Johnson IF/OF