Friday, November 27, 2009

Tug Hulett traded to Red Sox

About a week ago Tug Hulett was designated for assignment by the Kansas City Royals and now he has been traded to the Boston Red Sox. I am probably not alone in my feeling that simply by being of interest to Boston Hulett's value has been raised in my mind. Last spring the Royals claimed Hulett off waivers from the Mariners and many thought that Hulett might be given an opportunity at second base for Kansas City at some point during the 2009 season. However, Callaspo became a pleasant surprise offensively and Hulett spent most of the year in Omaha doing what he has always done in the minor leagues. Hit.

Hulett has a career slash of .284/.394/.418 in the minor leagues and even has over a hundred career steals there. However, his numbers have failed to translate in limited at bats in the majors and he has yet to get over the Mendoza line. Hulett may be the classic quadruple A players that can tear up triple A but can't cut it in the majors, but to this point he has not gotten a fair chance in the big leagues and the limited number of plate appearance that he has had aren't enough to put to rest the conversation of if Tug could cut it in the majors.

In this deal the Royals will receive either cash or a player to be named from the Red Sox. Don't expect to get any great prospect, but maybe the Royals will snag either a fringe guy or maybe an older arm that hasn't advanced like the Red Sox had hoped. Losing Tug shouldn't hurt the Royals, but this deal more than likely won't help the Royals, unless you consider that they will be receiving more from the trade than if Tug had simply been let go.

What are your thoughts? What do you think Tug's role will be with Boston for the upcoming season?

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