The Over The Monster Podcast: Mookie is Gone For Real This Time

From the time we recorded our emergency podcast last week up until this deal was completed last night was quite possibly the most painful week of Red Sox fandom in recent memory. I equated it to pulling teeth out of my head, but really any painful and slow metaphor would work there.

The bottom line is the deal is now done and the Red Sox from a baseball perspective are better off now than they would’ve been had they simply kept the first deal. They still get their right field replacement in Alex Verdugo, but instead of the high ceiling and highly risky Brusdar Graterol the Red Sox get infielder Jeter Downs and future backup catcher Connor Wong.

Downs is an extremely interesting prospect. Evaluators see Downs, who is a shortstop now, moving off the position likely to second base, a position of substantial need for the Red Sox. At the plate Downs is very dangerous with plenty of power, speed, and on base ability. He profiles as a pretty sure fire MLB regular at the position and should be ready to go in time for Dustin Pedroia’s deal to expire.

Wong on the other hand, while not as exciting, fills maybe the biggest organizational void as a catcher. The Red Sox simply have nothing at that position in the minors so his addition goes a long way to give them some much needed internal depth.

This week played with our emotions. It’s hard enough as a fan base to get over your best player being traded once. It’s extra hard to think that that guy might not be traded after all following the unusual week that was. Now Red Sox fans can start the healing process and attach their hopes to what remains a very exciting roster for the 2020 season. Hey everyone, its finally over, you can rest now.