Boston Doing Early Dealing, Add Percival

Posted: Monday, July 21 (11:09 PM CT)

The Boston Red Sox are out for blood in this 2003 season. Apparently, management in Beantown is no longer satisfied looking up at the Yankees from second place in the AL East.

In what they hope will be a key move to bolster a weak bullpen, the Red Sox made two deals Monday night, one with the Cincinnati Reds and one with the Anaheim Angels.

The deal with the Reds will bring disgruntled OF Jose Guillen into the Red Sox outfield, along with reliever Scott Sullivan for starter John Burkett and OF Gabe Kapler. Guillen had been complaining of playing time problems ever since the Reds outfield became more and more crowded, and finally Reds GM Matt25Wings could no longer stand the constant complaints.

"We had to make a move to get Jose out of here," Matt said, "We think we're bringing back a quality starter in Burkett and a guy who won't mind being a fourth outfielder to the best outfield mix in the majors in Kapler. He's had huge upside his entire career, and we believe he can find that upside here in Cincinnati."

The other deal will be a huge addition to the backend of the Boston roster, adding perennial All Star closer Troy Percival to a Boston bullpen that has been searching for a closing savior. Many thought that pitcher Byung-Hyung Kim could close to start the year, but with this addition, he will likely join the staff. Heading to Anaheim is relievers Ramiro Mendoza and starter Robert Person. The Red Sox also picked up a fourth round amateur draft pick from the Angels.