Red Sox Acquire Victor Martinez, Casey Kotchman: Adding Depth

It's official.

The Boston Red Sox acquired Cleveland Indians catcher/first baseman Friday afternoon in exchange for pitchers RHP Justin Masterson, LHP Nick Hagadone, and RHP Bryan Price.

Before that was officially announced the Red Sox traded newly acquired first baseman Adam LaRoche to the Atlanta Braves for first baseman Casey Kotchman.

This had everyone baffled. Comparing the numbers, both players are pretty similar.

LaRoche—29 years old: .248 BA, 13 HR, 43 RBI, 83 SO, 27 2B, 41 BB

Kotchman—26 years old: .282 BA, 6 HR, 41 RBI, 28 SO, 20 2B, 32 BB

There was some speculation that this was setting up a bigger trade for Boston, but it's clearly not the case as the trade deadline has come and gone.

What do the moves do for the Sox? 

It greatly adds much needed offensive depth to the lineup and also offers versatility.

Kotchman can serve as a bench guy while Youkilis can remain playing at first base. If Mike Lowell needs a day off, Youkilis can move over to third and Kotchman can take over at first.

The acquisition of Martinez is huge in one of two ways. Not only will he be bringing another power bat, but Jason Varitek will able to take a few days off from behind the plate. Martinez can play first, catch, and DH.

If it all goes according to plan, the Red Sox will be fresh through the end of September and continue in October.

One move that wasn't made was for another starting pitcher. Roy Halladay wasn't moved at all and will be staying in Toronto. It looks like the Blue Jays might have gotten too greedy according to Bill Simmons Twitter page.

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