Yesterday, the Texas Rangers traded left handed pitcher Robbie Ross Jr. to the Boston Red Sox for right-handed pitcher Anthony Ranaudo. According to ESPN, Ranaudo was drafted by the Texas Rangers in 2007 in the 11th round but did not sign with them.
“He is a guy we like, we’ve liked for a long time,” Texas general manager Jon Daniels told The Associated
Press in a call from the Dominican Republic. “When this trade came down, we liked the value.” ESPN
Robbie Ross was a fan favorite, and even though he struggled in the majors last season, I really will miss him. He was a good left-handed reliever, and he was a great starter in the minors. I happened to catch a game he pitched at Round Rock last season where Robbie Ross threw a complete game. Robbie Ross will do fine in Boston, and I wish him well.
The player that the Texas Rangers got in return has more upside than Robbie Ross. The 25-year-old has an ERA of 2.67 at the AAA level, and his record there is 17-5. He started 24 games for the Red Sox AAA affiliate in 2014, and he was 14-4 with a 2.61 ERA. Anthony Ranaudo has 4 good pitches, and he has been told that he will compete for the number 5 spot in the Texas Rangers rotation. He did pitch for the Red Sox last season for 7 starts, compiling a record of 4-3 with a 4.81 ERA.
The Texas Rangers felt like this was an upgrade, and I hope that they are right. It reminds me of the Michael Choice for Craig Gentry trade a little bit. Popular player being shipped off for a guy that should be better in the long run. I just hope the long run starts really soon.