Green: Lone Rangers of the trade deadline

With the Yankees on the horizon and the postseason drawing near, Red Sox fans were pleased to see the arrival of Eric Gagne. One former Cy Young-winning closer in exchange for a back-of-the-rotation starter and two prospects? Not bad. But some had doubts — after all, Kason Gabbard was having a good year, and Gagne’s contract is up at the end of the season. The pro-Gabbards insisted hurlers who throw junk are always underappreciated, while the pro-Gagne cohort retorted that Gabbard had been pitching above his ability, and the Sox moved him at his peak value.

In Texas, the general sentiment is the Sox got Gagne on the cheap. (Personally, I’d like to see him string together several lights-out innings before I sign on to that theory.) Gabbard and outfielder Dave Murphy were received with equanimity. But little-known Dominican prospect Engel Beltre has generated some real excitement.

In Boston, I think it’s safe to say Beltre came and went from the Red Sox organization as an unknown. After all, they only signed the young outfielder last year, and he never got further than the Gulf Coast League. But, it’s the 17-year-old you’ve never heard of who may end up being the centerpiece of the deal: toolsy, smart and energetic, he’s already been compared to a young (read: skinny) Barry Bonds or a young (read: uninjured) Ken Griffey Jr. In 34 games this year, he hit five home runs, stole six bases, and knocked in 13 runs. (Fast? He also hit three triples and three doubles, though his average was just .208.) Sure, he has a bit of a strikeout problem. But in Texas, they’re looking forward to seeing this kid play, even if they have to wait another four or five years.

A deal involving Gabbard and two prospects doesn’t exactly require the level of daring it takes to move Nomar Garciaparra. And, you never know what will happen with prospects: Matt Murton, an outfielder who also went to the Cubs in the Nomar deal, started last year for Chicago and hit .297; but as a bench player this year is hitting just .254.

So, in the end, which side got the better deal? If the Sox win it all, and if Gagne plays an instrumental role, the Texans will have to tip their Stetsons to Boston. After all, does anyone remember who the Sox gave the Dodgers for Dave “The Steal” Roberts? But, if the Red Sox stumble, if Gagne doesn’t deliver (or if Beltre lives up to expectations), we’ll end up with Boston Cream Pie on our faces.

Only time will tell. That player the Dodgers took for Roberts? A Mr. Henri Stanley, now 29 years old and playing for the New Haven County Cutters.

Sarah Green is a freelance writer who can be reached at sgreen@gmail.com