Red Sox acquire Melancon from Astros

[Post Count Padder]

Will probably be their new closer, taking them out of Ryan Madson running

 

Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com reports that the Astros have traded right-hander Mark Melancon to the Red Sox for infielder Jed Lowrie and right-hander Kyle Weiland.

It looks like the Red Sox may have landed their new closer. Melancon, who turns 27 in March, posted a 2.78 ERA, 20 saves and a 66/26 K/BB ratio over 74 1/3 innings this past season and should be able to survive in the AL East. Lowrie should take over as the starting shortstop in Houston while Weiland figures to be a candidate for the starting rotation. If the deal goes down as Rosenthal is reporting, it's a nice haul for new Astros' GM Jeff Luhnow.

[davell]

Tim Brown said he still expects Red Sox to go after closer, think of Meloncon as an 8th inning guy, with the future ability to close. Solid return for Stros, as far as I'm concerned. But, I've always liked Lowrie.