Minnesota acquires Cruz Jr.
In a pre-draft deal Minnesota acquired back-up outfielder Jose Cruz Jr. from Boston in exchange for struggling infielder Nick Punto. The trade looks to benefit both teams as both players would have struggled to find playing time and were likely to have been cut after the draft.
Cruz Jr. will add depth to a Minnesota outfield where he will spell Pat Burrell, Gary Matthews Jr. and Michael Cuddyer. Punto's glove will be a big help to the Red Sox, giving them a solid defense replacement at second and third.