Now that the season is over and the countdown to a lockout has begun, teams are starting to make moves to prepare for the future.
The Boston Red Sox are no different. Craig Breslow has already traded Nate Eaton and is trading Tsung-Che Cheng to the Detroit Tigers. The Red Sox claimed Cheng off waivers before the season after he was designated for assignment by the Washington Nationals.
He was designated for assignment four times in the offseason, but found a home with the Red Sox last season. He went hitless with the Pittsburgh Pirates last season when he made his debut. He was only in the big leagues for three games last year.
However, with the Red Sox, he appeared in 14 big-league games, going 10-for-39 with a double, four walks and seven runs. He spent most of the season with Triple-A Worcester. In 94 games, he had a .241/.345/.390 slash line with eight home runs.
Cheng is still only 25 years old, and he simply was not going to get a real shot at regular playing time in Boston. He was once the No. 9 prospect in the Pirates farm system, and the Tigers are willing to take a shot on him.
Perhaps with a strong spring training, he can earn himself a role as a utility player on their roster. Regardless, his time with the Red Sox is done.