Boston Red Sox Trade for Alex Gonzalez

The Boston Red Sox really wanted to find a veteran shortstop to add to their squad. On Friday, they landed a familiar face when they sent cash and a minor leaguer to the Cincinnati Reds for Alex Gonzalez. Gonzalez played in 111 games for the Red Sox in 2006.

This year, the 32-year-old native of Venezuela hasn’t been hitting the ball too well for the Reds. He has a .210 batting average, a .258 on-base percentage, three homers, 16 runs and 26 RBIs. In 2006 with the Red Sox, he had a .255 batting average to go along with nine homers, 48 runs and 50 RBIs.

The Red Sox needed a shortstop after putting Jed Lowrie on the DL last week. Having already traded away Julio Lugo, the Red Sox had been starting Nick Green at shortstop. Gonzalez will likely step right in and get plenty of opportunities — especially while Lowrie is on the disabled list.

The Reds received Kris Negron, a minor league infielder who has 20 stolen bases to go along with a .264 batting average.