Middlebrooks & Rondo Gone

Like Rajon Rondo who is headed out of town to big "D", Will Middlebrooks is also headed out of town. Middlebrooks was traded to the San Diego Padres today in exchange for C Ryan Hanigan. Hanigan will be the backup to Cristian Vazquez. At 34 Hanigan has 8 major league seasons under his belt. He brings a consistent .256 BA, .353 OBP & .694 OPS. Most fans will remember Hanigan as the catcher for Tampa Bay last year, so he also knows the AL East hitters. The trade for Hanigan means that older David Ross is gone. Eventually, Ross will probably sign with the Cubs. Good trade for all concerned. Maybe Middlebrooks can re-establish himself on the left coast with a Padres team that has been very active. Hanigan is another item for Ben to check off his list.