Will Stephen Drew have a fantasy impact in New York?

The Boston Red Sox have traded shortstop  Stephen Drew to the New York Yankees for infielder Kelly Johnson.  This move is likely nothing more than a salary dump for the Red Sox.

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The 31 year old Drew has struggled mightily with the Red Sox this year, hitting just .176 with four homers and 11 RBI in 39 games.

Johnson fared marginally better with the Yankees, hitting .219 with six homers and 22 RBI.

The is the first trade among these rivals in 17 years.  In 1997, the Yankees sent Jim Mecir and Tony Armas to Boston for Mike Stanley and Randy Brown.

For those of you that were clinging to Drew in hopes that he would take over the shortstop job in Boston, you can drop him now.  He is blocked in New York by the legendary Derek Jeter, and the somewhat fragile Brian Roberts at second base.  Drew will likely only see time when the Captain needs a day off, or Roberts does.  Both have outplayed Drew so far this year.

The Yankees designated Brian Roberts for assignment to make room for Drew. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

BREAKING NEWS: YANKEES DESIGNATE BRIAN ROBERTS FOR ASSIGNMENT!

Well, this throws a wrench in things.  Roberts was due a $250,000 bonus if he reached just two more at-bats this season, so the Yankees DFA’d him to save some cash.  This means that Drew will take over at second base on a daily basis.  This makes Drew a good low-risk add due to Yankee Stadium’s friendliness to left handed hitters.  Drew is recommended for pick up in most leagues now, and even those of you in standard leagues that need help in the middle infield can take a look if you have a bench slot open.

Johnson doesn’t have it any better in Boston.  He saw time at first, second, third, and both corner outfield spots for the Yankees this year, but Boston is stack at all of those positions besides first base where the struggling Mike Carp is backing up incumbent Mike Napoli.

Because of the multi-position eligibility, Johnson may be worth hanging on to in deep leagues.  Since he plays so many positions, he will likely be the first guy off the bench for Boston at anywhere but shortstop and center field.  He should still see about 15-20 at bats per week, and could provide you some value when he does play.

Stay tuned to FantasyCPR for analysis of all of the deadline moves on your fantasy team!