Christian Vázquez has harsh words for Red Sox after stunning trade
Christian Vázquez delves into “awkward and weird” Red Sox trade ahead of ALCS with Astros
The Boston Red Sox aren’t in the postseason, but a few of their former stars are, and one is speaking out about what it’s like to strive for glory with a new team.
Ahead of the ALCS, Christian Vázquez spoke to the Boston Globe (subscription required) about getting traded at the deadline after spending his entire professional career in the Sox organization. While the veteran catcher said he only has “all good memories” at Fenway, he also revealed how painful it was to get traded:
"“Worst thing ever. Awkward and weird and then facing Boston two days later, all my guys. I wasn’t ready to leave.”"
The Sox dealt Vázquez to the Astros while in Houston to face them for three games and came under fire for how the news broke. The longest-tenured member of the organization was on the field during batting practice with his teammates went the deal became official and was visibly upset when the media swarmed him to get a live reaction. While Alex Cora had warned him about a possible trade, many criticized the organization for allowing such a painful moment to play out in public.
At the time, Vázquez was Boston’s most veteran player, having been drafted in 2008. He debuted the year after Xander Bogaerts and Jackie Bradley Jr. but had been with the organization longer.
Speaking of Bogaerts, Vázquez also cautioned the Sox about continuing to damage the team chemistry by losing the star shortstop, echoing what David Ortiz and Pedro Martinez have been saying for months about his best friend on the team:
"“You don’t mess around with the core of a team. I think that’s very important for any team. But I can’t control that. I wanted them to finish strong, but you saw what happened.”"
We’ll find out soon enough if any of these admonishments get through to the brass.
