February 15, 2011 at 6:07 PM
Coello traded to Cubs for infielder Thomas
The Red Sox this evening announced the trade of pitcher Robert Coello to the Chicago Cubs in exchange for infielder Tony Thomas.Coello, 26, was designated for assignment last week to make room for Alfredo Aceves. He made his major league debut last season with the Red Sox, hurling 5.2 innings of relief while posting a 4.76 ERA after splitting time between Double-A Portland and Triple-A Pawtucket. Originally drafted in 2004 by the Cincinnati Reds as a catcher, Coello was signed by the Red Sox out of the Golden Baseball League in 2009 after he had success in his conversion to pitching.
Thomas, 24, was originally drafted by Chicago in the third round of the 2007 amateur draft. He is considered to be an athletic, high energy player who flashes gap-to-gap power while playing a solid second base. Last season as a member of the Double-A Tennessee Smokies (CHC), Thomas hit .276/.338/.485 with 11 home runs, 73 RBI and 15 stolen bases. Thomas also has a penchant for the strike out, having 100 or more in each of the past three seasons. He may see time in Double-A Portland in 2011.