Alan Greenwood

As opening acts go, the first big-time show of Chaim Bloom’s Red Sox administration couldn’t have gone much worse.

The Mookie Betts-David Price-$48 million package sent to the Los Angeles Dodgers for Alex Verdugo and Injured Twins Pitching Prospect has finally been completed. The Dodgers, anxious to trot out Betts and Price in front of LaLA Land’s lights and cameras, took on Minnesota’s damaged goods,

Brusdar Graterol, and sent the Red Sox shortstop prospect Jeter Downs and catching prospect Connor Wong.

(As an aside, how old does it make you feel knowing there are big-league prospects named after Derek Jeter?)

For what it’s worth, Downs, 21, is now in his third organization (he was drafted by the Reds) and made it to Double A last season.

Wong, 23, also got his first taste of Double A ball last summer. He was a shortstop by trade until being drafted by the Dodgers and moved behind the plate.

The headline on the Red Sox’ press release Monday evening finally announcing the trade summed it up: “Red Sox send Mookie Betts, David Price and cash to Los Angeles Dodgers in exchange for three players.”

Finally, New Englanders know just what Betts and Price drew on the open market. Verdugo might offer a measure of adequacy in Boston; Downs and Wong rate little more than shoulder shrugs.

For Boston, the deal’s greatest value was getting part of Price’s bloated contract off the books and ending the angst over Betts’ future. Neither will do a whole lot for the 2020 Red Sox and their quest to remain at least relevant in the American League East.

There have been reports that the Red Sox ownership was somewhat queasy over fan reaction to the original deal. For Red Sox fans, that may be the most unnerving result of this entire episode.

If the brass is already peeking over Bloom’s shoulder, this bridge-year ride is going to be just peachy.

FOR THE DEFENSE: And they say defense doesn’t matter in the NBA.

Marcus Smart nailed down Sunday’s Celtics win over the Thunder with as slick a defensive play as you’ll see. With the Celtics up three and the clock ticking under 10 seconds, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander brought the ball beyond half court and looked to set up a 3 pointer. Smart poked the ball away, essentially putting the game in his hip pocket.

Smart has to be a candidate for the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year award.

TIME TRAVEL: Feb. 11, 1960 – “A capacity throng of some 300 will be on hand tonight to pay tribute to Ed Davis, the Nashua High football star, who has been selected to the National Schoolboy All-American Team” for 1959.

“The event will take place at McNulty-Foley’s Rose Room beginning at 6:30.

“An elaborate program has been planned by the committee in charge, which is made up of the NHS grid squad of 1959. Center Dick Lozeau is general chairman and David Bellavance, a reserve center, will occupy the toastmaster’s chair.”

Contact Alan Greenwood at 594-1248 or agreenwood@nashuatelegraph.com.

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