The Boston Red Sox, looking to improve their middle infield depth acquired Mike Aviles from the Kansas City Royals for INF Yamaico Navarro and RHP Kendal Volz. Aviles was expendable due to the arrival of Mike Moustakas.
Aviles was hitting .222/.261/.395 with five HR's, three triples, and 10 SB's in 202 PA's in 2011. He can fill in for Kevin Youkilis at third and can fill in at short for the struggling Marco Scutaro.
Navarro has had a couple of cups of coffee with the Red Sox over the past two seasons and has hit just .177 in 79 PA's. The 23-year-old does have a career .781 OPS over six minor league seasons and from what I have seen of him does have a plus glove at third base.
Volz is a 23-year-old right-handed pitcher, who was converted to a relief pitcher this season. In 51.1 IP, Volz has a 3.33 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, 2.1 BB/9, and 9.8 K/9. He could be a solid seventh/eighth inning guy for the Royals in the future.
Good trade for the Royals as they were able to get two prospects for a guy who no longer fit into their long-term plans.