Middlebrooks didn't have to sweat deadline

BOSTON -- A year ago, current Red Sox rookie third baseman Will Middlebrooks was gaining a lot of attention from other organizations that were asking what it would take to acquire him in a trade. In fact, the New York Mets wanted him in the worst way, but the Red Sox refused to part ways with the top prospect and it turned out to be a crucial decision for the club. The Red Sox knew Middlebrooks had the ability to replace veteran Kevin Youkilis at third in short order, but no one knew it would happen as quickly as it did.