Red Sox Trade Two Angel-Killers: Baylor to Twins, Henderson to Giants

The Boston Red Sox traded designated hitter Don Baylor, in whom the Angels had expressed interest, to the Minnesota Twins, who lead the American League West.

The Red Sox also made another trade, sending last season’s playoff hero, outfielder Dave Henderson, to the San Francisco Giants, leaders in the National League West.

There probably will be no postseason dramatics this season, however, for Henderson, whose ninth-inning home run in Game 5 of the American League playoffs denied the Angels the first pennant in their history. The Red Sox made both trades Monday night, but to be eligible for postseason play, a player must have reported to his new team by midnight Monday.

That was no problem for Baylor, since the Red Sox were in Minneapolis to play the Twins in a series that began Tuesday night. Henderson was expected in San Francisco in time for Tuesday’s game against Montreal. He could become eligible to play in the postseason only as a replacement for an injured player.

In both deals, which were announced Tuesday, the Red Sox will receive a player to be named.

Baylor, 38, will be joining his sixth big league team in 16 seasons. The Red Sox had acquired Baylor shortly before last season in a trade with the New York Yankees for Mike Easler. Baylor hit .238 with 31 homers and 94 runs batted in last season and .239 with 16 homers and 57 RBIs this season. He also homered in Game 5 last season, just before Henderson’s blast.

Henderson, 29, joined Boston on Aug. 19, 1986, in a six-player deal with the Seattle Mariners. Despite his postseason performance--he also hit .400 with two home runs in the World Series--Henderson lost the starting center field job to Ellis Burks.

Al Rosen, the president of the Giants, said Jeffrey Leonard’s strained hamstring precipitated the deal for Henderson.