Haha. this should be funny, as I never post things like this because I don't think things out. But....... how about this?
Boston sends Manny (20 million, LF), Wells (4-5 million, LHSP) and Youk (300k, 3b/1b/utility) to Oakland for Barry Zito (6 million, LHSP).
Oakland keeps Wells and Youk and sends Manny (20 million, LF) off to the Dodgers for Derek Lowe (7 million, RHSP).
Dodgers send Boston Ledee (1 million, LF) and Jeff Kent (9 million 1b/2b) for 3 million dollars and a player to be named later.
In the end:
Boston gets (as 4th outfielder) Ledee, 1b/2b Kent, LHSP Zito - loses Manny, Wells, Youk. Key reason = Zito.
Reduces payroll by about 9 million
Oakland gets LHSP Wells, RHSP Lowe and IF Youk - loses Zito. Key reason = Lowe/Youk/Wells for Zito.
Adds to payroll by about 3 million
Dodgers get HOF LF Manny, 3 million dollars, PTBN - lose Ledee, Lowe (stunk last year), Kent (old). Key reason = Manny.
Even payroll
So am I the next Theo or what???? Thoughts?