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In a perfect world, I'd much rather keep Arroyo than Clement. Clement has the better stuff I'll agree, but Arroyo seems much tougher mentally, plus he is willing and able to start or relieve, which makes him more valuable to a staff. Arroyo too is much much cheaper than Clement. According to media out of Seattle, the Mariners' pending deal with Washburn means one of two senarios: They'd rather trade for Arroyo, or the Red Sox need to take on a contract in order to trade Clement. I would absolutely make this deal, rumored in that report: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sports/2002690176_mari18.html Matt Clement to Seattle for Jeremy Reed and Gil Meche. YES, Gil Meche has been steadily declining over the past few years and may turn out to be a complete bust for Boston. But at $2.5 mil is cheaper and younger than Matt Clement. Jeremy Reed is obviously the prize in the trade, a decent CF prospect with great defense and a developing bat. The advantage to having Reed in the fold is that it takes the pressure off of the Red Sox to resign Johnny Damon, which might actually lower the cost of bringing Johnny back as a potential left fielder if Ramirez is dealt-- or Reed could just be a cheaper alternative to Damon. In dealings with Seattle, I would insist on getting either Mike Morse or Jose Lopez in the deal. If we have to add a little more (maybe an Abe Alvarez) that's fine. Either one of these guys are considered very good shortstop prospects and could compete for a starting job. After that deal is complete, I would still strongly consider sending Arroyo to Cleveland for Coco Crisp. I honestly think we've seen the best of Arroyo (#4 starter or average setup man) and if we can get a 26 year old productive outfielder with a great glove for him-- do it. Crisp is further insurance for Nixon (who gets hurt just about every year) or if Reed doesn't produce-- and there is still a very real possibility that Manny Ramirez is not with the team-- in which case Crisp would play every day anyway. If the team acquired Crisp and Reed and Ramirez decided he wanted to stay, Nixon could be dealt for pitching help. If we make both those trades, we'd still have a decent rotation: Schilling, Beckett, Wakefield, Wells*, Meche, Papelbon *Wells is also potential trade bait, but if he was traded we'd obviously need a starter in return. IMO-- we could make both of these trades and still be a strong team.

John's right. The problem with the Yankees is that they've overpaid a ton of players, and they can't trade them because nobody else will pay their contracts. They have to be careful who they trade because they're going to have to eat large portions of what they're getting paid. Like Guapo said-- I don't WANT the Yankees to succeed, but if I did, I'd do the following: Sign Johnny Damon for 5 years, $60 million. It should be enough to beat the Red Sox' offer, and in front of the likes of Sheffield, A-Rod, Jeter, Giambi, and Matsui-- he's going to get hits and score runs. His defense in centerfield is suspect, but his offense will more than make up for it. Move Wright to the bullpen. He's had injury trouble. Hopefully saving 100 innings a season by moving him to the bullpen helps preserve the investment. Trade Mike Mussina. I trade him instead of Pavano because of the age factor. I try to get prospects for Mussina and eat half of his salary. Resign Bernie Williams as a 4th outfielder/first baseman/DH Lineup: CF Johnny Damon SS Derek Jeter 1B Jason Giambi 3B Alex Rodriguez LF Hideki Matsui RF Gary Sheffield C Jorge Posada 2B Robinson Cano DH Bernie Williams Rotation: Johnson, Wang, Pavano, Small, Chacon Bullpen Rivera, Farnsworth, Wright, Myers, Proctor I also put a brand new emphasis the scouting department and the draft. The team is still old and expensive, and the team needs to start being self sufficient.

While I don't like the idea of trading Edgar Renteria, I don't mind the idea of trading for Andy Marte of the Braves. He's one of the best 3rd base prospects around. I seriously doubt the Red Sox would give up Renteria and get only Lugo in return. That's not worth it at all. This could get juicy. Apparently the Red Sox are asking Anaheim about Orlando Cabrera in the Manny deal.... which would leave the team wide open to send Renteria to Atlanta or Chicago. However, if the Red Sox are going to trade Renteria, I'd much rather have Marte than Lugo.

That Dominican team is AMAZING. Other than the fact that Alberto Castillo is their only catcher (so far), they look flat out dominant: C -- Alberto Castillo 1B -- Albert Pujols 2B -- Alfonso Soriano 3B -- Adrian Beltre SS -- Miguel Tejada LF -- Manny Ramirez CF -- (Willy Mo Pena?) RF -- Vladimir Guerrero DH -- David Ortiz SP -- Pedro Martinez SP -- Bartolo Colon SP -- Daniel Cabrera CL -- Fransisco Cordero They need a centerfielder and a leadoff hitter (both could be solved at once), but imagine a 2-6 of Tejada, Pujols, Ortiz, Ramirez, Guerrero (or however you want to set them up). USA is also strong: C -- Jason Varitek 1B -- Derrek Lee 2B -- Michael Young 3B -- Eric Chavez SS -- Derek Jeter LF -- Barry Bonds CF -- Johnny Damon RF -- Vernon Wells/Lance Berkman DH -- Adam Dunn Their pitching is what has me drooling: Smoltz, Clemens, Sheets, Pettite, Sabathia, Pettite, Willis, Zito all starters, with Wagner, Street, Lidge, and Guardado in the pen..... The Japanese team will also be strong-- they have their own professional league as well... but if I had to predict a winner right now it'd be USA simply based on their dominant and DEEP pitching staff. However, the Dominican team will be damn good.

The article I read on the Red Sox interest in Lugo was to play second base until Pedroia is ready. Maybe this would be a deal for both Huff and Lugo? That'd look awfully nice to add those two. Lugo's had some trouble off the field but he's pretty good on it. He's nothing spectacular, but he had 15 homers a couple years ago and stole 39 bases last year with Tampa. A solid player IMO. The Red Sox were supposedly high on Lugo last year before they signed Edgar, so it doesn't surprise me that they're interested. I would expect if a deal happens for Bronson Arroyo to be one of guys going to Tampa.

I certainly hope the Red Sox can get more than just Troy Glaus for Ramirez. Troy's a good start, but it certainly isn't an even trade despite the salary differential.

Playing second base for the Padres might be pretty tempting to a California native like Nomar, and with LA locking up Rafael Furcal to play short they're probably not interested in Nomar. What are his other options? 3rd base for the Pirates? outfield for the DBacks? If I'm Nomar Garciaparra, I want a chance to PROVE I can a) stay healthy and stay productive offensively for a while season, because I want to be able to ink a long term deal after 2006 with someone who'll make me an everyday player. If I believe I'm capable of doing that (which I'm sure he is), I look to sign a one-year deal with a team in playoff contention and/or in a big market so my comeback gets media attention. I'm not going to get that in Pittsburgh or Arizona, and it's debatable whether or not that happens in San Diego. No, my top choice teams would be the three teams that get the most nationwide media coverage: The Mets, Yankees, or Red Sox. The Yankees are full in the infield, and MIGHT play Nomar in left field if he'd accept that role. The Mets would love to add a righthanded power bat but already have Kaz Matsui at second base and Nady, Beltran, and Floyd in the outfield. The Red Sox are looking for a SHORT TERM answer at second base. A veteran who can bridge the gap until Dustin Pedroia is capable of playing second base full time. Nomar needs a short term deal with the opportunity to prove himself..... seems like a perfect match if you ask me and if the likes of Tellem, Garciaparra, and Lucchino can forgive hard feelings between them.....

I've always been a fan of Frank Thomas because he has always (with the exception of the last 2 years) has been a monster with the bat. I wouldn't mind seeing the Sox sign him to an incentive laden deal, especially if Ramirez is traded. The potential is still there for him to put up big numbers, especially in Fenway Park. The sticking point of course is where to put him. Chicago didn't play him in the field, and with his injuries the past two years he's best suited as a DH. Of course, the Red Sox already have the best DH in the game in David Ortiz. One of those two would have to play first base. I wouldn't be opposed to it, but seeing the risk involved with Thomas at this point, it would have to be for low guaranteed money with incentives.

I voted Foulke because I think Terry Francona will give him every opportunity to win his job back in Spring Training and in the regular season. If he falters, the Sox have a few options, highlighted most likely by Hansen and Mota. If Foulke's knees were as bad as the Red Sox say they were, that's most likely a big part why he lost some MPH on his fastball, thus taking the deception factor away from the changeup. Remember, pitching isn't just about the arms, the legs play a huge factor too-- ask Roger Clemens. I'd like to see Hansen get his feet wet as a setup guy before we hand him the closer's role. I understand that Street and Lidge were able to close at a young age, but keep in mind that BOTH of these guys still broke in as setup men (both for Octavio Dotel, coincidentally enough). Lidge was thrust into the role when Houston traded Dotel to Oakland in 2004, and Street was given the job when Dotel got injured. Lidge was even a 7th inning man before the Astros traded Wagner to Philly. Is Hansen the closer of the future? No doubt. But if he eases into the majors as a setup man I say the probability of instant success is much higher.

We're going way off on tangents here, but if the Sox give up Manny it'd be damn nice to add a pitcher. Aaron Fultz had a great 2005 ERA wise but he's 32 and has had exactly one good year. Needless to say I'm not sold on him. Arizona comes out WAY on top in this thing adding Manny and Wells for Green and Vasquez. Philly and the Sox get shortchanged IMO. I'd much rather exchange Aaron Fultz from Philly with a guy like Jose Valverde from Arizona and still get a prospect. Meanwhile, Arizona's only picking up $3 million in this deal and get 2 very productive players, so they don't need cash assistance. I modify your deal slightly and it looks better D-Backs--($23,881,820) David Wells ($4,075,000) Manny Ramirez ($19,806,820) Phil--($19,500,000) Javier Vasquez ($11,000,000) Shawn Green ($8,500,000) Sox--($20,900,000) Bobby Abreu ($13,100,000) Pat Burrell(to play 1st) ($9,000,000) Jose Valverde ($550,000) prospect (from AZ) Basically Arizona takes care of their need to trade Vazquez, clears up some salary by dealing Green, adds a prospect and a reliever to the mix and gets a very good starter and the best right handed hitter in the game. It's a steep price, but guys like Ramirez come along once in a lifetime. Philly trades Abreu and Burell and gets a lefty bat back in Green and a top of the rotation starter in Vasquez. They're no longer giving up Fultz so it looks better from their end. Finally, Boston makes out damn good in this trade. They add another young power arm to the bullpen, a prospect, and two decent bats to replace Manny's production.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2245065 Sox missed the boat on this one. Seems like they could have offered more than a single A starter and a AAA closer for one of the best leadoff hitters around-- who only makes $5 mil a year. Minnesota got a bargain here.

Competition always helps if you're the seller, and with Manny we are. Just ask Billy Wagner or BJ Ryan.... There's a reason Scott Boras sent his offensive analysis of Johnny Damon to both the Red Sox AND the Yankees.... Right now I see the Mets as the team most interested in Manny, but the team with the least to offer. They aren't going to trade a big bat like Delgado or Beltran, and are holding on to Wright and Reyes. At this point what the Mets look like they're willing to give up is prospects along the lines of Lastings Millege and Aaron Heilman (who I'll mention is 27 so hardly a prospect) which just plain isn't enough for Manny Ramirez. They'd probably give up Cliff Floyd who's very solid but in my mind injury prone and his 34 homers last year was a career high. If the Mets hold to the latest remarks of keeping both Millege and Heilman, they basically have nothing other than financial relief to offer the Red Sox, and with the FA market as crappy as it is, financial relief does very little good. The Angels are the next possible team. If they'll talk about Ervin Santana and Casey Kotchman, this deal makes a ton of sense for the Red Sox. The Red Sox would probably have to pick up a contract like Darin Erstad in the process, but could potentially come out with some good young players if Anaheim is willing. So far though, they've seemed unwilling to part with Santana or Kochman. The Phillies are the other team interested, and like I said that trade makes a lot of sense from both perspectives. Manny to the Phillies for Burrell, Myers and a prospect or two sets the Phillies up with a big bat to protect Abreu and drive in Rollins. It gives them the best right handed hitter in the game which could be a huge move for a team desperately in need of some positive PR. The Red Sox, meanwhile, lose Manny's bat but gain a decent MLB ready bat, a guy who can step right into the cleanup spot and play either first base or left field. Also, Myers is a YOUNG fireballing starter with top of the rotation potential-- except he'd be at BEST a #3 starter in 2006 for the Red Sox. Add a prospect (Utley is probably pushing it, but a nice young arm or an outfield prospect would do it) and the Red Sox are setting themselves up for a nice core group of starters including Beckett, Papelbon, and Lester. That would rival the A's of years past and certainly even the mid-late 90s Braves' staff of Maddux/Glavine/Smoltz. The Red Sox may be able to capitalize on a market poor in big time players and some teams in flux who are looking to add big bats. I'd love to see the Dodgers get involved to add to the mix, but it seems like now is the time to unload Manny's contract and get premium talent in return.

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/baseball/marlins/sfl-marlins02dec02,0,6025052.story?coll=sfla-sports-marlins He's on the block, most certainly to be moved from Florida. The Red Sox are said to be interested. Personally, I loved this guy when he was a significant base stealing threat, but he hasn't been so since 2003. Maybe he's suffered an injury or maybe McKeon doesn't send him as often? For some reason he's just not stealing bases like he used to. Don't know enough about the Marlins or Castillo to say for sure. He could potentially be a replacement leadoff hitter if Johnny Damon signs elsewhere.

The only guy I'd think twice about dealing is Delcarmen, the rest are completely expendable. We've seen Arroyo, he's at besta #4 starter or setup man. Youkilis is decent but it's obvious that the Red Sox don't see him as an everyday player. Alvarez at his peak will probably not be as good as Zito. Again, I'd love to have Delcarmen's power arm in Boston, and he could be ready to help now, so I'd love to hang on to Manny if possible, but the rest of those guys are totally expendable. despite the fact that some believe Zito's declined because of his ERA the past few years, I don't think that's true. His K/9 and K:BB in 04 and 05 were both better than in his 2003 season. His 2002 season was his best by far but this dude is 27 and has a Cy Young award and 86 wins to his name. I agree with Youk-- get his ass here. I'd hate to give up Delcarmen but this is Barry freakin' Zito were talking about.

I'm not a huge fan of Bobby Abreu. He's disliked in Philly because of his bad attitude and is oftentimes accused of not trying hard enough. ahem, sounds familiar. I think Manny to the Phillies makes sense, but I'd rather get Pat Burrell in trade. Right handed (more suitable as a replacement for Manny than Abreu), could play the outfield or first base (leaving us more flexible as far as replacements are concerned), and Burrell is younger and cheaper than Abreu. I posted this in the other Manny thread, I think if the Sox could get Burrell, Brett Myers, and a prospect for Manny they'd be doing pretty well for themselves. Of course, a deal for both Abreu and Burrell plus prospects I'd also consider, but I'm still weary of Abreu because of his bad reputation for lack of effort. A blockbuster looking like so: Manny and Clement for Burrell, Myers, Abreu and prospects would also be a possibility IMO.

I'm a little weary of Tavares because his days as a Cardinal were riddled with wall-punching anger fits, weren't they? Seems like a guy with a bad attitude to me, not the kind of guy the Sox would recruit. Maybe I'm wrong though. After Gordon and Farnsworth, the talent does drop off significantly. You're looking at the Jose Mesa's and the Todd Jones' of the world as the next level of relievers.

Manny for Abreu alone (IMO) stinks. Bobby Abreu is basically a lefthanded version of Ramirez with less offensive ability. He's another guy who's attitude stinks and he is disliked in Philadelphia because of it. Abreu is more well rounded than Manny, but he isn't the answer. Philadelphia could create a package for Manny, but I see a more appealing package from the Red Sox including Burrell instead of Abreu (a righty bat), Brett Myers (starting pitcher) and a prospect. This is something the Sox would need to consider. Burrell is 29 years old so he's in theory entering the prime of his career. No, he's no Manny Ramirez, but he's a potent righty bat with his best years in front of him. He hit significantly better at home (a hitter's park) than on the road, so there is concern there, but he'd also be spending 81 home games at Fenway if traded to the Red Sox. Brett Myers is 25 years old and had a very decent year last year. He trailed off after the All Star Break last year, and his home/road splits are also drastically different. He had a good K/9 ratio last year (8.59) and allows more groundballs than flyballs (important for pitching at Fenway). He'd slot in as a back end of the rotation pitcher, but would allow the Red Sox to shop Matt Clement more easily. The prospect is obviously negociable. Some names I'll throw out there of guys that are MLB ready: Robinson Tejada (needs to work on his control a bit, but had a decent debut as a starter for Philly last year), Gavin Floyd (once considered a top prospect, struggled at AAA and the Majors last year, but is still just 22), Ryan Madson (already a decent reliever at 25, could contribute immediatly in that role)

All I know is that Howie Kendrick and Kendry Morales both tore up AA last year, but of course that means very little when it comes to actually playing at the Major League level. Casey Kotchman is closer to the bigs, but slugged .441 in AAA. Of course, he walked more than he struck out at Salt Lake so I'm sure that intreagues the Red Sox FO. Adenhart was 2-3 with a 3.68 ERA in rookie ball last year. He has good K:9IP (10.63) and had a 2:1 K:BB ratio-- but this guy is years away from being a contributer in the big leagues. If the Red Sox pulled trades for some combination of these prospects it would basically be a move looking toward building for the future.

This guy just screams "Blaine Neal v.2" to me. Seems like if he was going to be a difference maker the Red Sox would have had to give up more than just a player to be named later, but what who knows? He was pretty damn dominant in AAA last year and he's still young.

The sentimental side of me says it would be really cool to bring back Nomar Garciaparra for a 1 year, incentive laden deal and give him an opportunity to battle for the starting job at second base. The realistic side of me says Nomar and the Red Sox didn't exactly part on good terms, so it's very unrealistic to expect it to happen. I don't think I'm too far off base though saying Red Sox fans would welcome him back with open arms.

I disagree. Gordon has a ton of questions. He's older, he's been overworked in NY being one of Torre's few reliable relievers, and he has struggled to perform in the clutch. 2004 ALCS was a perfect example. He might have been worn out or he might just have not been able to handle the pressure-- either way Gordon worries me a bit. Farnsworth has a great arm and is 9 years younger than Gordon. He too has had difficulties in the postseason, but he doesn't have the same risk (IMO) that Gordon presents. Something about having the 2 major setup men both in their upper 30s worries me. Seems like Philadelphia's got Gordon as their #1 plan B to Wagner and everything I've seen says the Yankees are getting Farnsworth.

If there's any truth to this report by MLB.com: http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20051130&content_id=1274014&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb Manny to the Mets is basically dead.

On that note the Herald is saying Gordon would come to Boston to set up for Foulke: http://redsox.bostonherald.com/redSox/view.bg?articleid=114804&format=text Which probably means he'd return to NY to set up for Rivera.....

As recently as last night most reports are saying Farnsworth is close to signing with the Yankees. The Red Sox have interest, but I've yet to see anything that says they're close. http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20051129&content_id=1273948&vkey=hotstove2005&fext=.jsp Worth keeping an eye on. Certainly a nice addition to whatever team he signs with. Thanks to the Mets and Blue Jays though-- he won't come cheap.

I've already stated that I like the idea of Shawn Green and Troy Glaus coming to Boston in a potential Manny trade, and I love the idea of getting Santana instead of Vazquez based on AL Success, money concerns and youth-- but in your proposal you neglected to include why Anaheim would give up Santana. The Mets seem to be HUGE winners getting Ramirez and Vazquez for Floyd and Millege. Unless they've got something going to Anaheim? It's a good start. It'd be nice if Millege could end up in Boston too though-- as a potential Nixon replacement.