I'm starting to have something brewing here. Slam me if you think it's a terrible idea, or if you think it's a legit idea, let me know. If I were the Sox, I would go after Schmidt or Matsuzaka (obviously). Getting both most likely won't happen, so I'll say we only acquire one. Then, I would go out and get another decent starter that could hold down the 5th slot in the rotation (like a Meche type player) and have the rotation look as follows (in no particular order, these are just the members):
Schilling
Beckett
Schmidt/Matsuzaka
Papelbon
Meche/someone else
What do you guys think about using Wake to hold down the closer role for 1 season? He's got experience out of the bullpen to go with the large amount of stamina he has as a result of being a knuckleballer. Not to mention the fact that the velocity change for the 9th inning would absolutely baffle hitters. He's also the type of guy, because of his stamina, that could get you 2 inning saves if need be. Hell, maybe even 3 innings. And the best part is, you could probably use him every night that you needed to (I'm not saying you would use him the night after he pitched 3 innings). There's a hole in the back of the bullpen that needs filling. Do you think Wake could hold down the closer role for this year only, and then next off-season go after a closer when the market would be much more appealing (Francisco Cordero would be available) ?
Let me know your thoughts. If you hate it, well then, say it, but I don't think this idea is too crazy.