SchillingIsTheNatural

Yes, or give Jon Lester a shot to make an impact. Perhaps in a month of two they want to give Clay Buchholz a spot start and see how he does. My guess is Curt Schilling deffinitly comes back and does fine (not like he's been out for a season or anything). Wakefield, Tavarez, and Gabbard may all be .500 pitchers but with Dice K and Beckett looking to be 20 game winners or close to....I see no reason to make an extreme move. If all goes to plan and this team makes the playoffs I like our chances. Throwing Dice K and Beckett in game 1 and game 2 with Schilling jumping in game 3....thats pretty awesome. If they really want to make a trade I would add a righty setup man to relieve pressure from Okajima (Delcarmen looks good now but I'm not sold completely). I would also move Wily Mo who serves no purpose to this team.

I just wanted to add the fact there is a huge adjustment period for pitchers when changing teams. In fact there is a adjustment period for every player who makes a jump to a new team. Mark Buehrle (as good as he is) has played in Chicago his whole career. Anyone who thinks he would come to Boston and just roll over everyone as he is doing in Chicago may realize a sad truth. New team, new coaches, new stadium, new style of living (especially in Boston), new catcher, new philosphy, new travel plans....a lot of these things we don't think about but at the midpoint of a season they are very important. Baseball is so much about confidence and comfort. You move someone like Mark Buehrle who is very familiar with his surroundings and into the playoff race with the Red Sox I have a hard time seeing him continue his success this season. Out of curiosity can anyone think of a starting pitcher that changed teams mid-way through a season and became a large factor in a teams success toward a championship?

No-trade clause = no deal with the Red Sox. So far I'm very happy with the players who have come through the Red Sox farm system. You mentioned quite a few negatives toward Jon Lester yet he has still managed to post good numbers at all levels. That while still being pretty young and dealing with Cancer. But you are right....the Red Sox are just breeding a Juan Pierre and a lefty starter who can't get anybody out....that will only be on there good days.

I agree with most of what you say except for the power between Ellsbury and Crisp. I know Ellsbury hasn't hit for any power to speak of at this point but there is still reason to believe he can grow into a player with more power. After all he is only 23 years old. Right now Coco Crisp is hot and looks great but even now I don't think he looks that much better than Ellsbury. Both have great speed, play strong defense, and bring a good attitude. But if I had my choice I would want Jacoby Ellsbury for the next 10 years. As far as Buehrle vs. Lester....nobody is going to confuse the two at this point and yes Mark Buehrle has had an excellent career but he's had lots of innings piled up thus far. He did win a championship and I think he is excellent. However, I have not seen Mark Buehrle mention ONCE that he has a desire to play in Boston. In fact I've seen him say he wants to test free agency and has made comments about wanting to play in St. Louis. Not only that but he is an icon in Chicago. To get a contract agreed upon between the Red Sox and Buehrle there would have to be a no-trade clause just like Chicago is dealing with. Now maybe I'm wrong but don't the Red Sox have strong issues with a no-trade clause. If thats the case than this whole conversation is a waste of time.

I agree with that. He never fit the Red Sox philosophy since day 1. He doesn't put in consistent good at-bats. He plays poorly in the field and he strikes out a ton. Can't make good contact and has very little speed. The Red Sox pride themselves on having good "all around" players who can contribute in multiple ways. I think the Red Sox would be better suited to have any of the outfielders in AAA on the big league club than Wily Mo Pena.

Here is the way I see it.....Jonathan Papelbon, Kevin Youkilis, Dustin Pedroia, Jon Lester, Manny Delcarmen (has his moments), and Jacoby Ellsbury....all players I have been quite impressed with and have come up through the Red Sox system. These are all good players and we seem to be doing a great job down on the farm working with these kids (remember they are still kids and will continue to get much better). Meanwhile JD Drew, Julio Lugo, Edgar Renteria, Coco Crisp (for a majority until recently)....many relievers over the past several seasons.....big free agent signings have been really hit or miss. I'm not trading Jacoby Ellsbury. I think this farm system has come a long ways and we would be foolish to start dealing away key components to a very exciting and bright future of players who feel a sense of passion playing for the Red Sox. I think that is the real key too....you can see it in Papelbon's eyes, the way Youkilis plays the game, and the smile Pedroia brings to the bench. These guys belong in Boston and they take pride in this team. Too many times you can bring in free agents (especially in a contract year) where they are here for the wrong reasons.

Think this will lead to more moves within the farm system? Perhaps someone going to Pawtucket from Portland?

Johan Santana has a 40-4 record after the All Star break.....you give him the $25 million if you are the Red Sox. Yes we have a excellent rotation but if you add Johan Santana to the Red Sox....you have hands down the best team in baseball and might break the record for most wins in a season. Not to mention you would walk away with another World Series.

In that case we should trade them Brandon Moss and David Pauley......they successfully made the jump to AAA. Nah I'm more excited about Lars Anderson and Michael Bowden...even though they haven't successfully made the jump to AA.

This offense is in such a damn funk

Forget Mark Buehrle.....we need Mark Texiera.....offense is rediculous

This seems to be picking up steam. I'm good with a trade that doesn't include Jacoby Ellsbury or Clay Buchholz. Those are the gems of our very talented minor league system. There are many other players who are good players and could contribute now in the major leagues. Brandon Moss, David Murphy, Kason Gabbard, Craig Hansen, Manny Delcarmen, Edgar Martinez, David Pauley, Jed Lowrie, Coco Crisp, Wily Mo Pena....I would go as far as Michael Bowden but I'm nervous about him. At 20 years old (and I've seen him pitch) he is well ahead of the game and will turn into a real good pitcher. Better than Mark Buehrle?....no I don't think so but Clay Buchholz certainly could be...so stay away from him.

Agreed. I'm not sure at what point this team thought they were really good but they need to get a kick in the ass.

wow we really suck

As far as rushing Ellsbury.....yes we should rush him. It may not be fair but next season you have Ichiro Suzuki, Andrew Jones, and Torii Hunter hitting the market. The Red Sox should make a decision if Jacoby Ellsbury is the true CF of the future (I hope he is) and let the kid play. If he shows good signs then we are set (and he will contribute more than Crisp immediately). If it turns out he is not the right fit, then the Red Sox are showcasing his talent at the major league level. Now how does one fix the disaster at SS?

Just turned on the TV.....after looking at the score, one word comes to mind....change