I agree with what you're saying in principle ( and I love to play what if ), but I also have to balance it with reality. Jr. in his younger days nixed many deals to teams he didn't want to play for. At the same time he said that one of the teams he'd never play for would be the Red Sox. As far as Damon goes, I love to keep him. Unfortunately, if you look at his past, who his agent is, and the fact that he will be the premier free agent next year, I think the Sox will make an effort but will not be held hostage again. He's going to demand a 4 to 4 year contract at 12 -14 million. There is no way the Sox will go with that. Years are too long ( especially given injuries and age ) and money is way to big. So my premise is that they already know that signing Damon is probably not an option. Hence, they now need a good CF. There is crap on the free agent market. So, must be a trade on call up. I don't think we have anything ready in the minors, so trade. The obvious one is trade Manny to the Mets for Cameron and prospects ( next year the Mets lose Piaza salaty of $ 17 Million ).This now solves are CF problem, stocks our minors, and provides financial flexiblity. One move might be to get Huff and play him in left ( I like him becaue he play 1st, 3rd, and corner outfield ). Maybe Konerko and or a top line pitcher.