Damon has a career .353 OBP, terrible for a lead-off hitter, and was a self-proclaimed "catalyst" of our team when he hit terribly in the first few games of the '04 ALCS.
Yes, losing Theo was emotionally bad, but I'm confident that our FO is pulling the same moves he would, being that his minions are running the show now.
Beckett is in no way injury prone, blisters are ot an injury, and can be easily taken care of.
Our FO has done nothing wrong IMO, except for not getting a lefty-specialist, but thats it. At worst we have Loretta play SS, and Gaffy play 2B, and in no way is that weak at all.
And how is our rotation not bolstered with the addition of Beckett, Papelbon, and a healthy Schilling?
If anything we have improved from last year with a new and improved bullpen, full of 3, maybe 4 closers if you count Hansen, a re-vamped and offensively superior IF from last year, and a good core of 3 pitchers who have the potential of winning a few Cy Young's in your day.
What is it that you have? a 32 year old who will possibley be a Bernie Williams repeat? A 42 year old ace with no cartilage in his knee, a declining catcher, and a 36 year old closer who has stacked up 600+ innings? Oh wait you got Fansworth...He's 30, and has a career ERA of 4.45