If Duran, Chapman and Bregman can carry a team to the World Series, then why not us?
Painter is still just a prospect, like Kyle Harrison, recently a top-rated lefty pitching prospect. Their minor league ERAs this year are nearly identical: Painter at 4.79, Harrison at 4.85.
If Breslow is just going to add prospect depth, then he can deal from his own prospect depth -- like middle infielders. He can acquire a platoon bat, and a few arms for marginal talent, just like the Sox do every summer.
Boston isn't likely to get any pitchers better than Houck or Harrison for the stretch run. Might as well give them a shot and see if they can catch Tampa for 3rd place... by the end of this month, the Rays play almost two-thirds of their remaining games on the road.