Trades Talk, B.S. Stays Put (Please)

So, as we approach the deadline, here’s all the news the internet has deemed fit to print:

Lugo, Devil Rays (Boston Globe) for ?
Ryan Shealy, Rockies for Tavarez or Seanz
Ray Kind, Rockies for Julian Tavarez or Seanz
Ryan Klesko (Braves) for Ruby Seanz (no way…)

Nick Cafardo of the Globe ran a credible and interesting story on the possibility of Wily Mo Pena being on the block (follow here for a quick summation). He mentions a lot of intriguing possibilities: Kip Wells from the Pirates (for Pena), Livan Hernandez from the Nats (for Pena), or Jake Peavy from San Diego (for Lowell and prospects, Theo vehemently denies this one).

Personally, although Epstein has been active in the past, I don’t see the Red Sox making too many moves this season. Why? First, I would be shocked if Pena goes—I don’t think the Sox are prepared to offer Nixon top dollar, and if they do, they might reconsider moving Manny (again). To do this, they need a power bat ready to enter the lineup, and Pena provides just that.

And while the Sox need starting pitching, they could be getting some back this season—hopefully Wakefield will be back at full strength soon. Wells is throwing a five-inning simulated game today (the outcome of which could drastically change the opinion of this post-er). Unfortunately, Clement seems to have suffered a few set-backs, and isn’t expected to return until September—probably too late for either the playoffs (he would have to be active by September 1st) or to contribute to the stretch run. The rotation would be:

1. Schilling
2. Beckett
3. Lester
4. Wakefield
5. Wells, Gabbard, Clement, Johnson, Snyder, DiNardo, etc.

So, the question becomes, how much are you willing to spend for a 4-5 starter? I hope the Sox do not sell off the future for the present (see entry number 2 ). And the last time we tried acquiring a starter, things didn't quite work out.

But, then again, in Theo we trust. Personally, so long as Wakefield looks o.k., then the Sox can make the playoffs with the current roster—though another pitcher would certainly be great if if the price were right! If we are talking about Kip Well, Jake Peavy or Dontrelle, that’s one thing. Livan Hernandez and John Lieber, well—that’s another…