Ah, it’s that frantic time of year again. The time that everyone’s running around, trying to pick up the best deals on the best items. No, I’m not talking about Christmas…I know it’s July. The trade deadline is approaching once more.
The Red Sox are looking to boost their outfield depth, with their only backups being an inconsistent Wily Mo Pena, whose strikeout totals probably match the length of his last home run, and Eric Hinske, used primarily as an infielder to back up first baseman Kevin Youkilis and third baseman Mike Lowell.
The Sox are looking to deal Pena, with Oakland’s Bobby Kielty (recently designated for assignment), Tampa’s Ty Wigginton, and the White Sox’s Jermaine Dye as possible suitors for adding outfield depth.
However, any major deals the Sox may make will come at a heavy price. Chicago is asking for Sox top prospects Clay Buchholz, Jon Lester, and Jacoby Ellsbury in exchange for Dye. The Sox want to hang on to all of them, and would only part with them for a great amount of talent in return.
Also on the trading block for the Red Sox could possibly be starting third baseman Mike Lowell. Lowell, in the final year of his contract, leads the team in RBIs so far and, as he is having one of the best offensive years of his career, would demand a high price on the free agent market. The Sox may want to sell high on Lowell.
Originally, while talks for Texas’ Mark Teixiera were ongoing, I thought Lowell would be packaged in any possible deal. The Sox would then shift Youk over to third, leaving slugger Teixiera at his original first baseman position. As trade talks deteriorated with Texas, my musings about Lowell died also. The Sox seem intent to want to keep such a consistent bat and glove on their roster.
The Red Sox are also looking to bolster their bullpen, as offseason acquisitions Joel Piniero and J.C. Romero were both placed on waivers. Romero was claimed, but Piniero cleared waivers and is now at AAA Pawtucket, ready for a possible September callup.
In the Sox’s sights are Royals reliever Octavio Dotel, who, after posting an 10.80 ERA for the hated Yankees last season, underwent shoulder surgery and is now blowing away hitters like a man possessed. He already has 10 saves, a 3.15 ERA, and has struck out 24 in 20 innings pitched as of July 27th after coming off of the DL on May 22nd.
The Red Sox are also eyeing Pirates lefty specialist Damaso Marte, who has only allowed 18 hits in 30.1 IP this year, with a miniscule 0.99 WHIP, 1.48 ERA, and had also posted 34 Ks. The Sox are exploring a deal with the Pirates that would send Marte and righthander Solomon Torres to the Sox in exchange for Wily Mo Pena.
Such a deal could do wonders for both sides, as more at-bats could boost Wily Mo’s offense, as he has had limited playing time with the Sox, and is unlikely to be getting more any time soon. Marte would be a major upgrade over current lefthander Javier Lopez, and Torres would bolster an already strong setup to dominant closer Jonathan Papelbon, and possibly relieve shaky veteran Mike Timlin.
Red Sox Nation, have faith in Tito and Theo. Come on folks, getting rid of Nomar was the best idea that none of us had, just look how that deal turned out. Trust in them, and we shall be rewarded. Just wait ‘till Tuesday.
*UPDATE July 28th: Devil Rays utility man Ty Wigginton traded to Astros for reliever Dan Wheeler.
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