Sox: Time to Re-Invest?

I'm one of the biggest believers that anything can happen in the month of October. That's even more so now that the wild card is now extended with yet another team joining with a one game playoff. But it's pretty hard to ignore the energy of the Red Sox and how much they are buying into Bobby Valentine in their first year with the Italian Stallion. It's also a question with how much confidence they actually have with the absense of starters throughout the year. It's difficult to establish a good chemistry and confidence in who you are when players are in and out the lineup.

The main question a Red Sox fan has to ask themselves is "Do you see Boston winning a ring this year?". I understand we're used to living in the city of champions, the best of the best, the creme of the crop, the home of Tom Brady's flowing hair in the warm Superbowl February winds. But I cannot honestly say that the Red Sox have the pieces of the puzzle to get the job done this year. Our biggest hole is no doubt our pitching, that goes for the starters as well as the bullpen. I know I'm stating the obvious but this staff doesn't have what it takes to make a run in the playoffs. And with a thick playoff field, it is extremely possible for the boys in the bean to miss the playoffs entirely.

So why not start making deals to make us REAL contenders in the future? I understand that it's tough for Red Sox fans to grasp this concept, and it's even tougher for Cherrington to make moves like that in a city like Boston. But there are so many reasons why we can turn into sellers before the deadline.

As my new roommate and fresh southern boy Jeff Miller pointed out yesterday, Jacoby Ellsbury is nearing the end of his contract. Looking at his near MVP season last year, as well as Scott Boras as his agent, what kind of money is he going to be looking for? Are we willing to pay him that cash? And is it actually that good for the money? My answer to that situation is to deal him immediately. There are plenty of teams that are in the market for a good leadoff hitter that can steal bases with a decent bat. How bout some longterm bullpen help and a prospect in return, instead of letting him walk at the end of the season?

Another point I can bring out is Lars Anderson playing down in the minors still. Its easy to say his value isn't tip top shape, but he's known around the league to be one of the best farm system players in the bigs. With Adrian Gonzalez here long term, there is nowhere else we can put him (unless they're waiting on Papi to retire). But the kid is too talented to be DH-ing. He holds a great amount of value, and I could see us making a move for prospect pitching that will round the boys out much better.

Its a bitter pill to swallow, but it's safe to say this ain't the year. Who know's, maybe Jacoby will be holding up the big trophy at the end of the year, but it won't be in a Red Sox uniform.