The end of July is the trade deadline, which means there will be many trades happening in the next couple weeks. The Red Sox are currently 51-34 and 3.5 games up on the Orioles in the division. They have the best record in the American League, and the second best record in the Majors, behind the Pirates who sit at 51-31.
Based on that information alone, it would appear that the Red Sox wouldn’t need much help. However, another starting pitcher would be a great asset. Lackey and Dempster have been carrying the staff the past couple weeks, but Lester and Doubront have been inconsistent. Buchholz is on the disabled list. Another right-handed bat would be nice, and every team could use relievers.
Who’s available to obtain? There hasn’t been really any team that have said, “We have ________ available. What will you give us?” The Cubs dealt Feldman to the Orioles yesterday. For available starting pitchers, the thought is Peavy from the White Sox may be available, as well as Nolasco from the Marlins. Cliff Lee’s name has been tossed around, but the Phillies haven’t said if they are looking to trade anyone (more on the Phillies later). Garza of the Cubs and Norris of the Astros are also available.
The Red Sox will need a starter who is established, especially playing in the ultra-competitive AL East. They want a starter who can ignite this team. As mentioned, Lackey and Dempster have been very impressive this past month. If the Red Sox can get Lester back on track and Buchholz comes off the DL as good as when he went on it, the Sox could have a powerful starting rotation if they add another solid, winning pitcher.
There’s been some talk that Michael Young of the Phillies may be available, and the Red Sox could possibly have an interest. With Middlebrooks in Triple-A to try and recover his swing, the Red Sox could use more assurance at third base. Young can also play first base, which would mean either Napoli or Carp would probably be traded away if Young was brought in. The Yankees are also said to have a big interest in Young, since Texeira and Youkilis are out for the season.
I could also see the Red Sox looking for another outfielder, possibly as a replacement for Ellsbury if he chooses to walk after this season. (Remember, Ellsbury’s agent is Scott Boras.) Giancarlo Stanton (the outfielder formerly known as Michael Stanton) could be a target for the Sox to replace Ellsbury.
Relievers are always in flux in baseball. It doesn’t matter how lights-out your bullpen is, fresh arms are always welcome. Bailey has been demoted twice from the closer role, and his inability to get batters out in close innings is becoming a huge problem for the Red Sox. I believe he’s now a middle reliever to boost his confidence again. Uehara (#HighFiveCity) has been amazing this season, and while he’s performed pretty well (minus one inning on Sunday when he blew a save and wound up with the win), an established closer is needed. I do think the Red Sox will make a play for Papelbon.
I don’t know if it will be a big enough play that they’ll land him, but I think the Red Sox have to try. They know Papelbon. Farrell knows how Papelbon operates, and they’ve had a lot of success together. If Papelbon does come back to the Red Sox, it will be a little weird to not have Bard pitch the eighth for Papelbon.
As the trade season goes on, I’m sure I’ll be posting more about potential trades and who is available to be traded from the Red Sox. I thought this would just be a good, introduction to the trading season. And remember, the Red Sox’s big trade last year (Beckett, Crawford, and Gonzalez to the Dodgers) happened in August.
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