Anxiety in the Nation?

Sox continue to be stagnant after the Beckett deal. The Nation is getting restless as holes in center and short still exist. Although the Sox have been mentioned in deals with Millwood & Glaus of late, they didn't pull the trigger on either deal. The Renteria deal still has many scratching their heads, especially since no backup plan is apparently in place.

Does "new" management know what they are doing? Like last years Martinez deal, the Sox held firm on a pitcher with injury issues (Millwood) and would not guarantee a 4th year. They also refused to overpay for an aging outfielder (Damon), although productive is still on the back 9 of his career. So, it appears the same principles are being applied. It's good for the long term, but causes the Nation to freak out in the short term. We want to see the Spring Training roster before we pass judgement...

On to the latest rumors...

1B - Sox have been close to signing JT Snow as a backup. The 37 yr old has 6 gold gloves to his credit. Last season he played in 117 games, hit .275, with 4HR & 40RBI. He would be a solid backup & late inning defensive replacement for Youkilis. Supposedly a solid clubhouse presence as well.

Mannygate - Latest is that Sox have offered both Manny & Clement to the O's for Tejada. This seems a little to steep a price. It's also been noted that the Sox would have to kick in additional money as well, because the O's would be taking on an additional $13-14M per season over the next 3 seasons. If you were GM, would you pull the trigger on this? O's would have to add something else to the deal for us to buy into it...

Wells - The talks with the Dodgers have been escalating but no deal yet. Sox would be looking for some of their young arms (prospects) as well as some bullpen help. By holding out, it appears they may be getting close to fair value in return. Talks with the Padres have cooled, as the last offer was Dave Roberts & starter Woody Williams (39 yrs old, 9-12, 4.85ERA).

CF & SS - Strongest rumors have been out of Tampa Bay. Sox would get CF Gathright & SS Lugo in a packaged deal, but no mention of what the Sox would need to give up in return. In the past few seasons, the Rays asking prices have been over the top. The Indians recently signed an OF, which may open the door up for trading Coco Crisp. It also appears that the Mariners will hold onto CF Jeremy Reed. Juan Encarnacion (29yrs old .287, 16HR, 76RBI, $4.4M) although not a true CF, remains one of the best remaining free agent options.