The Associated Press reported Sunday, David Wells agrees to a contract with the Boston Red Sox.
I'm disgusted. I'm worried. Heck, I'm angry! David Wells? Why would the Red Sox pass up on the 28-year-old up and coming pitcher Carl Pavano for an aging 41-year-old slob?

Yes, Wells is a lefty. Yes the Red Sox currently do not have a lefty in the rotation. However, they won the World Series without a lefty last year.

The man is not just 41, he's a very old 41. He missed 5-6 starts in 2003 due to injuries. In May, he injured his left palm and right wrist in an "accident" at home. In June he injured a toe. In July he hurt is knee. He had back surgery in December 2003 and 10 days ago underwent had minor arthroscopic knee surgery. You might be able to say that he is, hmm, prone to injury.

It's not like the deal is saving the Sox money. The deal guarantees 8-million a year and could possibly cost the Sox 13 million, if Wells makes 31 starts. For that price bring back Derek Lowe.

And what about the clubhouse climate? The Sox cleaned up a couple of messes last year and look at the results - a World Series ring.

And the Sox think Pedro Martinez is a prima dona. They have worried about Pedro's health and his age. Yet, they add a person who has bad work habits, who hates pitching in Fenway Park and is eight years older than Martinez.

Wells doesn't strike out anyone and relies heavily on team defense to keep his WHIP low. How could they sign him without having the defense in place to back him up?

Boston needs to get younger, healthier.

Speaking of Pedro...he is expected to make a decision today or Tuesday. The Boston Herald reports, everyone expects him to re-sign with Boston. I certainly hope this happens. I'm a big Pedro fan. He is easily the best pitcher on the free agent market. But will he be back?

The Herald also reports that the Sox may trade Manny. I believe this could upset negotiations with Pedro. I'm sure Pedro would like to stay with his friend. Who else can he shake locks with? The Mets have offered Pedro a very lucrative deal. Could the Mets sign Pedro and then acquire Manny in a trade? It is quite possible. What a coup that would be.

If the Red Sox do trade Manny, they will likely get back shortstop Kaz Matsui. With the money saved they would try to sign an outfielder and pitcher. I hear that Magglio Ordonez has been mentioned.

Things could get dicey over the next 48 hours.

MLB.com reports that the Sox are likely done in Anaheim. The team is trying to address its hole at short and starting rotation, but there has been very little action. There is talk of Edgar Renteria, Tim Hudson, Orlando Cabrera and Jason Varitek, but its all talk.

The Sox have lost the bidding war for Carl Pavano, who has opted to go to the Yankees. Those dreaded Yankees aren't done. The New York Times reports the "Yankees want a do-over". They have signed Jaret Wright, Carl Pavano and according to the New York Post are still trying to make a deal for Randy Johnson.

Not to mention Carlos Beltran. ESPN reports the Yankees may be the only bidders once the Houston's Jan. 8 deadline expires.

The Red Sox can ill-afford to make a mistake. I believe they made a big one.

Side note: The Boston Red Sox are planning to announce the players that will accompany the World Series trophy in Maine this afternoon. We'll keep you posted.

Reader comments: Do you still trust GM Theo Epstein? Are the Sox doing the right thing?

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