The Boston Red Sox are back in first place after their victory over the Tampa Bay Devil Rays Tuesday.

Curt Schilling recorded his first save in 13 years. The Boston Herald's Steve Buckley says Curt answered the call. It came about five games too late but who's counting.

He looked good, unafraid. He came up firing, too. His last pitch hit 100 on the radar gun, but I'm not sure when that trigger went off. May have been when the batter connected with the pitch.

Let's also give some credit to Bronson Arroyo who pitched almost flawlessly.

The Boston Globe's Dan Shaughnessey says last night the Sox could have beaten the Devil Rays with eight guys and apparently almost did.

Let's remind ourselves it was one game against the Devil Rays.

This is the way its supposed to be, right? Is everyone happy now?

Okay so not everyone is happy. I'm sure Alan Embree has a frown on his face today.

He was designated for assignment, finally, a move that I have been waiting for for more than a year. The Boston Herald reports Embree has reached the end of the road.

I have nothing against Embree personally and I understand that the Red Sox would not have that ring with out his assistance. But it is a new year. And he doesn't have anything but a straight, flat fastball, that has lost its velocity. I want something more from a situational lefty.

The Sox also acquired Tony Graffanino from K.C. and got Adam Hyzdu back from San Diego.

Curious, indeed.

Graffanino can play a number of positions, including second base. He was also one of the few bright spots on the Royals roster - batting .298.

The Boston Globe says that Graffanino will play second until Mark Bellhorn returns from the DL.

I understand that Graffanino may provide a better bat in the lineup than Alex Cora, but did anyone see the plays that Cora made last night? This guy was everywhere. Stopping balls left and right. He definitely proved his worth, despite his .200 average.

Can Tony Graffanino play defense like that?

Adam Hyzdu is just a stop-gap until Gabe Kapler is ready. One thing is for sure the additions of these two players means no one who regularly plays the outfield will be traded. (I didn't expect they would anyway).

These moves could pave the way to a trading highway. They have certainly left open a lot of questions.

Why would they pick up a 33-year-old veteran when they have Cora too?
Why not see what Pedroia can do in the bigs for a week or two? Too much pressure for the kid. Is he also on the block? Why are you working Hanley Ramirez at second if you're going to be moving a third baseman?

There's talk that either Kevin Youkilis or Bill Mueller may be moved. Kevin Millar, I'm sure is still on the block, and it would not surprise me if Bellhorn was moved somehow. They probably have to wait for his return from injury, if the trading deadline hasn't passed by then.

I'd be pretty upset if Bill Mueller gets traded. In some respects he is the MVP of the team. A friend calls him "the best No. 8 hitter in baseball." How can one argue that?

Something's brewing; I'm not sure what, but the Red Sox are definitely not done dealing.

Reader comments: What do you think the Red Sox need to do in order to remain in first place?

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