It looks as though Theo Epstein will stay with the Boston Red Sox for at least the next three years. This, according to the Boston Globe and the Boston Red Sox official site. A formal announcement however has yet to be made.

I like the fact that Epstein is staying on but why only three years? I mean he's only going to get better. If I were the team I would be locking him up for at least five. I mean Notre Dame locked up Charlie Weis for 10 and he's 49 and hasn't got the Fighting Irish a bowl game yet. I said yet. Esptein at 31 is already in Red Sox folklore after bringing Boston and Red Sox Nation its first title in 86 years.

At least the biggest piece of the 2006 puzzle is in place. The picture is a little clearer, but many situations cloud the scene at Fenway.

Where will Manny go? He has reportedly asked for a trade and as a 10-5 guy, he can pick his destination. He also according to a sports radio show threatened a no-show if he did not get his wish.

Now, before all this happened I talked to friends about whether the Sox should trade Manny. My belief, trading Manny would be like trading Babe Ruth all over again. He has certainly put up Ruthian numbers and is well on his way to the Hall of Fame.

However, now that he has asked for a trade and has made his threat, Theo's first job is a doozy: Find a deal that works. The task will not be easy under the circumstances. Now that the trade demand has been leaked, teams may get the impression they can low-ball the offers.

The rumors have been tossed around now for some time. One would have to think that a deal would involve the Mets. (Is Pedro again behind all this?)
Now, if the rumors are true, Boston would undoubtedly have to get something for the RBI-machine. Carlos Beltran is a good option but perhaps not thhe best option - at least not by himself.

If I were the Sox, Beltran would be at least my third option on the Mets.
First, I'd ask about third baseman David Wright. I would assume to be shot down quickly. I suspect the 23-year-old to be untouchable. He put up some really nice numbers (27HR, 42 doubles, .306, 102 RBI, 99 runs and 17 stolen bases) in only his second major league year. I can see the Sox trading for him straight up. He is the only guy I can see giving a little protection to David Ortiz.

If not Wright, I would then discuss Jose Reyes. He's the 22-year-old second baseman/shortstop who would fill the leadoff role nicely (assuming Johnny Damon isn't returning). He only hit .277 but scored 99 runs and stole 60 bases. He also showed his speed by leading the major leagues with 17 triples. He played some pretty good defense. His fielding percentage was a solid .974 while playing shortstop better than that of Miguel Tejeda and Micheal Young.

Beltran's numbers declined as member of the Shea squad in 2005, struggling with a new league. I would expect his numbers to improve, but he is questionable. If I couldn't get something more than this 28-year-old centerfielder than I would think twice about any deal, even if it meant Manny was sitting in his apartment pouting.

The Manny situation is just an added bonus. There are still situations at third, first, second and centerfield. Not to mention the starting rotation and bullpen.

Good luck, Theo, you'll need it. I only wish we had a better welcome wagon for you.

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