I was talking with a friend on Wednesday (yes, I do have a couple), a die-hard Sox fan like myself, who expects our beloved team to pretend, not contend, in 2006. During our discussion we theorized and came up with an alternative. Tank.

Now, I'm not one to give up especially since the season has yet to begin and we still have some very talented ball players that could certainly be a factor this coming season. However, his argument was convincing.

I'll take it one step further. Here's some suggestions on how to pack it in correctly for a shot at the title in 2007:

Get the fans onboard - We love our Sox. Even more than our championship football brothers. With that in mind, the Red Sox front office would have to be more transparent with their plans. Boston fans are generally knowledgeable, so don't try to fool them into thinking that "This is the year." It won't work.

Get the players onboard - No one likes to be on a losing team. For everyone to stay happy, the team has got to be upfront with its players. Start with Curt Schilling, David Ortiz and Jason Varitek. They would be very valuable assets in selling the propostion. If you get them, you got the team.

Extend David Ortiz contract - This is one step in selling it to Ortiz. Build the offense around well-liked Big Papi. He keeps the clubhouse grounded and produces like no other. It will take more than $10-million a year over all but, let's not lose this guy to the Yankees.

Trade Manny - This one hurts, but if indeed we are looking to the future, let's get some top prospects. Let's look at the Mets outfielder; let's look at Anaheim's depth; let's look at Tampa Bay's youth.

Trade Matt Clement and perhaps Bronson Arroyo - If 2007 is the objective, then we need to be more open-minded. Either one of these guys plus a good infielder, say Mark Loretta, would get us Coco Crisp - who I'm beginning to covet for centerfield. He is still learning the game. At 24, he could be a star in the making, especially atop the Red Sox lineup. Then, sign him to a long-term contract.

Give the young guys a shot - Bring up Dustin Pedroia now. He and Tony Graffanino can split time at second. He can get more confortable before becoming the everyday guy in 2007. Hang on to Andy Marte. He too is a very promising third-baseman.

Sign Josh Beckett - He is worth the money. He's young and is better than any pitcher on the division rival rosters, my apologies to Roy Halladay. While you're at it figure out the blister issues. The training corps in Boston helped Derek Lowe, so it can be done.

Get one more young starter - Someone like Ervin Santana. Though the Angels say he's not available, Santana could be had but we may have to overspend. So be it.

Doing this will give us a spectacular starting rotation: Curt Schilling (signed through 2007), Josh Beckett, Ervin Santana-like arm, Jon Papelbon and Jon Lester. Wow!

Watch for available free-agent firstbasemen and shortstops - While I like Kevin Youkilis (the same way I liked Lou Merloni) and it is lots of fun to yell "Youk" at the games, I don't like the idea of him playing beyond 2006 at first.
First base has been traditionally held by a big, and in most cases the biggest, bat on the club. Cecil Cooper, George Scott, Mo Vaughn, David Ortiz.
This is not the philosophy of the ownership of late. Time to be retro.

Shortstop is going to continue to hurt. If a team has one, they hang on to them. I don't want to overspend on the likes of a Furcal-esque player. If the team does the rest a good defensive guy would certainly work here.

Develop a closer - Perhaps its Hansen or DelCarmen, but someone has to take on this role and run with it. Keith Foulke's days are indeed numbered. In 2007, there needs to be a solid guy the team can count on in the pen.

Do not deplete the farm system - Boston can accomplish all of this without having to give up its future. Move Manny (I hate saying it, really); move Loretta, move Lowell; move Clement, move Arroyo. The team is eating the salary with these guys anyway with only a chance of being a contender. Eat some more salary for the assurance of being a champion.

Yeah, I know, I'm not sure I buy it, either, but at least it is a plan. As it is now, the Sox do not appear to have one.

Besides, as we get younger, the Yankees get older and their farm system and pitching staffs are weak. I still believe that as long as the Yankees have Giambi and A-Rod, they won't win another World Series. Sorry, Johnny!

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