The season isn't over yet and I'm already looking forward to next year. Well, sort of.

I've been told that moves the organization made had nothing to do with winning this year. However, the moves had little to do with winning next year, either.

There are numerous holes yet to be filled. My team is in disarray and rumors are beginning to fly. Some sound familiar:
Hartford Courant: Rocket entertains thoughts of returning to Boston. Oh, please. Now, you're all going to think I'm crazy but there is no room for Clemens. I don't want Boston to pay top dollar for half a season for a big ?.

Trading Manny would certainly fix one issue. However, what are the Sox to do with the other vacant positions. But the Angels and any other possible team would have to give Boston a little more than a starter. Dallas McPherson doesn't cut it.

Rumors are beginning to surface in the New York Post that the new rightfielder may be none other than New York's Gary Sheffield.

I can not imagine Sheffield in a Red Sox uniform. I don't really care about his stats. He is truly a great hitter and has a tremendous arm, or at least did last I checked. But if he was bad for the Yankees, he won't be any better in Boston's clubhouse. Hasn't the organization ridded themselves of prima donnas? Are Red Sox fans ready to hear BALCO references from opposing fans or even the home team fans?

Please, oh, please do not bring Sheffield to Boston. I'm literally on my knees begging.

There are some necessary changes/fixes.
Needs: A starter and a rightfielder, yes even if Manny is traded. Bullpen help/closer. And of course a starter perhaps two.

So what is the ideal? Trade Manny to Angels for Ervin Santana and a youngster - preferably a SS. Another intriguing thought: trade Ramirez to the Tigers for some young pitching talent. The only problem little offensive talent in return.

The free agent wire looks a bit weak. I do like Torii Hunter but I'd want him to play rightfield. Which in Boston is like playing center. He's expressed some interest to join David Ortiz.

Some pitchers to consider if the Sox can't get Zito or Schmidt: Tom Glavine (a return to home? This year's success may be a fluke, but he's worth a look); Ted Lilly (The Toronto lefty has owned the Sox or so it has seemed); And perhaps Andy Pettitte though he'll always be a Yankee to me).

Here's my 2007 Red Sox:

C - Jason Varitek: the ultimate team leader. His importance to the team was never more illustrated than when he was out with an injury.
1B - Carlos Pena/Eric Hinke: keep both. I have not given up on Pena and Hinske's versatility and resume (2003 Rookie of the Year) have potential
2B - Mark Loretta/Dustin Pedroia. I see nothing wrong with keeping Pedroia on the active bench, learning from the veteran. He's almost ready for the job. Mark Loretta has put the injury behind him showing some decent range and versatility as well. He's still the best option in the 2-hole.
SS - Re-sign Alex Gonzalez a duplicate year would be stellar. His defense makes him well worth another stint with the Sox. There is little option unless the Sox trade Manny for a SS and starter.
3B - Mike Lowell/Eric Hinske. Hinske makes a fine backup at three positions (OF, 3B, 1B). Mike Lowell has proven his worth with both bat and glove.
LF - Coco Crisp: back to his natural position. The pressure will be lifted in 2007. He should rebound. Don't give up on him yet.
CF - Wily Mo Pena: He'll be a necessary bat once Ramirez is moved; which I in a way advocate. Pena is powerful and undoubtedly would excell in the everyday five-hole.
RF - Torii Hunter.
DH - None other than David Ortiz. He's still the Most Valuable Papi

SP - Josh Beckett: I still have faith that he will be 100% and the ace of the staff.
SP - Curt Schilling: Here for one more year to get it done
SP - Barry Zito/Jason Schmidt. My preference is Zito, still a young, proven lefty. I doubt he'd come to Boston, given the high level of interest from the Mets and Yankees. Ah, to dream. My only reservation about Schmidt is the injury that killed a Cy Young-type season in 2004. He rebounded well enough, but I hate injuries.
SP - Ervin Santana or any Detroit starter not named Kenny Rogers: Trading Manny may indeed bring a young power arm to Boston. Getting Santana would be a tremendous value. The Angels too would benefit, giving much needed protection to Vlad Guerrero.
SP - Jon Papelbon: Though his success as a closer was indeed special; he would better serve the team in this spot.

I really like that pitching staff. Aside from Schilling all are young. Trading for some quality starters will also be the right move for the future. Jon Lester will need at least a year in the minors before making it back. Kason Gabbard is not yet ready for this role.

Now the bullpen: Easily the biggest problem. I don't see much changing in 2007, unfortunately. Although trading Kevin Youkilis could bring some help. Bob Wickman is really the only "proven" closer I would entertain bringing to Boston. But even that would be questionable.

RP - Mike Timlin: He's a workhorse and stillhas some left in the tank, I think.
RP - Craig Hansen: Still needs some work. I don't think the organization knows exactly what to expect from him. Middle relief seems safe enough.
RP - Manny Delcarmen: He has shown some excellent promise in an otherwise dulled bullpen.
RP - Tim Wakefield: Though I'm not sure he'd except the role. At set-up he'd be perfect.
CP - ????

Keeping Wakefield is key. He can deliver a different look out of the pen, can eat innings and has been successful out of the pen in the past. Only his pride could stand in the way, which has never posed a problem before. This will also lengthen his career. Knuckleballers last forever. His attitude is sound. The Hartford Courant reminds us that Wakefield has a lifetime contract with the team.

Look for Boston to buy-out Keith Foulke's contract for a cool $1.5 million and also try to work out a deal to move disappointing Matt Clement. They may have to eat some of his $9.5 million owed but again there is a value to opening a pitching spot. Could he be a reliever? Perhaps but I wouldn't take the chance.

The Boston Herald reports that Theo and the gang are starting to talk with its pending free agents already.

This is all good, but retaining Loretta will be the most difficult.

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