It looks as though trading Manny is even more unlikely today. Afterall the Sox had a self-imposed Wednesday deadline.

However, I would not be too surprised if the L.A. Dodgers made one last bid. The Dodogers probably could have gotten a deal done earlier if they would just send Boston Jonathan Broxton.

Now, after signing Jason Schmidt to a deal, it looks as though the Dodgers may be willing to package a deal that would include Brad Penny and Matt Kemp.

But realistically this simply won't do. Though it may be interesting to reunite Penny with Beckett, Penny's numbers faltered after a hot start to the 2006 season. His ERA ballooned to 4.33 in cavernous Chavez Ravine. He did however strikeout 149 batters, but how he would fare in Boston?

Matt Kemp showed some early promise also belting seven home runs and 21 RBIs before May 28. However, after a 1-for-15 slump, was sent down and was only called up in September getting little playing time.

Is this enough for Manny? Not on your life. So forget it.

If indeed the Dodgers, or anyone else for that matter, are serious about Manny they must give Boston a closer.

Instead let's get a little creative.

A glaring hole needs to be repaired and Houston's Brad Lidge is looking better and better. It might not take too much to acquire him either.

Why not turn Wily Mo Pena into a firstbaseman and trade Youkilis for Lidge? Youkilis could play third base, allowing the Astros to trade Ensberg, who Houston's manager seems to dislike anyway.

With the addition of Carlos Lee, the Astros don't really need power at the third base position.

Youkilis would be a fine addition to the Astros and Lidge would certainly fill a need. Yes, it's risky, but so is Drew, so is Papelbon.

Can Pena play first? Well, he's still young and learning a new position would undoubtedly be good for him and Boston's club. Besides, if he were to fail, the Sox still have Eric Hinske to fall back on.

Rest assured the Sox are not done. I just hope for all our sakes they look at every option available instead of being forced into a $5 million dollar deal with Eric Gagne.

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