So the Sox finally got their man. They have been scouting him surprisingly since 1998, when he was a mere 18-years-old.

Now I can't wait for all the media to start using dice-game metaphors: "Dice-K on a roll," "Craps! - Dice-K losses first game," "Hard eight for D-Mat," Boxcar, lucky-seven, hot-shooter, you get the idea.

Oh, it will happen, some much more clever than these.

The deal itself sounds a lot better than I anticipated. $52 million over six years? Perfect.

Now, the Sox will focus their attention on acquiring Mike Gonzalez and perhaps even Roger Clemens.

Before this latest signing, the Red Sox were rumored to be the front runners in attaining the Rocket's services. How this will impact a deal is unclear.

But with only $6 million coming out of the 2007 budget for D-Mat, it looks as though there is some money left over for the eight-time Cy Young Award winner.

It also looks like his chances of getting back to a World Series would be better in Boston than with any other club.

Yes, the Yankees have a pretty decent lineup. However, the Red Sox rotation is stellar. If they were to get Clemens, the Sox would arguably have four No. 1s starting (Clemens, Schilling, Beckett and D-Mat).

Wow! Can anyone imagine a minimum of 72 wins for its starters. Add 15 more for Papelbon and you're talking 87 wins in the bag. Thoough getting 30 starts from Clemens is unlikely.

No Clemens will not close. And yes, he'll get a big salary; some reports have him coming here for no less than $20 million for what may result in 3/4 service.

Is it worth it? I'm on the fence. I respect Clemens and it does make for a good story (especially if the 2007 club end up wearing championship rings). But I'm not sold on the player-for-hire mentality.

I don't like the prima donna treatment. His own plane, doesn't fly with me. Showing up every fifth day shows a lack of respect for the other players. And a personal luxury box? Well, that I could live with.

I want a championship club like everyone else. I want to the Sox to beat the Yankees in every battle.

But I also want a team my children will respect. I want a team that is built not only for the present but for the future. I want to see some Sea Dogs get promoted. I want continuity.

And maybe I'm willing to suffer (a little bit) to get what I want. Heck, I did it for 36 years. And who's to say that the Sox don't already have a championship team.

I'd much rather see that $20 million go towards a proven second baseman (Mark Loretta's still available) and a closer (no, not Eric Gagne).

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