OK, so after 20 years of service, 12 with MaineToday.com, I am leaving Blethen Maine Newspapers.

As a result, I will also be terminating my blog as well.

I'm a little hesitant for fear that the Sox will not know how to adjust without me.
It's not that they are not able-bodied, nor in a bad position for such change, but without their biggest fan, it will be a most difficult transition.

With that said, the Sox are going to need to do something in order to reach the goal. They will need to find some new blood both in the lineup and in the rotation.

First the rotation.
I don't trust Curt Schilling's health. He's over 40 and is showing signs of fatigue and injuries. As both a long-term and short-term solution, Roy Oswalt would be a fine addition.

Oswalt is still in the prime of his career and though his numbers this year have been a little off, he still has plenty in the tank.

The Sox may also want to explore acquiring Marlin pitcher Dontrelle Willis should he become available.

Brad Lidge and Eric Gagne have been talked about quite frequently, but Papelbon is the closer and should remain so. What role they play would be questioned, I'm sure. Though come playoffs, it would be a benefit to secure the bullpen.

I love Mark Teixeira. He's still young a power-hitting machine with an obvious track record. Though a move before the trading deadline doesn't seem likely. Mike Lowell would need to be traded and that may prove difficult, considering the size of his contract.

I also like Torii Hunter, but the chances of Minnesota, still in a penant race, moving him this year is slim. Perhaps in the offseason.

I do not want to see the Red Sox pay A-Rod next year. He's talented to be sure, but I'd like to see the team spend what could be $30 million in other ways, especially when, in all likelihood, Schilling will be departing. Paying $30 million for one position seems outrageous. Let him go to Los Angeles.

So in order to accomplish some of these feats, who is available to trade?
Well Wily Mo would be a fine power solution for a club like Houston.
And in a deal for a Willis I would trade Jon Lester or a Kason Gabbard (though I love 'em).

Coco could be made available also. He's got an attractive contract and Ellsbury has proved ready for the big league. Ellsbury is not for sale, neither is Buchholz, though teams will be doing their best to pry them from the Sox hands.

These three players may not be enough to get deals done, but they are expendable. It's the only way the Sox will win in 2007 and beyond.

The deadline is only 13 days away. Whether they be ripples or tidal, the Sox will be making waves.

As for me, I'll be watching closely.

Go Sox!

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