It appears as though Theo Epstein will have his work cut out for him after Guillermo Mota failed Cleveland's physical.

Trade possibilities are still being floated about. ESPN's Jayson Stark reports that one three-team deal has resurfaced: Matt Clement to the Reds, Austin Kearns to Cleveland and Coco Crisp to Boston.

This deal makes the most sense. It gives the Reds a starter they desperately need; fills Cleveland's void in the outfield eft by Crisp, who would become Boston's centerfielder.

Austin Kearns is underrated in my view. He could provide more pop for the Indians than Crisp could. Although, he has had a few injuries, he seems healthy enough to pass the Indians' tests.

As far as I can see the Reds only have four legitimate starters: Aaron Harang, Brandon Claussen, Eric Milton and newly acquired D. Williams. They also have Paul Wilson who has been battling injuries for what seems to be a decade or more.

Dave Williams was acquired by trading longtime Reds firstbaseman Sean Casey, the "Mayor of Cincinnati." I deal that I wouldn't have made, but the need for pitching was and is great.

Adam Dunn will take over at first leaving an everyday outfield position open for Ryan Freel who has played nearly every position for the Reds.

So, indeed Cincinnati has some moveable parts.

However, it is my belief that the Indians would still try to add Andy Marte to the mix. He is obviously the prospect Cleveland needs to replace Aaron Boone at third in the very near future.

If the Red Sox are forced to include Marte, what else would Boston get in return? Would they consider trading both Clement and Marte for Crisp?

Doubtful. At least, I wouldn't do it.

What would you do?

Yes, it is finally official. Theo Epstein has returned to his former job and has a new title - executive vice president and general manager.

I'm excited. With his return, I fully expect some movement on the transaction wire and a return to the playoffs in October.

Why do I place so much faith in Epstein? I only know one GM that has brought a World Championship to Red Sox Nation. He did it with class, dignity and some creativity. He did it without fear. He did it based on his knowledge of the game.

Let's not dwell on the squabbles that have transpired. Instead, concentrate on the present and future of my beloved Sox.

There's a job to be done, obviously only one man can do it.

Much to Boston Globe columnist Dan Shaughnessy's dismay, the Boston Herald first broke the story last week. In fact, because of Shaughnessy's apparent irritation, I am no longer interested in his columns. I still blame him for the way he covered the initial contract negotiations 85 or so days ago.

So, instead I turn to today's Michael Silverman column, where he writes It’s morning in Red Sox land again.

Yes, I new day is dawning; I couldn't be happier.

While the Salem News believes that Theo's return came to late to fix the Coco Crisp trade.

In Theo I trust.

The 25-man roster if these two pending transactions are made. Here's a look at the lineup, rotation, bullpen and bench. Pending any future deals.

The lineup
CF Coco Crisp: He'll need some guidance here, but the offensive tools and speed are apparent. He is eligible for free agency in 2009, meaning he'll be a fixure in Fenway for the next four years.
2B Mark Loretta: Perfect No.2, batted lead-off for the Padres. Limited range due to injury.
DH David Ortiz: We need not say more than Most Valuable Papi.
LF Manny Ramirez: Now that the holes are filled, there is no need to move the best right-handed bat. Please stop the trade talks, so we all can enjoy the rest of your career in Boston where you'll continue to produce Hall of Fame numbers.
C Jason Varitek: The switch-hitting captain could provide some protection for Manny. His leadership and play-calling ability will help secure the rotation.
3B Mike Lowell: His defense is better than that of Bill Mueller. If offense returns, he could be moved to 5-hole and put up 20+ HRs and 90 RBIS
RF Trot Nixon: A mainstay in right. His arm is still strong and his bat is also above average.
1B Kevin Youkilis: I'd put him in the no-pressure hole, once manned by Mueller. He gets on base, no doubt, but can he really play first? Can he really drive the ball? This is the year to find out
SS Alex Gonzalez: Easily the weakest offensive link, but better than Alex Cora. His defensive range will help Loretta at second.

The lineup may not be as strong as the Yankees, but as long as we have Ortiz and Ramirez anything is possible.

With the sicknesses of my daughter, my wife and myself, the Walsh household has been in disarray. Though it would seem that we are constantly cleaning up after each other, the collective energy level has been waning.

We are all taking various medications for various ailments. I have a terrible nasal problem. You wouldn't think that the nose could cause a host of other issues, but you'd be wrong.

So in between the cleaning, the pill taking and comforting my daughter, I searched for a cure. The antibiotics prescribed by the doc were certainly helping, but my malaise had not surpassed.

Then the Boston Herald gave me a booster shot. Sox reach deal for CF Crisp

I chirped "I'm cuckoo for Coco Crisp." and then promised myself never to use the phrase again. But I couldn't help it.

When his name was first mentioned months ago, my mouth began to water. He could be the answer.

His arm isn't great, not by any stretch, but it is better than Johnny Damon's. His speed is comparable. His contract well let's just say he's $10 million cheaper than Damon.

In 2006, his OBP was.345, his batting average an even .300 and he hit 16 home runs, 42 doubles and 4 triples.

However, he produced most of his numbers hitting in the No. 8 hole in Cleveland. At 26, with the Ron Jackson's guidance and hitting ahead of Loretta, Ortiz and Ramirez, there is room to grow, improve.

Having never seen Andy Marte or Guillermo Mota in a Sox uniform, they won't be missed. Though Marte, 22, is most intriguing, Crisp is proven.

I've read the deal is imminent, however MorningJournal.com isn't so sure. Apparently, Indians' GM Mike Shapiro is out of the country on vacation.

Why must I be tortured? Where are my meds?

After the trade the Sox then need to sign free agent shortstop Alex Gonzalez. Now, Gonzalez is not an offensive threat, but better than the alternative. He is a great defensive shortstop, which is needed considering Loretta's range at second is limited.

After these transactions get done, I'll start to feel better.

Like many Boston fans, I too am a little concerned about what seems to be a lack of movement in filling the gaping holes up the middle (center and short).

However, I'm not quite ready to give up as I have previously written. Yes, 2007 looks like it will be a tremendous year for the Sox, but 2006 ain't so bad either.

The question marks and rumors linger (though none recently). At the moment, the Sox seem content with the team they have. They certainly are not going to be bullied into a deal that forfeits the future. And they are not panicking.

Watching "Red Sox Now", you'd think the team was in every way a contender for the title. Terry Francona has stated recently that he is not knocking on the front office door pleading to make a deal. He has faith the brass will do its best to put a good, if not great, team on the field. He is above all patient.

As a result, those teams who once thought they had the Sox over a barrel are probably rethinking some.

It's a disgrace that the most feared hitter of his time would be left out of Hall. Yes, Jim Rice, again missed election. This time by 53 votes. According to ESPN, only Bruce Sutter made the cut.

This may have been Rice's last legitimate chance to enter the Hall. He has two more eligible years, but next year, Cal Ripken, Mark McGwire and Tony Gwynn, will compete on the ballot.

Ripken and Gwynn will make the first cut. Both have great credentials and were most friendly with the media during and after their careers. McGwire will make things interesting. Well-liked for sure, but rumors of steroid use, may effect the voting tally.

With such a strong class in 2007, Rice undoubtedly will not get the needed 390 or so votes.

When playing Rice may have rubbed some shoulders the wrong way, especially the writers. He is obviously still paying the price.

But remember if you add his numbers from 1975 to 1986 (the last year he was a full-time player), you'll see that NO ONE during that same span of time scored more runs, knocked in more rbis, hit more home runs.

Add that Rice's numbers compare favorably to Hall of Famers Willie Stargell, Orlando Cepeda and Duke Snyder and others; I don't see how he can once again be the odd man out.

Player...........R H HR RBI SB BA OBP SLG.
Rice...........1249 2452 382 1451 58 .298 .352 .520
Cepeda.. ...1131 2351 379 1365 192 .297 .350 .498
Synder.......1259 2116 407 1333 99 .295 .380 .540
Stargell......1195 2232 475 1540 17 .282 .360 .529

(Stats found at Baseball-Reference.com)

The opportunity was there this year.

In fact, Bruce Sutter would have been third on my list behind Rice and Bert Blyleven.

I'm getting pretty sick and tired of this drivel. First he wants to go - a statement he makes every year. Then when there seems to be a nibble here or there, he adds to his demands. In this case he wanted Baltimore to fulfill the two option years on his contract adding $40 million dollars to his contract - an action the Orioles wanted no part of. Now, after all this he tells ESPNdeportes.com that he wants to stay in Boston and apparently, since he has the final say on any deal, will stay.

Manny went on to say that he wanted to play for a contender. He believes that Boston is indeed a contender.

It is true, however his fickleness has hand tied the Sox this offseason. Because the front office was running around focused on trading the disgruntled outfielder, they lost sight of other holes, some much larger than left field.

If the Red Sox do not contend, I can only blame one person, well two really, Manny and Larry Lucchino.

At least the best right-handed hitter in the game will be there to protect Big Papi.

The interview was interesting. Never has Manny sounded so, well, intelligent. I only wish that he had this revelation, two months ago.

Now perhaps, they can put their efforts into acquiring a shortstop and centerfielder.

The only centerfield options that I saw are no longer available. Preston Wilson, who by the way is good for and easy 25-30 home runs and at least 90 RBI, is now going to take the field in Houston. And according to the Chicago Tribune, Corey Patterson was traded to Baltimore (a great move by the way; he still is young enough to reach his potential and a different environment will do him a world of good).

Rumor has it that Tampa Bay has offered to mend the holes. The Devil Rays say they would do a Andy Marte for Julio Lugo or Papelbon for Lugo and Gathright. Gee, thanks, but no thanks. This would be the ultimate panic move.

While many may not know about Marte, I can assure them of this: long before he was traded for Edgar Renteria, just about every team in the Bigs had inquired about him. That should say something about his talent and potential.

While Lugo is an adequate player maybe even above average, he's 30 and will only be in Boston for most likely a season.

So, Larry, don't trade Papelbon or Marte; look for other options. In fact, the Boston Globe is tossing a three-team deal around that involves David Wells, the Dodgers and Athletics. Stay tuned...