The Globe has devoted considerable media to whether 'Sox should make a trade or sit on the sidelines when the July 31st deadline comes. All things considered, they will probably stand pat this year and pass on making a major trade. Unless a solid bullpen addition is out there, I would agree that they should go with what they have now and allow the injured to return.
The Globe had a nice pictorial presenation as to mid-season trades and the results have been quite mixed. I have seen far too many deadline trades that have been total disasters. How about Jeff Bagwell for Larry Anderson in 1990? The latter pitched for the 'Sox for 4 weeks and was almost 40 at the time. We know what kind of numbers Bagwell put up in Houston. GM Lou Gorman defended that trade years later. This was the same guy who traded up both LHP John Tudor (for Mike Easler) and Bobby Ojeda (for Wes Gardiner and Calvin Schiradi) back in 1986. Gorman spent a ton of money on aging and marginal free agents, too (Jack Clark, Andre Dawson, Matt Young, Danny Darwin).
During his turbulent reign as GM, Dan Duquette traded away prospect after prospect for aging veterans. He did make a good trade in sending the Mariners Heathcliff Slocumb for RHP Derek Lowe and C Jason Varitek. But, that was a salary dump on his part that far exceeded his expectations.
In short, Theo, save your powder for another day. Just review the Globe's presentation and have a slice of humble pie. Don't tinker. You'll have plenty of time for that in the offseason.
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I saw "The List" in the Globe yesterday. Quite frankly, the real need is in the pen. We cannot afford su-par relievers. However, the Gagne specter still looms large. It's going to take some serious thought to get us the kind of arm we sorely need for relief. Use your head, Theo!! Don't try to get us some over-priced hot bat. We don't need another position player. Bring on a reliable bull for the pen!
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