Evaluating the Offseason

The Red Sox, themselves have had a very intriguing off season.

They first, as expected struck a deal with shortstop Marco Scutaro on a 2-year 11 million dollar deal.  Improving the team defensively as well as offensively as Scutaro had a career year batting .282 with 12 homers and 60 RBI's.

Then, it got interesting

They were ultimately expected to re-sign outfielder Jason Bay, or go after the pricey Scott Boras client Matt Holliday.

What do they do? They simply fooled the minds of many as they used that extra money many thought was going to be invested into Holliday or Bay to sign John Lackey, arguably the best Starting Pitcher on the market to a 5-year 82.5 million dollar contract and sign Mike Cameron to a 2-year deal. 

The Cameron deal, putting the final dagger in a possible Bay return.

Now GM Theo Epstein has put together a team that some feel are worse off offensively than in 2008.

Bay, 31 had a spectacular stint in Boston as he was acquired from the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 3-team blockbuster that sent disgruntled outfielder Manny Ramirez out of Boston.

The Red Sox, since then have never looked back.  Bay, last season hit 36 homers and 119 RBI's, leading the team in both categories.

Bay also took home his first Silver Slugger award last season.

However, he has since moved on and will ultimately sign with the New York Mets, reportedly the only suitor for the 31 year old slugger.

The Red Sox now also have decided to part ways with 2007 World Series MVP Mike Lowell, as he will take a physical with the Rangers this weekend.

Rumors have circulated that the Red Sox are interested in bringing in third baseman Adrian Beltre to take Lowell's place at third. 

The Red Sox, themselves are "infatuated" with Beltre as they love his defensive play and ability to swing the bat.  Despite his poor season last year, he exploded for 48 home runs in 2004 with the Dodgers. 

Epstein, has proven that this offseason is simply about improving the teams defensive play.  Adding Beltre would make since with this mind-set.

Problem is, his contract demands. 

Beltre, like slugger Matt Holliday, is represented by Scott Boras, baseball's super agent.

Boras, has come out and said that Beltre's value should entitle him to a 4-year 40 million dollar contract.

The Red Soxare certainly interested, but by signing Beltre to a value like this, would put them over their luxury tax.  Signing Beltre would cause the team to be penalized.

Signing Beltre, at this point seems unrealistic, but is still a possibility if the price is right.

If the Red Sox don't sign Beltre or another third baseman, who would play third base?

Right now, assuming the Lowell trade does go down, it would be Kevin Youkilis.

Youkilis has all ways thought of himself as a third baseman and would be willing to switch positions, with 2009 trade deadline acquired Casey Kotchman filling the void at first.

Certainly, a good move defensively, but iffy move offensively.

The Red Sox could certainly make a move to get a slugger to play first, via trade.

The most popular name talked about: Adrian Gonzalez from the Padres.

Gonzalez, 27 has proven to be one of the most productive hitters over the past few years.  In 2009, Gonzalez batted .277 with 40 home runs and 99 RBI's, playing for a Padres club who finished last in the N.L West,

The Red Sox have been linked to Gonzo dating back to the trade deadline, but San Diego GM Kevin Towers was asking to much for the slugger.  The Sox acquired Catcher Victor Martinez instead.

Now talks have reportedly "have life" as new GM Jed Hoyer, former assistant to Theo Epstein in Boston now can decide whether to give his old club a discount for the slugger who earns only 4.5 million this year and 5.5 in 2011.

Hoyer, has shot down that idea.

But with the signing of John Lackey, this allows young Clay Bucholtz to become more expendable.

The believed package would be that Boston would acquire Gonzalez in exchange for Bucholtz, Casey Kelly, and Ryan Westmorland.  This, the only way Boston can strike a deal without the inclusion of both Bucholtz and Center fielder Jacoby Ellisbury.  With Ellisbury likely to stay.

This could pan out to be quite like the Phillies and Roy Halladay.  Pull out the first time, and come back when the price is lower.

Since Hoyer is close with Epstein, that may very well be possible.

With that said, this is my projected Red Sox lineup....

1. Jacoby Ellisbury CF
2. Dustin Pedroia 2B
3. Victor Martinez C
4. Adrian Gonzalez 1B
5. Kevin Youkilis 3B
6. David Ortiz DH
7. Mike Cameron LF
8. J.D Drew RF
9. Marco Scutaro

Rotation.....

1. Josh Beckett
2. Jon Lester
3. John Lackey
4. Daisuke Matsuzaka
5. Tim Wakefield