Boston Red Sox Potential Trades: Less is More

(Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

In last year's playoffs, the Boston Red Sox struggled to put runs up on the board thanks in large part to a lineup without Mike Lowell and a struggling David Ortiz.  So far this season, the same story has arose again, only this time, Theo Epstein and the crew have some time to work with before the Jul. 31 trade deadline.

One of the biggest stories in baseball this season was the struggles of slugger David Ortiz.  From 2003-2008, Ortiz averaged about 38 home runs a season.  However, Ortiz didn't hit his first home run until May 20. 

Lately though, he has started to turn it around after an impressive June in which he clubbed seven homers and hit .320.  There is reason to believe that we are beginning to see the Big Papi of old, but this is a different season for him, and no one is sure what we might see from here on out.

Another story for the Sox this season has been Mike Lowell's ailing hip.  In the beginning of the season, Lowell was coming off offseason hip surgery and was putting up solid numbers at the plate while playing his usual stellar defense at the hot corner. 

However, his hip has started to flare up again in recent weeks, requiring the fluid to be drained and a trip to the DL.

So what could the Red Sox possibly do to make sure they are set for the second half of the 2009 season?  If you ask me, I'll say this team does not need a major trade like the one we saw with Manny Ramirez last July. 

What the Red Sox need is a solid player who can fill in at multiple positions, most preferably at third and first base, mainly because of Mark Kotsay's unpredictable health, and even in the outfield due to the questionable health of JD Drew and Rocco Baldelli.

A great player the Sox could snag is Scott Hairston, who was recently traded from the Padres to the Oakland A's. 

Oakland is 12 games out in the AL West, and there is a slim chance that they can put together a second half run like they have done in the past.  Billy Beane loves prospects, and it could be a great chance for him to grab a prospect or two. 

Meanwhile, the Red Sox would be getting a solid outfielder who can come off the bench and fill in at any three spots in the outfield.  We never know when Drew will have an injury, and Baldelli is coming off injuries in the past and has already been on the DL this season. 

Another thing to keep in mind is that Jacoby Ellsbury is human, and he will need a day off here and there.  If they want to keep him fresh for second half and the playoffs, he will need some rest at times.

Other names to also keep in mind should be outfielder Josh Willingham, who is playing solid on a down-right awful National's team that is looking towards the future, and even Royal's outfielder David Dejesus, who has many tools any team would love off the bench.

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